BALALA, JERARD M.

3BSABE-B

TYPES OF STAIRS AND LADDERS USED IN AB STRUCTURES

WITH PROS AND CONS

1.Straight Stairs

Straight Stairs are having a single, straight flight of stairs like ladders that connects two levels or
floors in a building. It is one of the oldest and most common type of stairs found building
structures.
Pros
Due to the simple design, straight staircases are generally the easiest to build. They don’t need
any special support and also allow for easier installation of railings and handrails.
Because they are easy to build, straight stairs are also affordable.
Straight staircases can be made more transparent than other types of stairs by using thinner
treads, open risers and metal stringers.
Finally, straight stairs tend to be the easiest for a person to go up and down, or navigate.
Cons
Straight stairs offer a basic look, but they can be made more visually interesting with open risers,
modern materials and metal cable railings.
This type of staircase also takes up a greater amount of linear space.
While some other types of stairs create a privacy barrier between the floors of your home or
building, straight stairs do not provide this feature.

2. Quarter Turn Stairs (L-Shaped Stairs)

It is a version of the straight flight that the main feature of this stair is a 90 degree turn after a
landing. The stairs then continue left or right. While the landing is commonly in the middle of
the staircase, it can be located closer to one end or the other. These types are stairs are generally
used when wall support is on one side of the stair only.
Pros
Quarter turn stairs are more visually appealing and interesting than straight stairs.
They take up less space than straight stairs and can be used in the corner of a room.
Quarter turn stairs are easier to navigate and safer than straight stairs. The landing provides a
place to rest and also reduces the number of stairs one could fall down at a time.
These stairs also help with privacy as they provide a visual barrier between floors.
If the stairs are contained within walls, they can also help prevent sound travelling between
floors.
Cons
Quarter turn stairs are more complex and therefore more expensive to build than straight
staircases.
These stairs require a support structure for the landing and the turn, which is often build into the
surrounding walls.
Handrails for quarter turn stairs require more skill and planning to build than handrails for
straight stairs.
Large items can be difficult to move up and down the stairs, due to the turn.

3. Switchback stairs (U-Shaped Stairs)

U-shaped stairs are L-shaped stairs to the next level, hence their other name ‘double L shaped
stairs. U-shaped stairs provide two flights of steps parallel to each other: joined by a large stairs
landing requiring the climber to turn 180-degrees. It is because of this landing that U-shaped
stairs are also referred to as the ‘half landing staircase’.
Pros
Switchback stairs are more visually interesting than a straight staircase.
They take up less linear space and can be easier to fit into an architectural plan.
The usually large landing between flights can provide a resting plan for those going up or down
the stairs.
Cons
Switchback stairs are more difficult to construct than simpler staircases.
The 180 turn can make it difficult to move larger items up and down switchback stairs.
4. Crossover Stairs

Crossover stairs and crossover bridges allow you to customize a layout to fit around obstructions,
aisleways, hazards, or other site conditions. Crossover stairs are normally found in industrial
applications and are ideal for accessing equipment and mezzanines, as well as providing a
pathway over machines, pipes, mechanical ducts and other obstacles. Crossover stairs are a good
example of a steel stair design.
Pros
Crossover stairs increase safety by helping to prevent slips, accidental falls, and injuries that
frequently happen around ground-level obstacles that should have a designated safe crossover
point.
Most crossover stairs are designed to meet OSHA safety standards.
The modular design of crossover stairs can easily provide access where needed.
Pre-engineered and modular crossover stairs can be delivered in less time than welded solutions.
Cons
Like any staircase, crossover stairs require adequate space for installation which may not be
available in space confined industrial facilities.
5. Stair Towers

A stair tower is a clearly defined vertical shaft or tower containing stairs. These towers can be
self-supporting engineered structures. Each single stair unit is assembled and then the tower is
created by stacking and bolting the units together at the base plates. Stair towers can be
comprised of either standard or alternating tread stairs. Stair towers are typically found in
industrial applications. Common uses for stair towers include roof, tank, and equipment access.
Pros
Modular, permanent, code-compliant, stair towers save time and money over custom-designed
stair towers.
Stair towers are much safer than ladders, as side rails provide fall protection. In addition, workers
can carry tools and equipment with them more safely up the stairs.
Stairs towers provide faster access because multiple workers can use them simultaneously and
even in different directions.
Cons
Stair towers require more space to install than a simple vertical fixed ladder.
6. Spiral Stairs

A spiral staircase is an attractive, durable, and space-saving choice for a home or office building.
Space saving is, of course, one of the greatest benefits of any spiral staircase. Unlike traditional
staircases, a spiral staircase does not have a large footprint and can be installed in small spaces,
making it an exceptionally good choice for smaller homes or apartments. The solid construction
makes the small spiral staircase an ideal choice for safety and durability. Spiral stairs normally
have a very compact design and have one central post to which all steps are attached. Spiral
staircases are used in industrial space confined spaces for equipment and mezzanine access.

Pros
The main advantage of spiral staircases is their compact design.
Spiral staircases can be visually attractive with many different options available for railing styles
which can impact the overall look of the staircase.
Because the center pole and landing provide most of the structural support for the staircase,
installation is generally easier than with other kinds of stairs.
Cons
The narrow, wedge-shaped treads of spiral stairs are more difficult to navigate than other types
of stairs.
Only one person at a time can use a spiral staircase.
Moving large items up and down a spiral staircase can be extremely difficult.
Many city and municipal building codes do not allow spiral stairs to be used as the primary
access to a full second floor of a residence.

7. Step Ladder

It is self-supporting, so you can take it where you need it. It consists of two sets of rungs or steps
that are evenly spaced with a top cap that connects the two together. The step ladder is the most
popular one available simply because you can use it for so many things. You can use either one
or both sides for climbing, depending on the step design. The twin-step ladder describes the
latter. However, you’ll find some models where you can only use one side. These are called
simple front step ladders. The other side is for support only. Spreaders join both and limit how
far each can move out from the center. They lock in place to keep it from buckling when you’re
stepping onto it. The bottom portions are the feet or shoes. They typically have some type of
anti-skid material on the end of them.

8. Extension Ladder
Unlike the step ladder, this type is not self-supporting. You’ll need to lean it against something to
keep it stable. The fly will slide upward by hooks or a rope and pulley system. It’ll also have the
safety features of non-skid feet and even another set of hooks on top to secure its position. The
limitation of a step ladder is height before weight becomes an issue. That’s where the extension
model comes into play. It can reach greater heights which makes them an excellent choice for
projects like painting the exterior of a house or repairing a roof. A telescoping ladder is a
variation on this theme with the flexibility to extend to the height you need. They consist of a
base and fly. The former stays on the ground. The latter is the part that you extend to increase its
reach.
9. Multipurpose Ladder

The multipurpose ladder combines the features of the step and extension models that increase its
versatility. It can be self-supporting or require that you place it against something stable. It can
even stand in as scaffolding, depending on the product.
10. Platform Ladder

A platform ladder combines the convenience of a step ladder with the comfort of a place to stand
along with a guardrail for added safety. You’ll find this model a godsend if you’ll be working in
an area for an extended period. Your feet will thank you. You’ll see them as both stationary or
mobile with caster wheels.

Ladder Materials Advantages and Advantages

1.Timber/ Wood Ladders

Timber/wood is one of the most common materials used for making ladders. As wood is a
readily available and inexpensive material, wood ladders are by far most affordable next to ropes
and plastic ladders. For this reason, wooden ladders are among the popular choices for small
business owner and homeowners. Some timber ladders are heavier than other type of ladder
made from other materials. In fact, this makes them safer and sturdier for those tough jobs. The
natural durability of wood provides this type of ladder an impressively long lifespan as long as
you take proper care of them. Although wood ladders are non-conductive, some may feature
metal fasteners. These make them not perfect for electrical work.
Advantages of Wood
Non-conductive of electricity
Resistant to heat (obviously not to open flame)
Disadvantages of timber
Not perfect for industrial or commercial applications
Prone to rot and warp
Disadvantages of Wood
Not perfect for industrial or commercial applications
Prone to rot and warp
Wood Vs. Fiberglass

Timber Ladders Fiberglass ladders

Cheaper than fiberglass Somewhat pricier than timber

Lighter than fiberglass ladder Heavier than timber ladders

2.Aluminum Ladders
Aluminum ladder is the best option for those quick little DIY fixes. This type of ladder is also
highly versatile from the construction point of view. They are lighter than fiberglass and timber
counterparts. So, this type of ladder is easier and safer to handle for a single person. Aluminum
ladders are durable, rust and adverse weather resistant. So, you can store them outdoors with no
adverse effects. Finally, they are affordable.
Advantages of Aluminum
Lightweight and practical
Easy to transport
Corrosion- and moisture resistant
Non-magnetic
Disadvantages of Aluminum
Electricity and heat conductive
Not safe to use near any electrical sources
Prone to bend under heavy pressure
Not ideal for very heavy-duty weighted projects
3.Fiberglass Ladders
Fiberglass is the newest material in ladder manufacturing industries. This type of ladder features
some distinctive features. This ladder type is considered to be the safest option. In some cases,
fiberglass ladders are stronger than aluminum ladders. In addition, unlike aluminum, fiberglass
ladders are less likely to weaken or bend in hot temperatures.
Advantages of Fiberglass
Moisture and corrosion resistant
Non-conductors of heat and electricity
Built to last many years
Safer option for jobs that involve electricity
Perfect to use in commercial or industrial purposes
Disadvantages of Fiberglass
Heavier than other types of ladder
Difficult to handle by one person
Under excess pressure, this type of ladder may snap
Not well-suited for heavy-duty weighted projects
More expensive

4. Steel Ladders
Steel ladders compete with fiberglass and aluminum ladders for lightweight honors. Steel is the
most durable material for ladders. And ladder made with steel is very safe to use even in the
rough environment of constructions and warehouses. That’s why steel ladders are the all-time
favorite of most professionals who need ladder in their work. But this type of ladder is not an
ideal choice for the DIYer.
Advantages of Steel
Well-suited to heavy-duty weighted projects
Resilient and more robust than aluminum and fiberglass ladders
Affordable than fiberglass and aluminum ladders
Disadvantages of Steel
Conductors of both heat and electricity
Not moisture or corrosion-resistant
Prone to rusting
Heavier than aluminum and fiberglass counterpart