In the U.S., interior stair gates frequently require spring hinges to meet safety standards, especially in homes with young children. A family with a toddler who is quickly becoming more mobile always faces a challenge: they will fall off the stair if someone forgets to close the gate! How could we prevent the risky accidents?
But First, What is a Stair Gate Hinge?
As its name implies, a stair gate hinge or baby gate hinge is a spring-loaded hinge with a self-closing mechanism applied to the stair gate. This hinge ensures that the gate automatically closes behind you after opening, reducing the risk of the gate being accidentally left open.
Credit on Blueprint Joinery
How the Stair Gate Hinges Prevent Child Falls
Self-closing stair gate hinges do align with building codes and standards such as IRC and NFPA 80, which emphasize the need for gates to be self-closing and to maintain safety. Stair gate hinges offer a simple and effective way to comply with these regulations while providing a hands-free and reliable solution to keep children and pets safe from hazardous areas like staircases.
Safety Codes for Stair Gate in Childproofing
The International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), widely adopted across the U.S., contain safety provisions related to gates and doors, though they do not specifically mandate stair gate spring hinges for interior stair gates in all cases. However, stair gate hinges, or baby gate hinges, are required to meet the self-closing requirement in potentially hazardous areas, especially in this case.
- IRC Section R311.7.8 covers stair safety, and while it mainly addresses handrails, safety gates are generally recommended in areas like staircases for homes with young children.
- NFPA 80 (National Fire Protection Association) standards require the use of self-closing mechanisms, which spring hinges provide.
However, with this scenario, there are more risks that can happen to him than expected. What if his hand is pinched or trapped in the stair gate if it slams because of a sudden wind from the window? What if the stair gate closes with too much force and hits a child standing nearby, causing head or body injuries?
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Ultra Security with Soft Closing Stair Gate Hinges
Soft-closing stair gate hinges are exactly what you’re looking for to keep your child safe while protecting your home. Designed for smooth,self closing mechanism, these hinges offer a peace of mind, safe, and durable closure with these outstanding features:
- Stainless Steel: Made with 304 and 316 stainless steel, opting for the best durability.
- Soft Closing: Oil-controlled dynamic braking responds effectively to sudden wind changes without leakage.
- Anti Slamming: Contribute to the longevity of door frames by preventing the jarring effects of a slammed door.
- Buffering Feature: Damper hinges work by using hydraulic fluid to control the door’s movement, ensuring a smooth and quiet closing. Provides further control over door closing speed.
- ADA Compliance: Meets ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for 5-second closing speed from 90 degrees to12 degrees.
- Installation & Adjustment: Direct to install – easy to adjust. These hinges reduce complexity and time involved.
Get more insights about soft close door hinges here.
A Stair Gate Hinges Request in Southwest Virginia
The client requires heavy-duty, self-closing hinges for a stainless steel interior stair gate in southwest Virginia. The gate, which measures 54”W x 24”H and weighs 50 lbs, currently has two hinges of unspecified size. The frame dimensions are 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” with an 11-gauge thickness. After reviewing the available products on the Ives website, the options are limited and some can lead to slam shut. However, the client then found Waterson stair gate hinge as a reliable solution with self closing and soft closing functionality.
Waterson Soft Close Stair Gate Hinges
Waterson Heavy Duty Gate Hinges combine an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door-stop features. The hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. These hinges are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson hinges meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being suitable for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.
Request For Quote
Please note that Waterson closer hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
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