ADA-Compliant Stair install – Medical Office

ADA-Compliant Stair Replacement at a Medical Office

Out with the Old, In with the Accessible: ADA-Compliant Stair Replacement at a Medical Office

In a recent upgrade that balances form, function, and compliance, Upside Innovations replaced a deteriorating concrete stair at the rear entrance of a doctor’s office with a ADA-compliant aluminum stair system. The project not only brought the facility up to current code standards but also enhanced safety, durability, and ease of access for all users.

The Challenge: Outdated and Unsafe Access

The original concrete stair structure had aged poorly—cracking, spalling, and creating a trip hazard for patients and staff. Beyond the physical degradation, the stair did not meet current accessibility standards, which presented a legal and practical risk for the facility.

To address both safety concerns and ADA compliance, Upside Innovations installed an all-aluminum step system from our APEX product line. The new system is designed with long-term durability in mind and ensures fully accessible entry that meets the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the International Building Code (IBC), and OSHA.

Key Features of the New Stair System:

• 100% Aluminum Construction: Lightweight and rust-proof, ideal for outdoor exposure. Unlike concrete, it will not crack or degrade from freeze-thaw cycles.
• Slip-Resistant Grip Strut Decking: Provides safe footing in all weather conditions.
• ADA-Compliant Dimensions: Includes closed risers, 12” tread depth with 7” max riser height, and continuous handrails at the correct height for all users.
• Modular Design: Prefabricated components bolt together without welding, reducing on-site disruption and allowing for future reconfiguration if necessary

The Installation Process

Thanks to the bolt-together modular metal stair system, installation was completed efficiently with minimal disturbance to the medical office’s operations. Our trained installation crew was able to remove the old stair and have the new system fully operational within a single day. This speed of deployment is one of the biggest advantages of choosing aluminum over concrete or welded steel systems.

This upgrade offers peace of mind to facility managers and safety to users. The aluminum stair system is not only low-maintenance but also designed to withstand decades of use without the need for repainting or resurfacing. For a facility that serves the public daily, reliability and accessibility are non-negotiable.

Why Aluminum Stairs Make Sense for Medical Facilities

• Compliance-Ready: Meets ADA, IBC, and OSHA standards right out of the box.
• Corrosion-Resistant: No rust, rot, or decay—ideal for outdoor environments.
• Low Maintenance: No sealing, painting, or resurfacing required.
• Aesthetic Integration: Optional powder coating allows for color matching with the facility’s exterior.

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FAQs

Q: Is this stair system suitable for emergency exits?
Yes, our APEX stairs can be designed as secondary or fire exit stairs and meet egress requirements as defined by the IBC .

Q: Can the stairs be paired with a ramp for full ADA access?
Absolutely. The APEX system is designed to integrate seamlessly with wheelchair ramps and platform runs, providing a complete access solution .

Q: How long does installation typically take?
For single stair units like this one, most installations are completed in a day or less, depending on site prep and weather.