Fire Escape Staircases Modular Stairs, Ramps, and Canopies Get A Quick Quote Prefabricated Fire Escape Staircases Our APEX Fire Escape Staircase System is designed to meet ADA, OSHA, and IBC codes and is ready to install from the word go. The non-combustible aluminum components have a modular design that allows our engineers to create infinite configurations. Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Non-Combustible Aluminum is non-combustible, and the metal would have to be upwards of 1220° Fahrenheit to melt, which is far past a usable temperature anyway. Durable, Long Lifecycle Our fire exit stairs are 100% mill-finish aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, so they will never rust and will remain structurally sound even in coastal locations. Infinite Configurations Our modular design and experienced engineers can configure solutions for the most difficult projects. Reach Any Height Our team can design modular stairs to reach any height that you need. Code-Compliant We design all of our exterior fire stairs to meet whichever code is required for the project whether it needs to meet ADA, OSHA, IBC, or local building codes. Fast Installation Prefabricated and bolts together on-site with no welding required. We Install Our professional installation crew will ensure that your project goes smoothly and can install anything under 50′ tall. Schools/Universities Hospitals Modular Buildings Churches Warehouse & Distribution Centers More Applications Fire exit staircase with canopy for school ADA fire exit stairs APEX stairs in case of fire escape Stair tower for fire exit School fire escape stairs Fire escape Stair Tower for warehouse in Kernersville The APEX system is a line of integrated access products that can be configured to meet the most challenging applications. Ramps Stairs Canopies Product Resources Product Info & Tech Specs BIM/CAD Files Specifications (CSI Spec) Elevation/Plan Views Environmental/LEED/HPD Resource Center Prefabricated stairs for loading docks More on dock stairs Access stairs for semi-trucks & trailers More on semi-truck stairs Adjustable stairs with pivoting risers More on portable stairs Fire escape stairs The International Building Code (IBC) is slowly eliminating the use of traditional-style fire escapes because they are not very safe, and in fact, new fire escape routes cannot include ladders. New construction needs to incorporate interior means of egress or exterior fire escape staircases complete with handrails and slip-resistant step tread material. Our APEX Stair System is suited for fire escapes. The solution is prefabricated and comes ready to install. Industrial-grade aluminum components bolt together to create infinite configurations, eliminating custom fabrication, welding, and time-consuming engineering, while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. Easy Installation Our APEX stair system configured for fire escapes is prefabricated with a bolt-together design with no on-site welding necessary. We can install anything under 50′ tall. Any fire exit stair tower taller than 50′ will require a general contractor to install. Code Compliant Our fire escape stairs comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and International Building Code (IBC) and can also meet local building codes. Reconfigurable Because the APEX System is modular, ramps, stairs and railings can be reused, added to, and reconfigured as your needs change. Modular Design Typically designed to be freestanding – we design a frame out of structural I-Beams or square tube support columns. Because the system is modular, stairs, ramps, and railings can be reused or reconfigured as your needs change. Design Options Our team of engineers will design an exit stair layout to fit within your footprint with the option of a professional engineer stamp. 100% Aluminum – Long Lasting The entire line of APEX products will never rust, warp, or rot. All components are low maintenance and will last much longer than wood or steel. HPD/LEED/ESG Because our products are modular, repurposable, and contain 32.5% to 75% recycled content, including 50% to 65% pre-consumer and up to 20% post-consumer recycled scrap, they can help contribute to several LEED v4.1 credits and other green building rating systems. More on LEED v4.1 Credit Contributions Decking Options APEX stairs are standard with an aggressive, heavy-duty 3” channel grip strut grating that provides maximum, multi-directional slip resistance. Tread material options are: solid extruded decking, grip strut decking, and bar grate decking. Common Applications Commercial Stairs Maintenance PlatformsGenerator AccessFire EscapesMezzanine StairsHVAC AccessRoof Access StairsCrossover StairsStair TowersRooftop StairsHillside/Berm StepsOSHA Industrial Stairs Specifications MaterialMill finish aluminum extrusions and sheetHeightWe use 6″, 6.5″, or 7″ rises between the treads to reach any heightWidth (Steps > 30″)48″ between the handrails, 60″ out-to-outWidth (Steps ≤ 30″)48″ between the handrails, 52″ out-to-outTread Depth12″ (11″ + 1″ nosing)Platform Sizes64″ x 64″, 64″ x 96″, 72″ x 72″ (other sizes available)Guardrail (Steps > 30″)42″ highGuardrail (Steps ≤ 30″)Guardrail incorporated below handrailHandrail36″ highBalustersLess than 4″ apartWeight Capacity100 lbs/sqft live load, 300 lbs point load over a sqft areaPowder Coating (Optional)Ask a solutions advisor for available color options Decking Options Extruded Grip Strut Fiber Grate Bar Grating Steel vs. Aluminum Fire Exit Stairs When choosing the type of fire escape staircase to construct on the building exterior, it is important to consider the material. Aluminum is the best material for fire escape stairs because it is non-combustible and has a high melting point. Galvanized steel is an alternative to aluminum, but it is more costly to ship, much heavier, and harder to install. Galvanized steel will also require maintenance as the galvanizing layer corrodes over time, whereas aluminum requires zero maintenance and is highly corrosion-resistant. Fire Exit Staircase Projects APARTMENT ADA-compliant fire exit staircase with canopy. Project Location: Lafayette, LA Height: 40′ Footprint: 24′ x 9′-7″ Stringer channel: 8″ for step risers Footplate: 12″ x 12″ aluminum footplates Support beams: 5″ x 5″ square columns Canopy size: 8′-10″ x 9′-5″ View drawings & elevations . SCHOOL ADA-compliant fire exit staircase with canopy. Project Location: Cincinnati, OH Height: 12′ Footprint: 22′-6″ x 11′-9″ Stringer channel: 8″ structural channel Footplate: 6″ x 6″ Support beams: 4″ x 4″ x 1/8″ canopy posts act as support beams Canopy size: 22′-6″ x 11′-9″ View drawings & elevations WAREHOUSE OSHA-compliant fire exit stairs that also serve as roof access. Project Location: Corona, CA Height: 40′ Footprint: 20′ x 11′-7″ Stringer channel: 8″ for step risers, 10″ for ship ladder at top Footplate: 3/4″ x 10″ x 15″ aluminum flat bar column footplates Diagonal Bracing: 3″ x 1.41″ x .17″ structural aluminum channel Horizontal Bracing: 6″ x 1.92″ x .20″ structural aluminum channel Support beams: 8″ x 8″ x 3″ web x .44 Wide flange aluminum I-Beam’ View drawings & elevations INDUSTRIAL OSHA-compliant fire exit staircase for industrial plant. Project Location: Bridgman, MI Height: 51′ Footprint: 16′-2″ x 11′ Stringer channel: 8″ x 2.29″ x .25″ structural channel Footplate: 12″ x 12″ aluminum footplates Diagonal bracing: 3″ x 1.41″ x .17″ structural channel Horizontal bracing: 6″ x 1.92″ x.20″ structural channel Support beams: 8″ x 8″ x.3″ Web x .44 flange wide flange I-Beam columns View drawings & elevations Installations Rooftop stair tower installation Warehouse Rooftop Stair Tower Installation Our custom 2-story stair tower and entryway stair at the Navy Medical Center Fire House in Bethesda, MD. These tailor-made, durable aluminum stairs demonstrate our commitment to providing unique, functional solutions for challenging environments. Showcasing the union of efficiency, versatility, and sustainability, this photo captures Upside Innovations’ installation of a modular aluminum stairwell and weather-resistant canopy for a temporary two-story office, featuring elements that are as easy to assemble as they are to reconfigure and designed to be compliant with ADA, IBC, and OSHA standards. Upside Innovations’ OSHA-compliant Aluminum Stair Tower installation at an industrial tank farm, providing secure and efficient access to a set of tanks. Interior 45′ Switchback Stair Tower Installation for Warehouse Roof Access This a Stair Tower installation for Modular Genius Duluth, GA This APEX stairway tower was installed at a modular building in Lusby, MD These stairs tower were installed at one of the entrances of Fort Story – Virginia Beach, VA These stairs tower were installed at one of the entrances of Firehouse in Bethesda, MD This stair tower system was installed at a modular building for Gerdau Ameristeel. This Industrial Mezzanine Stair Tower was installed for access to an Inside office/mezzanine. The Upside APEX Stair system was used for A/C maintenance at this modular complex at the Department of Veterans Affairs. A 2-story, IBC-compliant modular stair system with three landings and dual canopies, designed and installed using our APEX product system for enhanced safety, egress, and fire code compliance. This APEX ADA stair tower installation was installed at Four Bridges CC in West Chester, OH This APEX Stair Tower was installed for gym users to reach the top level of Genesis Health Club. OSHA-compliant roof access stair tower with grip strut decking at a key data center in Boston This modular apartment complex in Culver, IN used an APEX stair and railing systems to gain access to the second floor constructed deck. This OMNI Stair Tower was installed for users of the pictured warehouse to access the rooftop. A custom powder coated APEX system featuring both the APEX canopy and APEX stair tower helped add to the looks of this modular installation. This IBC Stair Tower with Doorway awning was installed for a Dentist building in Louisville, Kentucky. This APEX Stair Tower provides users with access to the second floor of the building pictured. ADA-compliant fire exit staircase with canopy installation for a school This APEX Stair Tower has been installed inside a warehouse. This is Cherokee Health and Human Services’ new APEX Stair Tower This is an Interior OSHA Roof Access Stairwell Tower installation for an Amazon Distribution Warehouse This first floor entrance of Ayer-Shirley Regional High School is accessible thanks to the installation of our custom made ramp and stairs tower that leads right to it. The installation was done by Consigli Construction. This Stair Tower & APEX Ramp have been installed at a warehouse in Jacksonville, Florida. This APEX Stair Tower has been installed at Pressbox in Naperville, Illinois. Pictured is Valeo Climate Control’s OSHA Certified APEX Stair Tower, providing upper level access in their Fairfield, Ohio warehouse. This is a Second Story APEX Stair Tower Installation for a residential building. This OSHA Stair Tower has been installed at the pictured warehouse in Kernersville, North Carolina for mezzanine access. This is our APEX Stair Tower System with a Ramp that was installed for Beloved Community Charter School in New Jersey. Entry Canopy on Stair Tower This stilt house in Charleston, SC has access thanks to the modular installation of this stair tower with landing. There’s a doorway canopy installed as a shelter. This is an IBC compliant fire escape stair tower. This is a modular stair tower installation with proper landing leading to a roof. An APEX OSHA-compliant industrial stair tower installation for mezzanine access at a manufacturing facility. This APEX OSHA Stair Tower provides access to the pictured Warehouse Mezzanine. View all View all The stairs worked out great. The stairs worked out great, and they love them! Paul R. View all View all I am very impressed.It went together well, I am very impressed that your fit and finish was as tight as it is. Thanks again to everyone involved in the project. Vince B. View all View all Thank you for the quality work.Thank you for the quality work. The stairs definitely enhance the look at Lakeside [Garden Apartments]. We appreciate your service to us, and we look forward to working with you again in the future. Tanya P. View all View all Worked out great.Everything worked out great. Thanks to your team for taking care of the details. Leo D. View all View all So easy to work with!Upside was so easy to work with! From estimating, to product selection, and all the way to delivery, they were very responsive and easy to work with. When we need another set of stairs, we will be buying them from Upside Innovations. Matt S. View all View all Love the quality.What a great product to work with. Love the quality and ease of assembly! Denny R. View all View all The steps are well built.The steps are well built and sturdy enough to handle our needs safely but yet light enough for two men to move without the use of equipment. Matthew P. View all View all Fit perfect and was easily assembled.The platform and stairs are now up and installed and are fantastic. It fit perfect and was easily assembled just as you said it would. Thank you for a wonderful product. Ken W. View all View all Couldn’t be happier with the whole experience.The quality was fantastic, and they showed up quickly. From the time they were pulled off the delivery truck, the stairs were assembled, stood up, and lag bolted into the floor in under 1 hour. We really couldn’t be happier with the whole experience we have had with Upside Innovations. Plus, the stairs are much sturdier than I had even hoped for. Below is a picture of the steps installed on the side of our gun range. Thanks again for the great job. Derek P. View all View all Upside Innovations was a pleasure to work with from design to delivery.Nick Bishop was responsive and quick to get a quote started, and Tish Carroll did an excellent job shepherding the job through the engineering design, fabrication, and shipping stages, expediting the process when the deadlines got tighter on my end. The product arrived early and was a pleasure to install – all of the hardware clearly marked and bagged, and the pallet strapped and wrapped securely. These stairs are being used for robotics research/testing and are working flawlessly. I would recommend Upside to anyone looking for professional crossover stairs for their project or building. Bryan H. View all View all Upside innovations was a pleasure.Upside Innovations was a pleasure to work with from design to delivery. Nick Bishop was responsive and quick to get a quote started, and Tish Carroll did an excellent job shepherding the job through the engineering design, fabrication, and shipping stages, expediting the process when the deadlines got tighter on my end. The product arrived early and was a pleasure to install – all of the hardware clearly marked and bagged, and the pallet strapped and wrapped securely. These stairs are being used for robotics research/testing and are working flawlessly. I would recommend Upside to anyone looking for professional crossover stairs for their project or building. Bryan H. View all
