Fire Escape APEX Stairs & Canopy

Fire Escape Staircases


Modular Stairs, Ramps, and Canopies

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.

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APEX Metal Stair

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

APEX stair ramp system components

The APEX system is a line of integrated access products that can be configured to meet the most challenging applications.

Product Resources

  • Product Info & Tech Specs
  • BIM/CAD Files
  • Specifications (CSI Spec)
  • Elevation/Plan Views
  • Environmental/LEED/HPD
APEX System PDF
dock step logo

Prefabricated stairs for loading docks

More on dock stairs

semi step logo

Access stairs for semi-trucks & trailers

More on semi-truck stairs

omni step logo

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

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

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

Reconfigurable

Because the APEX System is modular, ramps, stairs and railings can be reused, added to, and reconfigured as your needs change.

small icons showing modular apex system components such as stairs, platforms and doorway canopy

modular design

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.

customize options

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

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

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 Access
Fire EscapesMezzanine StairsHVAC Access
Roof Access StairsCrossover StairsStair Towers
Rooftop StairsHillside/Berm StepsOSHA Industrial Stairs

Specifications

MaterialMill finish aluminum extrusions and sheet
HeightWe use 6″, 6.5″, or 7″ rises between the treads to reach any height
Width (Steps > 30″)48″ between the handrails, 60″ out-to-out
Width (Steps ≤ 30″)48″ between the handrails, 52″ out-to-out
Tread Depth12″ (11″ + 1″ nosing)
Platform Sizes64″ x 64″, 64″ x 96″, 72″ x 72″ (other sizes available)
Guardrail (Steps > 30″)42″ high
Guardrail (Steps ≤ 30″)Guardrail incorporated below handrail
Handrail36″ high
BalustersLess than 4″ apart
Weight Capacity100 lbs/sqft live load, 300 lbs point load over a sqft area
Powder Coating (Optional)Ask a solutions advisor for available color options

Decking Options

extruded stair decking
Extruded
grip strut stair decking
Grip Strut
fiber grate stair decking
Fiber Grate
Bar Grating
Handrail Specifications

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 fire escape stairs

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″
Fire Escape APEX Stairs & Canopy
.

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″
OSHA fire exist stairs for warehouse roof access

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’
Industrial fire exit staircase installed at industrial plant

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

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.

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.

Love the quality.

What a great product to work with. Love the quality and ease of assembly!

Denny R.

The stairs worked out great.

The stairs worked out great, and they love them!

Paul R.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Worked out great.

Everything worked out great. Thanks to your team for taking care of the details.

Leo D.

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.

Our Services

Our team designs, manufactures, ships, and installs ADA & IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies to fit YOUR custom project. Our experts will work with you throughout the project to ensure your installation is correct to your specifications and code-compliant.

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