Render of Stairs with Cleaning Products

How to Clean Aluminum Stairs

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Cleaning Untreated Aluminum Steps

Aluminum is a light but strong material common for outdoor stair applications because it is weather-resistant. It is weather-resistant in that it doesn’t rust, but it forms a natural layer of oxide through the process called “oxidation.”

Oxidation can be a baffling occurrence because it is a natural chemical reaction. Unlike corrosion on other metals, it does not weaken the aluminum but strengthens the material. This makes aluminum superior to other metals because of its inherent quality. The galvanizing process protects other metals, wherein a zinc coating envelops the base metal like iron or steel to slow down oxidation.

IMPORTANT – Do not use abrasive cleaning pads on aluminum stairs or ramps

Oxidation creates a protective barrier against water and rust, but it can make the aluminum less attractive over time. If you know how to clean aluminum stairs properly, it will decrease the chances of severe oxidation.

Step 1: The first step is to ensure that all debris, including mud, dust, and leaves, is cleared off the steps. To do this, you must start at the top landing of the steps with a stiff-bristled broom and sweep all the debris over the side of the platform or down the steps one by one; the stringers that run along both edges of the steps may make it difficult to push the debris over the sides. The stiff-bristled broom is recommended to clean out the grooves of the step treads, but don’t try to scrub them with the broom as it might scratch the aluminum.

Step 2: After sweeping the debris off the aluminum stairs, rinse it with water and a mild detergent such as dish soap. Use a generous amount of dish soap over the length of the staircase, and put a concentrated amount on tough spots. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Next, hose off or lightly pressure wash the steps to remove the soap and dirt. If possible, it is suggested to use filtered water because unfiltered water may contain sulfur, chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals that could damage the aluminum over time. Ensure all dish soap is washed off before the steps are used because the soap and water make the aluminum slippery.

Step 3: If dirt is still on the stairs, scrub the area with a towel and dish soap. Do not use steel wool or scouring pads because these materials can scratch the aluminum and give it a dull appearance. Do not use harsh cleaners like baking soda or alkali-based cleaners, as these can cause discoloration. If you want to try a new type of cleaner, test an area on the underside of the staircase to see if it discolors the aluminum.

Step 4: If the aluminum has already oxidized, try spot-treating the oxidized areas with an aluminum cleaner like Aluma Kleen or Aluma Bright.

Cleaning Powder-Coated Aluminum Steps

Cleaning aluminum metal stairs that are powder-coated is similar, but the powder-coating is a little more delicate than the aluminum. If the aluminum steps are powder-coated, there is less chance of oxidation because the powder-coating provides an extra layer of defense. However, if the coating is scratched, oxidation spots can still form.

Aluminum switchback ramp with powder coating

Step 1: Brush off the steps, moving from top to bottom, with a stiff-bristled broom. Do not try to scrub the steps with the broom, as it might scratch the aluminum.

Step 2: The most efficient way to clean outdoor aluminum steps with a powder-coated finish is by using filtered water at low pressure with a pressure washer. Use a mild detergent such as dish soap, and DO NOT use chlorine or harsh cleaning solutions. High water pressure and aggressive cleaning products can damage the powder-coated finish. The commercial cleaning solutions will clean the surface, but they also remove micro-layers of finish. The layer might later become hard and crack while losing its protective barrier.

Step 3: As stated above, use a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface; do not use anything with stiff bristles or a scratchy pad.

Step 4: To keep powder-coated steps looking nice, try a high-grade, non-abrasive car wax that contains a U.V. blocker and/or U.V. inhibitors. Be sure to wipe off residual wax because it could bake in the heat and cause permanent staining. As with any other product applied to the staircase, making a test area on the underside of the steps is recommended.

Elevated walkway stairs

Aluminum Generator Access Platform

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A generator access platform and the steps are important for providing safe, compliant access to the employees who provide maintenance to generators. Platforms and steps typically comply with walking-working surfaces and OSHA regulations for fixed stairways which means that there are several regulations for tread depth, tread width, riser height, platform size, guardrail height, and more.

Rendering of an APEX generator access stairs

A generator access platform requires a guardrail system if the platform is more than 4′ above the ground or lower level. Still, for optimal safety, many employers choose a guardrail system regardless of the platform height. The guardrail system consists of top rails and midrails (or some other intermediate object between the top rail and platform). The top edge of the top rails must be between 39″ and 45″ above the walking surface, while the midrail must be installed at the midpoint between the walking surface and the top edge of the top rail.

Generator Platform OSHA-Compliant Dimensions

Typical OSHA-compliant dimensions for generator steps:

  • 6.5″ riser height
  • 11″ tread depth
  • 38″ tread width
  • 38″ clearance between handrails
  • 36″ handrail height

Read the OSHA regulations for fixed stairways to view all generator access step regulations.

Upside Innovations worked on a project involving two generators that required OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps. The end-user wanted the two generators to be connected by the platform so that maintenance personnel wouldn’t have to go up and down each generator’s set of steps. Upside designed a custom solution so that employees could access both generators via a continuous platform.

OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps
OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps
Ramp Decking Material

Modular Classroom Access – ADA Steps and Ramps

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Our team designs, manufactures, and installs ADA steps, ADA ramps, and canopies for modular classrooms. We work on all types of projects from single classrooms to large, modular school complexes.

Modular Classroom Access – ADA Steps and Ramps

Case Study:

We manufactured and installed steps, ramps, and a canopy for modular classroom access in West Virginia. The modular classrooms were a temporary solution because the original school building had water damage from the 2016 flood. FEMA helped provide resources for the school, and the organization contracted Modular Genius to supply the modular classrooms.

In total, the Modular Genius supplied 45,000 square feet of space. After installing the modular classrooms, Modular Genius purchased aluminum steps, ramps, and a canopy from us. Below are overhead images of the completed project.

In total, we supplied 10 ADA steps, 3 ADA ramps, and a walkway canopy. We installed the steps and ramps throughout the complex, so each building had ADA access. We installed the canopy over the shared walkway, which connected three of the modular classrooms together.

Ramps and steps for modular classrooms
Ramps, Steps, and Canopy provided by Upside Innovations
Orange dot = ADA-compliant steps; Black dot = ADA-compliant ramps

Check out Upside’s ADA stairs and ADA ramps.

Warehouse stairs

Reusable Aluminum Steps

Our aluminum steps debuted at the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Tournament this July! One of our customers ordered several sets of second-story steps last year for multiple event locations in Florida. This year, they disassembled the steps, moved them to New Jersey, and set them up for the golf tournament.

View the installation guide to see just how easy it is to assemble and disassemble Upside’s aluminum steps.

  • Lay the platform upside down on the ground.
  • Insert 4 platform legs into the corner pockets, and make sure the holes align as shown in the picture.
  • Use (2) 1″ bolts with (2) flat washers to secure each leg to each pocket.
  • The bolts will thread into the pre-installed rivet nuts at the ends of the platform legs.
  • Insert 4 platform base legs into the platform legs, and make sure the holes align with the slots as shown in the picture.
  • Use (2) 1″ bolts with (2) lock washers and (2) flat washers to secure each base leg to each platform leg at the desired height.
  • The bolts will thread into the pre-installed rivet nuts in the base legs.
  • This connection may need to be adjusted later in order to level the platform.
  • Set the platform against the building just below the threshold.
  • Use a 4′ level to determine if the platform is level in both directions.
  • If adjustments need to be made, loosen the (2) 1″ bolts that connect the base leg to the platform leg, and telescope the base leg up or down to the appropriate height and retighten the bolts.
  • A bolt may need to be completely removed if it runs into the end of the slot.
  • Reinstall the bolt in another hole that will appear at the opposite end of the same slot and retighten.
  • Locate the step connector hook and bolt it to the platform on the side where the step will be installed. As shown, the step is at the center of the platform. Consult the job-specific layout to determine where the step should be connected to the platform.
  • Use (4) 1″ bolts with (4) flat washers and (4) flange nuts to connect the plate to the platform side through the four holes. If holes in the platform edge are missing, they will need to be drilled through with a 7/16″ drill bit.
  • Lift the upper end of the step riser, and hook it onto the hook that was previously bolted to the platform.
  • Insert the step guardrail posts into the upper and lower pockets on the step riser until the pre-installed rivet nuts in the posts align with the slots in the pockets.
  • Use (8) 1″ bolts with flat washers to secure the four posts to the four pockets. Thread the bolts into the rivet nuts in the step rail posts through the slots in the upper and lower pockets on the step riser.
  • Steps over 50″ high will have three posts per guardrail instead of two, as shown.
  • At the top of each step, two-step keys are required to secure the step to the platform.
  • Orient the key against the back side of the upper pockets on the step riser.
  • Use (2) 1-1/4″ tek screws to secure the step key to the platform decking. The holes in the key should be used as a drilling guide.

Suppose you want to add aluminum stairs or ramps to your home, business, or industrial space. In that case, the best way to ensure your safety and satisfaction is through tools like a ramp slope calculator or software. At Upside Innovations, we appreciate the importance of convenience and reliability – that’s why our aluminum staircases are designed for commercial and industrial use! So why take any chances when you can contact our experts now for top-of-the-line aluminum ramps? You can rest assured knowing your installation will be on point and within code.

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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