Rob,
robkeith wrote:On a lower deck, there are sheathed metal cabling running horizontally so as not to intrude on the view.
Yes, and I don't recommend it.
From here:
https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/docume ... g-planning (the ICC link to the Maryland codes)
- R312.1.3 Opening limitations.
- - Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.
- - - Exceptions:
- - - - 1.The triangular openings at the open side of stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard, shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (153 mm) in diameter.
- - - - 2.Guards on the open side of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 43/8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.
The only specify the minimum level of safety, which is the height of 36 inches as you stated, and the maximum opening size, above, of not allowing "passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter."
Years ago the codes prohibited constructing guards such that the infill which creates a ladder effect ("infill" is the vertical, horizontal, or decorative material between the floor and the top of the guard which keeps one from falling through) - those horizontal cables create that ladder effect.
Additionally, I have yet to see a guard with horizontal cables such that the guard is strong enough to tighten the cables taut enough to resist the required 50 pounds per square foot horizontal load and not deflect enough enough to not allow the "passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter."
Just words of caution based on what I do, having seen the after effects of children (and adults) having fallen through (or climbed on/over) those horizontal cable type guards.
Does such a railing meet code?
- Seldom.
Do those types of railings typically get approved by the local jurisdiction?
- Almost all the time.
- - (Even though they typically do not fully meet all requirements of the code, but it's not the responsibility of the building department, it is the responsibility of the contractor ... and their insurance company.)
Do those types of railings keep someone from falling through?
- Not usually.
- - But that's what insurance is for, right?
It's your house and your call. If you do it, I recommend contacting your insurance company and letting them know and say it is okay, that way they will not be able to deny a claim from such a guard.
Also check with your local jurisdiction to verify what they will accept, they will likely approve the design submitted with the permit application, and will likely approve the inspection of the guard for final inspection. That should take care of the paperwork aspect of it.