Commercial guard retrofits are scheduled around building access and, where outdoors, around Ottawa’s winter maintenance windows so the property stays compliant year-round.
Commercial guard retrofits are quoted per project once we’ve measured existing heights and spacing against the applicable Ontario Building Code section – cost depends mainly on how much of the existing railing can be reused versus replaced outright.
Ontario Building Code sets a general minimum guard height of 1,070mm (about 42 inches) for most non-dwelling-unit contexts, including commercial and common areas of multi-unit buildings (OBC 9.8.8.3(1)).
Guards within an individual dwelling unit, or an exterior guard serving a single dwelling no more than 1,800mm above grade, may be a minimum of 900mm (OBC 9.8.8.3(2)-(3)).
No opening in a guard may allow a 100mm sphere to pass through it, under any guard type (OBC 9.8.8.5).
Handrails are required to sit 865-965mm above the tread nosing on a code-compliant staircase (OBC 9.8.7).
We reference the specific OBC guard height and spacing requirement that applies to your property, not a rule of thumb.
We're used to working with building owners and property managers on scheduling and access for occupied buildings.
Bringing an older, non-compliant railing up to current code is a common part of this work, not just new installs.
We measure existing guard heights, baluster spacing and handrail height against the applicable OBC section for your property type.
Where a property manager or building owner needs it, we document existing conditions against code before recommending work.
Non-compliant sections are corrected in place where possible; full replacement is quoted where the existing structure doesn't support a retrofit.
We walk the completed work with the property manager or building owner and confirm it meets the applicable code section.
A quick look at other stairs & railings work we handle – every service is listed in the Services menu above.
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A sample of the Ottawa-area communities we serve – see the full list in the Service Areas menu.
The general minimum under OBC 9.8.8.3(1) is 1,070mm (about 42 inches) for most non-dwelling-unit and commercial contexts – always confirm the exact requirement for your specific building and occupancy with your local building department.
Generally no – the 900mm minimum applies within individual dwelling units and to certain low-height single-dwelling exterior guards, not to commercial or common-area guards.
Often yes, depending on the structure – we assess whether posts and framing can support a retrofit before recommending full replacement.
We can document the measured conditions and the applicable code reference as part of the assessment – always confirm your specific documentation needs with your building department or insurer.
Warranty terms for any job are set out in your written quote, job by job – we don't make blanket guarantees on this website, but every quote spells out exactly what's covered.