Vertical riser
A vertical riser is any component that extends vertically through a building, including for example stairs and lifts, but the term is most commonly used to refer to ductwork, pipes, conduits and cables.
Vertical ducts should be carefully positioned in order to try and keep pipe and cable run lengths to a minimum, and also, in the case of pipework, to avoid unnecessary bends.
Since vertical risers generally breach floors, they can present a hazard in terms of enabling the spread of fire and so must be appropriately fire protected.
Other types of vertical riser include:
- Dry riser: Used to supply water within buildings for fire-fighting purposes. Dry risers do not contain water when they are not being used but are charged with water by fire service pumping appliances when necessary. For more information see: Dry riser.
- Wet riser: Used to supply water within buildings for fire-fighting purposes. Wet risers are permanently charged with water. For more information see: Wet riser.
NB The term ‘riser’ can also be used in relation to the components of stairs. A stair riser is the vertical face between the back of the tread of one stair and the front of the tread of the stair above. For more information, see Stairs riser.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February