Your home staircase is one of the functional parts of your home and one that contributes to the safety of your family. Whether going upstairs or downstairs to the basement, a staircase plays a vital role in your property. Therefore, you need to keep in good condition because any damage exposes your family members to risks.
Since the staircase receives more use than other parts of the house, the foot traffic can wear it down and compromise its structural integrity. That means you need a trusted professional to repair it. Here are some signs that your property needs stair repair.
Cracked treads on the staircase
One of the indicators that your property needs a stair repair is the presence of cracked treads or risers on the staircase. The treads refer to the parts you step on when climbing the stairs and the risers are the vertical parts that keep the treads in place. Over time treads can crack or pull away from the risers mainly due to humidity changes which cause wood to expand and contract.
Depending on the problem, the contractor can patch up or replace the loose treads or even secure them if it is a loose screw. However, cracked treads need a replacement to avoid compromising the strength of your staircase. Note that the treads are one of the most critical parts of your staircase, so if they are cracked, you should schedule a repair immediately.
Creaking or squeaking stairs
Another sign that you need to repair your staircase is noisy steps whenever someone walks up or down. The squeaking is a natural problem that is likely to develop as the steps bend and warp. Old age or heavy use can turn a strong staircase into a noisy one.
The repair method depends on whether the staircase is open on the underside or closed. A stair expert can identify where the creaking sound is coming from, probably around a screw. But they can use screws or blocks to strengthen the staircase and eliminate the noise.
Loose handrails
Hanging onto the handrail year after year is more likely to wear it out over time. So you should keep on examining the handrails for any maintenance issues. If your staircase doesn’t have handrails, it is more dangerous, and you should have them installed immediately.
Loose or missing handrails are one of the signs that your staircase is compromised and needs repair. At times the contractor only needs to tighten the screws and secure it with some more, but at times you may have to replace the entire handrail.
Water damage
Water is dangerous to wood and is likely to compromise it over time. Moisture causes the wood to warp and rot, and clearing the water off the surface might not be a long-term solution. Basement staircases are prone to this type of damage. You may have to discuss other staircase options with your carpenter.
Outdated stair design
At times you may need to install a modern staircase that supports the design of your home. Too short or tall stair steps are dangerous, so it’s best to create a staircase that guarantees maximum safety for your family.
