Look Out for These Signs That Your Stairs Need Replacing

The stairs in your home perform an important function by connecting the upper and lower levels and allowing you to move between them. It is easy to take the stairs for granted, but this could be potentially dangerous. Given the heavy traffic that the stairs have to withstand, sometimes the wear and tear take a toll. Damage to the stairs could cause a tripping hazard that could lead to serious fall injuries. Here are some signs that you need to call a carpenter in Red Deer to repair or replace your stairs.

Water Damage

Some steps are more susceptible to water damage than others. Certainly, stairs located on the outside of your home are exposed to precipitation that could result in water damage. Basement stairs are also susceptible, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding.

Water damage can affect the structural integrity of your stairs, which could increase the risk of falls. The exact type of water damage you are likely to see depends on the material from which the stairs are constructed. For example, wooden stairs are susceptible to rotting and warping, while metal stairs are more likely to experience rust and corrosion. In either case, the stability of the stairs could be affected, which could be to your detriment.

Creaky Steps

Creaky steps are common with many staircases, especially in older homes. However, just because they are common doesn’t necessarily mean they are normal. The creaking isn’t a danger in itself, but it could be an indication of a much bigger problem.

Creaking occurs because there are gaps between the treads of the stairs and the risers that hold them up. When you step down on a tread with one of these gaps, you put pressure on it. Because of the gap, the pressure produces movement that causes the tread and the riser to rub up against one another. The friction between the two pieces of wood is what produces the annoying creaking sound. The creak itself isn’t dangerous, but if there is the movement of the treads and risers, they could eventually give way.

Loose Handrail

When you are walking down a set of stairs, it can be difficult to keep your balance. A handrail is there for you to grab onto if you need it to keep or regain your balance, offering support and stability. Leaning and pulling on handrails can loosen the components that keep them in place. If you are leaning on a handrail while going down the stairs, it can give way, causing you to lose your balance. With nothing to grab onto, you could fall. Therefore, if you detect even the slightest hint of looseness in your handrail, you need to have it repaired right away.

Loose Newel Post

Stair handrails often connect directly to the wall. A banister is a specific type of handrail that stands apart from the wall. If there is only one wall along the side of the staircase instead of two, the banister provides a barrier on the open side to prevent you from accidentally stepping off the stairs. A newel post is a post that anchors the banister to the floor at the top or bottom of the stairs. If the stairs see a lot of use, the newel post can become loose as well. This can compromise the structural integrity of the entire banister. If it is only the newel post that is the problem, this can be replaced. This is a simple solution, but not necessarily easy to carry out.

Call Handyman Connection for a Carpenter in Red Deer

Our repair services include replacing stairs that are worn out or damaged. Learn more about the carpentry services we offer.