5 Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Have Your Staircase Replaced

16 October 2018

Depending on where they are located, staircases can see much foot traffic. Although, they are designed to last a long time, it doesn’t guarantee that staircases will stay in good condition forever. In fact, no matter how strong and well-designed timber staircases are, overtime, they will eventually show signs of wear and tear as people move up and down them daily.

As staircases become worn they can become dangerous to use, and it may be difficult to know when it is time for a staircase to be replaced. While cracks in the wood can be an indication that stairs needs to be repaired, there are other less obvious signs that indicate it may be time to have your staircase replaced.

Here are 5 signs that indicate it may be time to have your staircase replaced:

1) Creaking or squeaking stairs – when your staircase makes creaking noises when you step on it, it can not only be annoying late at night, but it means that it needs to be inspected and repaired. While most creaking stairs can be easily repaired, upon further inspection, the noise they make could reveal a more serious problem.

2) Stair risers or treads are cracked – safety is always the main concern when it comes to stairs, and when the treads crack, either due to a constant change in humidity or a lack of support, you should have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

3) Loose or detached handrail – the main purpose of stair handrails is to provide support and to prevent people from falling. So, if the handrail is not secured properly, then it creates a serious safety issue for anyone using the staircase, not to mention that its condition could also be a building code violation. Depending on the type of staircase and timber used, replacing the handrail may not be the best solution, as the condition of the timber may be a sign that the staircase needs to be replaced.

4) Water damage – outdoor stairs and stairs that lead to basements may develop water damage, resulting in warping or softening of the wood. If this is the case, it may be cost effective to replace the staircase instead of repairing the sections that are damaged.

5) Rot and insect damage – when there is rot or severe insect damage to timber staircases, wood will literally start to fall apart. Even if a section of a staircase is affected, it is highly advised to replace it rather than just repair part of it.

Optimized by: Netwizard SEO