Staircases are an essential component of any residential or commercial building. They act as a bridge between a bottom and top level. It is not surprising to see numerous different people making their way up and down the staircase. The foot traffic experienced on a daily basis is bound to have some wear and tear effect on the stairs over time. For this reason, you need to know the signs of staircase problems early enough to avoid having a lawsuit on your hands or avoid a dangerous occurrence at home all because you ignored early warning signs. Typical problems include:
Creaking stairs
This one of the very early danger sign there is an issue with the stairs. You can identify this problem as you go up or down the stairs and you here a squeaky sound. Often, a creaky stair is caused by a space between the stair tread and riser. An easy fix for this is to apply carpenter glue to fill the gap.
Detachable handrail
A handrail is what assures people that they will reach down the stairs in one piece in the event of a fall. If it is not attached correctly to the wall, you will know. It is a safety concern that if not dealt with immediately can cause a severe injury to people using the stairs.
Loose Stairs
Staircases were not meant to last forever. Over time, the stairs can become loose and wobbly which causes stair movement. This problem is triggered by spaces and gaps between the staircase wood. The tread needs to be refastened and secured into good quality wood to avoid the problem escalating to an accident. You want to feel your feet and staircase stable as you go up the stairs.
Cracked stairs
Risers or treads usually break as a result of lack of stable support or simply humidity change. This is a significant safety concern that needs to be dealt with immediately to avoid further staircase damage. The damaged riser or tread must be removed and replaced.
Considering the ramifications of ignoring signs of staircase problems, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Staircases are an essential component of the household which is why if you notice any of the mentioned signs, inspect your stairs to see the repairs and replacements required. Most of the repairs needed require some level of hands-on or technical skill. It is advisable to get in touch with a professional who can offer quality work and guarantee safety.