A staircase is an important part of any home. Generally, staircases are considered the safest places to be during an earthquake because the staircase generally remains intact, as can be seen from the ruins of antique buildings. The durability and longevity of a staircase depends on how well you install and maintain it. Effective staircase installation and repair will ensure you get good value for money and also be able to use your staircase without any risk or hassle. To make things easier, we will provide some essential info for staircase installation or repair.
Staircase Installation Tips
• Install treads when putting your staircase into place. Prepare the treads by cutting them into the correct shape. Go from top to bottom, placing screws where necessary. Before placing the final tread, put a 2x4 brace on the top step. Also, fill all the screw holes using wood putty.
• You need to mark the layout of the railing before you install it. For this, you need to hold the frame of the railing along the stairs and mark it accordingly, depending on how you want the railing to be. Next, install newel posts because the railing will be attached to them.
• Attach the rail fasteners to the newel posts. Guide it precisely so that it fits perfectly on the fastener. Next, install the balusters, which you have to screw into the floor. Find the holes on the railing and insert the balusters accordingly. It’s a good idea to get a friend to help you for this part of staircase installation.
Staircase Repair Tips
Effective staircase installation can enhance its useful life and reduce the need for repairs. However, some problems can emerge with your staircase over time:
• Squeaky Sounds: As staircases get old, the steps might start squeaking and creaking. This is because the wood shrinks over time and dries up. On steps, the squeak may be produced by the tread rubbing on a stringer or rise when you step on it. It is a good idea to look for the source of the noise from the bottom. You might have to lubricate the base, replace the felt, or simply fill in the gap cause by wood shrinkage.
• Broken Treads: Treads wear out over time and require replacement. However, replacement and repair may not be straightforward, depending on the design of the staircase. If the tread is accessible and easy to replace, go for it. Otherwise call in a staircase installation or repair professional.
• Loose Rails: Sturdiness of the staircase railing is important to ensure the safety of the people who go up and down. If someone uses the railing for support, a loose rail can lead to an accident. In this case, you need to diagnose the newels that may have been damaged or come loose and replace or repair them accordingly.
These are some basic staircase installation and repair tips that you can follow. As it is an intricate task, you might want to hire a professional for the job.