Fixing Squeaky Stairs
Squeaky stairs can drive any homeowner crazy. They also reflect badly on the house if you are tying to sell. Fortunately, fixing a squeaky step is not a huge undertaking. You can easily fix one in a matter of minutes, if the situation is not too complex. A simple fix for a squeaky step is something almost every homeowner can do on their own, so it is an inexpensive home improvement project.
The first step in fixing a problem is identifying the cause of the problem. With a squeaky step the cause is the tread rubbing on its supports. The tread is the actual step, the part you walk on. When it comes loose and is no longer secured against its support pieces, called risers, it rubs against them and produces a squeak. The solution is to simply secure the pieces together again.
Ideally, stairs should be fixed from the bottom. If you can not get to the bottom you can fix them from above. You will need to remove the tread if you are working from above so you can fix the risers. By using nails and glue you can add small pieces of wood boards to secure the treads and risers back into place. You may need to add wood pieces to secure the risers back into place. Sometimes it is simple enough that all you need to do is nail the tread back to the riser. You do not simply want to nail through the tread form above. First, you may not actually be putting the nail through the riser below. Second, that will probably not fix the problem, since the riser is most likely loose which is causing the problem. This is why it is ideal to work form below, but, once again, if you are working from above, remove the tread first.
Fixing that squeaky step will be a big relief. It also will help prevent future structural problems in your stairway. This quick fix is something you should do once you notice the squeaky step. All it takes is a little time and effort to save your stairs and your sanity.
The first step in fixing a problem is identifying the cause of the problem. With a squeaky step the cause is the tread rubbing on its supports. The tread is the actual step, the part you walk on. When it comes loose and is no longer secured against its support pieces, called risers, it rubs against them and produces a squeak. The solution is to simply secure the pieces together again.
Ideally, stairs should be fixed from the bottom. If you can not get to the bottom you can fix them from above. You will need to remove the tread if you are working from above so you can fix the risers. By using nails and glue you can add small pieces of wood boards to secure the treads and risers back into place. You may need to add wood pieces to secure the risers back into place. Sometimes it is simple enough that all you need to do is nail the tread back to the riser. You do not simply want to nail through the tread form above. First, you may not actually be putting the nail through the riser below. Second, that will probably not fix the problem, since the riser is most likely loose which is causing the problem. This is why it is ideal to work form below, but, once again, if you are working from above, remove the tread first.
Fixing that squeaky step will be a big relief. It also will help prevent future structural problems in your stairway. This quick fix is something you should do once you notice the squeaky step. All it takes is a little time and effort to save your stairs and your sanity.
