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f. Steps loose/rotted/decayed TRIPPING hazard:
Basement steps sometimes loosen at the tread/stringer interface (Fig. f1, Item A). Sometimes treads warp and cup upward (Fig. f1, Item B) or incline forward, becoming a tripping hazard. In older houses with stairs against outside foundation walls, the supporting stringers often experience some rotting at the bottom; then the entire stair becomes wobbly. Stair heights can vary slightly with little hazard, but if they vary 3/4 inch or more between treads, a tripping hazard exists (Fig. f1, Item C).
What to: How to:
Basement stair repairs are easy and inexpensive to make, with the exception of riser heights that vary substantially. Rotted stringers can be “sister” or “scab” repaired, and short sections of stringers can be repaired to better support loose treads. When riser heights vary to the point of being a tripping hazard, usually the only repair is a new stair. It takes a good carpenter to fabricate a good set of stairs. Remember that the strength of wood is proportional to its weight, so select fairly dense stock for stringers and consider using pressure treated materials. |
