Many of us are too busy to worry about a few household steps, right? Their main purpose is to provide access between two different levels of the house. Finding a stray toy or the dog's bone on a stair leads us to toss it out of the way without a second thought.
But steps deserve more attention and better care than that. They allow us to move from one level of living space to another, from the outside ground to the indoor foyer, from the first to the second floor, from the basement storage area to the upstairs living area, and so on. Imagine your home without these access points; how would you manage? Take a few minutes to plan thoughtful care for these vital connectors.
Plan to clean and repair all steps periodically. If you can't check each set every month or so, rotate the basis on which you can attend to them. For example, check the indoor main floor steps one month and the basement steps the following week. Plan to inspect the porch steps on a monthly basis, along with stairs leading to the attic. While you may feel that unused stairs need not become a safety hazard, remember that the longer they sit idle, the more dust and perhaps debris they are likely to collect. Rot can set in, destroying their structure and usability for the future. Dusty air will circulate throughout the house, especially in winter, polluting the environment. Like all other areas of your home, the steps need to be maintained as well.
Start by removing all items from the set of stairs scheduled that week. Look for loose nails or carpet tacks and fix these first. Remove loose carpet threads and replace torn vinyl mats so that no one will trip on them. Check for splintered wood on the steps or handrails and remove or sand the tiny protruding pieces to protect users from splinters.
Wooden steps should be checked for signs of termites or insect invasion. They can be cleaned with wood soap and a soft cloth. Rinse afterward with clear water to get rid of soapy residue. Let them dry completely before allowing anyone to se them. Polish as needed, touching up worn areas with varnish or paint once or twice a year.
Concrete steps can chip or crack, presenting a safety hazard of their own. Sweep away all resulting pieces, and when the damage becomes significant, arrange to have the steps repaired or replaced. Look for weeds that climb into cracks or chinks and can further damage the steps.
Study metal steps for signs of rust and treat with an inhibitor before the damage becomes too great. Replace rusty screws or brackets. Make sure the framework still holds together and won't be jarred by frequent or heavy use.
If a step becomes loose or needs to be repaired, fix it yourself if you can. But if you don't know how, call an expert who will make the stairs secure and safe for family use.
Keep an eye on your stairs and maintain them in good condition to help prevent accidents and damage.
