Water-Damaged Wood Stairs
Water damage, especially to basement stairs, is extremely common. But, if left unchecked, it can be dangerous to anyone using the stairs as well as unsightly.
If you’ve discovered that your stairs have been damaged by water, either due to sudden flooding in your home or because of a slow leak, you can take steps to fix the problem before it spreads.
Air Out Your Stairs
First, you need to air out the stairs. If there are any areas that are too damaged to salvage, or if you’re planning to give them a facelift anyway, take this time to remove boards and improve air circulation.
If possible, set up fans or a dehumidifier in the area to speed up the drying process. The faster you can get the wood dry, the less damage you’ll have to clean up and repair.
Remove Damaged Materials
Some damage may hide while the wood is wet. Once your stairs are dry, take the time to carefully inspect every section of them and remove anything that’s damaged.
You may want to bring a professional in to handle this, as some damage may not be easily identified.
Remove Mold & Mildew
Now you need to address any mold or mildew problems. This job may best be left to the professionals, especially if the water damage was widespread, since improperly removed mold and mildew can be a health hazard.
Rebuild Your Stairs
Depending on the level of damage, you may need to rebuild specific steps or just replace a few boards. Whatever the need, it’s essential that you check with a contractor to ensure that any work that’s done is up to code and will be safe for people to walk on.
Refinish Your Stairs With NuStair
Have your stairs been damaged by water? Or maybe you just want a new look? The NuStair refinishing system can help.
We offer a variety of wood species and colors, giving you the look you want at a price you can afford. If you’re a seasoned DIY-er, you can even handle installation yourself in about a weekend. But if you’re not, we can hook you up with a certified NuStair installer.
