Sqeaky Steps

[juddH]

My father inlaw is replacing the carpet on his steps and thinks now is the time to fix the sqeaks in his steps. Is this even possible. I think it's like trying to prevent concrete from cracking, there no way to fix the problem. We could try putting more nails into the steps, does anyone have any advice or is this a problem that cannot be fixed and if so, the squeaks will probably come back. Thanks for any help

[sparcebag]

Well if your carpeting screw the treads down at least 3 screws each stringer,then walk the steps see if they squeek.

[Pooh]

use a construction adhesive!! it not only holds but acts as a cushion so the wood cant rub and squeek. use the adhesive generously and good screws, i recommend the gold 3 1/8 torx (six point star) to screw it down. glue is gonna be your friend. works great. my not be the only way though, keep your ears open and try what u think is best.

[walleyeseeker]

You definitely want to screw the treads down. Most of the time the squeak is your board rubbing or flexing against the shank of the nail. Glue is also good, but if you are not removing the treads, then use screws. Once you have them screwed down, check all the existing nails and make sure they are down and set.

[reddog]

or, pull the squeakin nail out,(if easy) and run new screw in the hole.

[birdswacker]

Screw and glue the treads down any other way it will squeak again.

[onthejob2]

Good suggestions, also make sure none of the treads are touching the skirtboards. If so trim off excess on treads. Have someone help you, listen for exactly where the squeaks are coming from. Shims also can help, if there is any areas that are squeaking, knock a shim into that area. Just make sure your not making another area to squeak. Again, glue and screws should help alot.

Good luck.

[tisosy11]

I'd install a slide! This would spread the weight out and likely take care of the squeak!

However geting back up the stairs could become tricky...

[tisosy11]

You can protect against concrete cracking by making construction joints...

[blarkey]

 Originally Posted By: Pooh

use a construction adhesive!! it not only holds but acts as a cushion so the wood cant rub and squeek. use the adhesive generously and good screws, i recommend the gold 3 1/8 torx (six point star) to screw it down. glue is gonna be your friend. works great. my not be the only way though, keep your ears open and try what u think is best.

this is the only way that they will stop squeeking

[juddH]

Thanks for all the advice! Concrete will crack even with joints, hopefully the crack stops at the joint.

[so haaad]

Maybe put in an escalator?

This is an issue on my five year old stairs, so this information is very helpful.

[Surface Tension]

All good suggestions(well most of them ) Don't overlook the anchor or contacts points between the stringers and wall.

[rtwills]

I run into this problem alot at work. make sure treads are securely screwed, also many problems have been at the skirt board.(the wide board that runs up the stairs) alot of times the trimmer doesn't nail it tight where it meets the top step,it will rub on stringer and plywood mount. use shims and a trim nail to fix this.also if possible make sure the stringer is nailed to the wall to keep everything from flexing