Repairing spreading stairs
#1
01-09-09, 01:38 AM
Repairing spreading stairs
Hello, I would like to repair my stairs going down into my basement, but I don't know where to begin. The steps are spreading away from the sides and the nails are coming out. Not really sure what other details to give. Anyone help?
#4
01-14-09, 05:51 AM
Group Moderator
Ideally you would rebuild them, but I suspect you are looking for a fix-in-place solution. I would use some simple angle brackets like these:
TA9Z 8 1/4 In. Stair Tread Angle - TA9Z at The Home Depot
These are actually designed to go under the treads when you are building stairs, but would work just as well on top. Pound or pry the sides back flush with the ends of the treads and attach the brackets with 1 1/2" screws. Should be pretty solid.
TA9Z 8 1/4 In. Stair Tread Angle - TA9Z at The Home Depot
These are actually designed to go under the treads when you are building stairs, but would work just as well on top. Pound or pry the sides back flush with the ends of the treads and attach the brackets with 1 1/2" screws. Should be pretty solid.
#5
01-14-09, 07:27 AM
Group Moderator
The brackets are a good idea, but I'd clean the junk out that has fallen between the stair jack and the tread, then use some long lag screws to pull both back together. (predrill a pilot hole for the lags first to prevent splitting) Once everything is tight, the brackets will strengthen the tread and would serve to keep them from spreading again.
#6
01-14-09, 09:45 AM
Group Moderator
I agree with sleeper's comments. I was going under the assumption that the outboard sides of the verticals were inaccessible or there was no clearance to work. With sufficient clearance to work, the lag screws would definitely improve things.
