Check Exterior Stairs and Handrails
Why It Matters
Loose exterior stairs and handrails are a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a fall risk for your family and visitors.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Screwdriver. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the check exterior stairs and handrails
Inspect exterior stairs, steps, and handrails for loose mounting, rot, and trip hazards.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If structural rot or severe looseness in handrails, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Screwdriver
Community Tips
Loose handrails are a fall hazard that accelerates quickly—a wobbly rail can fail completely within weeks if the mounting bolts continue to loosen from foot traffic vibration. Check all connection points immediately, as handrail failure during use can result in serious injury.
Test each stair tread by pressing down firmly with your full weight; soft spots indicate rot or delamination underneath that will worsen rapidly in wet climates. Replace compromised treads before they collapse, as a single failed step dramatically increases liability and accident risk.
A Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 Multi-bit Screwdriver ($35-50) eliminates repeated tool swaps when tightening the various fastener types found on most exterior stairs—Phillips, square-drive, and hex bolts can all be addressed without returning to the toolbox. ---