Squeaky Stair Repair in Kawartha Lakes

That constant creak on the third step or the groan from the landing can be more than just a minor annoyance; it can disrupt the quiet of your home. Squeaky stairs are a common issue, often caused by the natural drying of wood and the loosening of fasteners over time. As a detail-obsessed contractor, I focus on diagnosing the precise cause of every sound. Serving homeowners across the Kawartha Lakes area, my goal is to restore strength and silence to your staircase with a careful, methodical approach.

What's Causing That Annoying Squeak?

That creak you hear with every step isn't just an old-house quirk; it's a specific problem of friction. Over time, the wood in your staircase—the treads (what you step on), the risers (the vertical pieces), and the stringers (the side supports)—dries out, shrinks, and shifts. This process creates tiny gaps between the wooden components. When you apply weight by walking, the pieces of wood rub against each other or against the nails and fasteners holding them together. That rubbing is the squeak you hear, and it's a sign that parts have become loose.

The cycle of humid summers and dry winters we experience around Kawartha Lakes can accelerate this process. Wood naturally expands in the summer and contracts in the winter, which can further loosen joints and fasteners over the years. What might start as a minor creak can become a chorus of noises if left unaddressed, as the movement can wear down the wood even more.

Our Meticulous Repair Method

Fixing a squeak properly requires a more detailed approach than just squirting some glue into a visible crack. My process is built on precision and diagnosis. I start by carefully walking the entire staircase, listening and feeling for the exact friction points on each individual step. It’s a methodical process where I'm mapping out the source of every single sound. I need to determine if the tread is rubbing against the riser, if the entire tread assembly is loose on the stringer, or if multiple issues are happening at once.

Once I know the source, I select the most effective and least invasive solution. For stairs with finished flooring like carpet, I use specialized tools to work through the material, securing the subfloor to the joists without damage. For exposed wood stairs, I might use a combination of trim-head screws that are virtually invisible and high-strength construction adhesive injected deep into the joints. If I can access the staircase from underneath, I often add small, custom-cut glue blocks for superior structural reinforcement. This method adds incredible strength and permanently stops the movement causing the noise. My work is exclusively indoors, meaning my tools and techniques are all chosen to keep your home clean and undisturbed. The final result is a solid, silent staircase that feels strong and improves the peace and quiet of your home. Call me at (647) 898-7839 to discuss your project.