Squeaking stairs...

JakeS · 3 Oct 2015

We're redecorating, so I took the opportunity while the carpet was up on the stairs to run some screws down through the treads into the risers, which has stopped the annoying creaking on a few of the steps. Unfortunately, while going up and down the stairs and rocking from side to side to see if any others need attention, I've discovered a squeaky noise when weight is placed on one side if the stairs... on nearly every step!

I hadn't noticed it before, probably 'cause the creaking was much louder, but now I've eliminated that, it's winding me up something rotten! Other than discovering that I can't find any evidence of the stairs being supported in the middle from a few knocks and exploratory holes, and can't remove the steps easily to look, I have no idea what the construction of the stairs is. Unfortunately the under-stairs cupboard is full of junk, so unless this is indicative of a serious problem we're not likely to take the backs off if that's necessary to get to the bottom of it. It's a relatively recent house - 1982 build - and the noise sounds like metal against metal, like a gate or hinge that needs oiling. Or a trapped and aggravated mouse. Anyone got any ideas of what I could try, while we've still got the carpet up?

Zeddedhed · 3 Oct 2015

Possibly the wedges under the treads have come loose. You'll have to get rear access to fix it I'm afraid.

Someone else will probably have a better idea though.

scotty38 · 3 Oct 2015

Come and live in my house for a week and I guarantee yours will seem quiet when you get back home :lol:

Monkey Mark · 3 Oct 2015

If you don't want to access the rear, you could try talcum powder in the joints. I've done it with floorboards with some degree of success.

JakeS · 5 Oct 2015

scotty38":3r3im37g said:
Come and live in my house for a week and I guarantee yours will seem quiet when you get back home :lol:

See, what you need to do is take the carpet up, run screws through the treads into the risers, and then maybe you'll have the same problem as me. ;-)

It's certainly true that it's not a huge issue and if we can't solve it easily we'll definitely give up rather than ripping the house apart trying to fix it. It's just a bit frustrating to get 90% of the way there!

Monkey Mark":3r3im37g said:
If you don't want to access the rear, you could try talcum powder in the joints. I've done it with floorboards with some degree of success.

I'll give it a go - cheers! There's not much gap (and it's viciously guarded by carpet grips...) but I'll see how it goes...