While you may hear the term “going up” on an elevator, we invite you to think about the expression related to your own home.

How many times a day do you go up your staircase? Maybe dozens. That’s one reason why it’s important to have a safe and reliable stair system in your home.

Wiggle Factor

Just like other major building components in your home, your stairway needs a yearly review, and possibly maintenance. The good news is that there’s a simple way to make sure your stair system is in good shape year after year: just check for the “wiggle factor.”

“Start at the bottom of your stair system and carefully work your way up, checking to see if there is any ‘give’ on the handrail at any point,” says Beth Galigher with Stair parts now Stair Systems. “A secure handrail should be sturdy and unmovable.

“Next, go back down to the bottom of the staircase. This time walk up and manually try to gently move, turn or ‘wiggle’ each baluster. Again, a sturdy system should have all its components firmly in place. Finally, make sure your newel posts also are secure in their places.”

Keep Your Stair System Safe

For safety sake, it’s important that all parts of the stair system are secure. Over time, with thousands of “up and down” runs on the stairs, it is possible that family members may push a stair system or handrail out of kilter.

Should any of the components of your stair system appear loose, make sure to contact your contractor or a professional stair system installer to immediately fix the problem.