If you’re a homeowner in Florida, you already know that the tropical climate is both a blessing and a challenge. The warm sun, salty breeze, and high humidity give us beautiful weather, but these conditions can also cause wear and tear on outdoor structures—especially staircases. At Beach City Stairs, we understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining staircases in Florida, and we’re here to help you keep yours in top shape. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common problems with Florida staircases and how our staircase repairs can restore them to their original beauty.
Florida Staircase Repair #1: Wood Rot
The Sunshine State’s famous humidity is a constant presence, especially during the long rainy season. This moisture can take a toll on wooden staircases, leading to rot and weakening the structure. If left untreated, wood rot can compromise the safety of the staircase, making it both unsightly and dangerous.
How We Fix It: At Beach City Stairs, we begin by assessing the extent of the damage. Often, we can replace only the affected parts rather than tearing out the entire staircase. Using pressure-treated wood or composite materials helps protect the new sections from future rot. To further guard against Florida’s high humidity, we apply a protective sealant that keeps moisture at bay, helping your staircase stand strong for years to come.
Florida Staircase Repair #2 Rusty Metal Components
Salt air is a part of life here, especially for those of us near the coast. Unfortunately, this salty atmosphere is not a friend to metal staircases or to the metal fasteners holding your stairs together. Rust can develop on handrails, screws, bolts, and even on the structure itself, leading to instability over time.
How We Fix It: Our first step is to remove any rusted sections and replace compromised fasteners. We use rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or galvanized fasteners to help combat the effects of Florida’s coastal climate. If metal staircases show signs of rust, we strip away the damaged layers and treat the surface with a protective coating that helps prevent further corrosion.
Florida Staircase Repair #3: Loose or Cracked Treads
Frequent use, moisture, and general wear and tear can lead to loose or cracked stair treads. This is particularly common with outdoor stairs that see high traffic during peak beach season. Cracked or loose treads can be hazardous and make using the stairs uncomfortable.
How We Fix It: We secure loose treads by reinforcing the connections with stronger fasteners and adhesives that can withstand both moisture and frequent use. If treads are cracked, we may replace them entirely or repair them using specialized fillers and reinforcements. Whenever possible, we use weather-resistant materials that can hold up to Florida’s combination of sun and rain.
Florida Staircase Repair #4: Erosion Around Staircase Bases
Staircases connected to decks, patios, or balconies face another Florida-specific challenge: soil erosion. The combination of heavy rains and loose sandy soil can cause the ground around your staircase to erode, leading to uneven footing or shifts in the structure.
How We Fix It: Stabilizing the foundation is key to ensuring your staircase remains secure. We assess the surrounding area and may use concrete footings or added supports to prevent further erosion. Reinforcing the base is crucial for a staircase to remain safe and level, especially in Florida’s shifting, sandy environment.
Florida Staircase Repair #5: Sun Damage and Fading
The glorious Florida sun is a significant factor when it comes to fading and surface damage. UV exposure can cause wood to fade, composite materials to warp, and paint or sealant to break down, leaving your staircase looking old and tired.
How We Fix It: To address sun damage, we recommend regular maintenance, such as sanding and resealing. Our team uses UV-resistant coatings that help protect staircases from the harsh sun. For painted staircases, we use high-quality outdoor paint designed to withstand intense UV rays. By using the right materials, we help your staircase stay vibrant and strong despite the constant sunshine.
Keeping Your Florida Staircase Safe and Beautiful
Staircase repairs in Florida present unique challenges, but with the right materials and techniques, those challenges can be overcome. At Beach City Stairs, we understand how Florida’s climate affects staircases, and we use our experience to provide effective, long-lasting repairs and restorations. Whether your staircase is suffering from wood rot, rust, or simply needs a facelift to combat sun damage, we’re here to help.
Need Help with Staircase Repairs in Florida?
If your staircase is showing signs of wear, don’t wait—give us a call today! Beach City Stairs is proud to provide quality repairs, restorations, and new construction to keep your stairs safe and looking great in Florida’s beautiful but challenging climate. Reach out to us for an inspection, and we’ll get your staircase back in perfect shape, ready to take on whatever the Florida weather throws at it.