Staircases are among the most commonly used fixtures outside any apartment building. You shouldn't be surprised if they have to be replaced eventually. How can you tell if your stairs can benefit from services provided by a local welder? Here are three common signs of staircase trouble you need to watch for.

1. Loose Staircase Elements

Stability is an important characteristic of any exterior staircase. If your tenants cannot ascend or descend your stairs without losing their balance due to a loose step, that's a big issue. Those loose steps are likely related to years of wear and tear. The handrails along your staircase may also feel loose due to continuous usage.

Thankfully, no one has to face the risk of slipping every time they use your damaged stairs. According to Welding Digest, around 750,000 professional welders are working in the U.S. as of 2021. Therefore, you should have no trouble finding a local welder who can address your loose steps and handrails. They can replace those elements promptly and restore the stability of your exterior staircase.

2. Visible Water Damage

Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage any exterior element of a building, and staircases aren't an exception. Material composition is always important for exterior staircases because anything vulnerable to water is likely to break down earlier than expected.

When checking for water damage, you want to examine the color of your staircases. Discoloration is a likely sign of water damage and must be immediately addressed. Warping is another cause of concern for stairs; the warped sections may not be structurally sound, so replace them as soon as possible.

3. Fractured Steps

Lastly, you should also watch for visible fractures along your steps. Visible cracks along your steps indicate structural weakness. Stepping on the stairs the wrong way could cause them to split underneath your feet. They may also give way while a tenant is carrying something heavy.

Although fractured steps could be caused by wear and tear, they may also be related to other issues. Accidentally dropping a heavy object on your stairs can cause that crack to form. Regardless of why the cracked steps formed, you should ask a local welder to replace them immediately.

Don't assume that your exterior stairs are fine without inspecting them first. If you notice any of the signs mentioned here, your next call should be to a local welder. Contact Flying Pig Welding Inc today to get started!