Stair treads: Key to Stair Safety
Most Homeowners will take precautionary steps to ensure the safety and security of their family. They will buy mats for the bathtub, install burglar alarms and put smoke detectors, but they are missing one vital point"stair safety. There are many instances when people, particularly elderly persons and children, get seriously injured when they slip and fall off from stairs. For the elderly, a slight slip could mean getting confined to a wheelchair or getting bed-ridden for the rest of their lives. The main reason of stair-related injuries is the lack of any handrails, proper lighting and, most importantly, slippery and wrongly positioned stair treads.
Of the above three, stair treads are one of the most unnoticed aspects in terms of safety. A safe stair tread ensures the surface is not slippery and increases the stairs grip and reduces the possibility of any serious fall-related injuries. Moreover, it also protects the stairs to help them serve for a longer duration.
Staircase treads come in a variety of materials including metal, rubber, polypropylene and a wide range of braided fabrics. Compared to carpeted stairs, stair treads are very cheap and durable. However, it is very crucial to ensure the overall look and feel of the stairs before installing any slip-resistant material. The design of the stair tread should not camouflage the depths and edges of the stairs. This happens when a stair tread has numerous contours which hide the depth of stairs. The design should be such that people, particularly the elderly, should clearly recognize each step while climbing up or down.
While a stair tread is the most important safety measure, handrails are also key factors for ensuring safety on stairs. Handrails must be at a proper height to make sure people can easily get hold of it while climbing up. Moreover, the stairs must be in sound condition. Always take the services of professional carpenters to repair any uneven or cracked steps.
The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on Stair parts and stair treads please visit http://www.stairsupplies.com/
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