Monday 1 June 2015

Why You Should Avoid DIY Stair Nosing Installation

The rise of DIY has seen many men turn into temporary carpenters, builders, and even architects. However, when it comes to items that are installed for safety reasons, such as safety stair nosing, it is a job best left to the professionals.



Stair nosing is often designed to be easy to install, and this fact leads many to assume that there is no prior learning or training that need be completed, and just anyone can complete the installation. Easy to install actually means that for those with the understanding and experience, this will be quicker and easier to install compared to other alternatives. Unless specifically stated, stair nosing products are expected to be installed by a professional for a number of reasons. Resist the urge to save a few dollars and tackle the job yourself.

First of all, incorrect installation could create a whole new hazard and actually reduce safety rather than increase it. Stair nosing, depending on the material and surface of the stair, is either screwed, bolted or glued on. Each of these methods, if done hurriedly or otherwise unevenly, can result in one side of the nosing being less secure than the other. Over time with wear this can see one area weaken and even detached from the stair. An obstacle such as this in the middle of a stairway is clearly a tripping hazard, especially if the nosing has only lifted a little. Tripping on the stairs can happen to anyone, and can cause serious arm or even result in a fatality.

To avoid any risk of this, most professional installers provide a safety net by using both adhesive and bolts or screws were applicable. Screws and bolts can’t be placed just anywhere, and there are recommendations about the precise placement for optimum safety that should be adhered to. In short, handymen should look to other hobbies and leave the stair nosing jobs to the experts.

Installing stair nosing involves the operation of some potentially dangerous machinery. Power tools can be a risk at the best of times, but when operating on the uneven surface of a staircase, the risks are multiplied. Professionals will not only wear goggles and have extensive experience in dealing with power tools, but they will also work safely on stairs. Nosing may also need to be cut on site in order to better fit the stairs in question, and needs to be done using correct equipment. Cutting with inadequate equipment could compromise the value of the product.

Because it is expected that professionals complete the installation, DIYers may be unpleasantly surprised to discover that their warranty and insurance is invalid after performing the job themselves. The company you bought the product from can only guarantee safety providing a certain level of care is taken during the installation, and if you did it yourself they have absolutely no control over it. Likewise, insurance companies are not idiots, and recognise that people without experience are likely not going to do as good a job as the experts, and there is a much greater chance of someone getting injured. They are business people, and don’t want to have to pay more, so will likely dismiss any claims you make.

Finally, professionals ensure that the job gets done to the highest standard and in no time at all. Doing it yourself could have you panicking every time someone is running up the stairs in case they fall and you would be to blame. Do what is right for your staff and customers and talk to the professional stair nosing experts at Step Solve at http://stepsolve.com.au/.

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