Making Deck Stairs Stable

QUESTION: The stairs leading from my deck to the ground have become shaky. What causes this, and what can you suggest to make them more secure?

ANSWER: A common cause for loosening deck stairs is frost heaving or settling, in that the earth or pad that supports the bottom of the stairs can move. This loosens the attachment of the stair to the deck. The first course of action is to readjust the bottom support of the stair. If your steps sit directly on the earth, shim the stringers with flat rocks or shovel new earth in place. If your steps rest on a masonry pad, you’ll have to lift and shim the pad. Then, reinforce the attachments at the top of the stairs by driving toenails through the stringer into the rim joist.

Through use, the nails that hold the stringers to the stair treads can become loose. Use a long clamp to draw the stringers tight to the tread and drive new nails to hold the assembly together.

Mineral Deposits Set Before You See Them

Q: What’s the best way to remove mineral deposits from toilets and other fixtures and can these deposits be prevented from forming?

A: You can avoid a buildup of mineral deposits by keeping your fixtures clean. Use a general purpose bathroom cleanser with a stiff brush once a week whether your fixtures appear to need it or not. The buildup begins before you can actually see it. By the time you notice the stain, the deposits will have developed a stubborn hold.

Inadequate Ventilation Causes Attic Mildew

Q: I am trying to figure out why I have mildew on the inside of my unheated walk-in attic. On one end of the attic there is a crank-out louver window and there are two roof vents on one side of the roof.

A: Mildew on the attic side of the roof sheathing is caused by a moisture buildup on the surface, which in turn is the result of inadequate attic ventilation. Mildew, which shows up as dark spots on the roof sheathing, will not cause the roof deck to deteriorate. Once the attic is adequately vented, mildew stops growing.

The louver window should not be closed during the winter months or ever. Even if the total unobstructed attic ventilation opening satisfies the recommended formula of one square foot of opening for every 300 square feet of floor area, the distribution of the vents may not provide adequate air circulation.

Ideally, air entering the attic should “wash” the underside of the roof deck before venting to the outside. This can usually be obtained by using continuous soffit vents and a ridge vent. In your case, you will improve the overall attic ventilation if you install a gable louver at the other end of the attic.