Stairs are subject to continuous wear and tear in any building home, commercial, or industrial. They are constantly exposed to high foot traffic, dirt, and moisture, as well as heavy impacts from footsteps, which can quickly break down the surface of stairs. Over time, it often creates unsafe conditions, high maintenance costs, and frequent replacements of stair molds. The good news is there are Stair Tread Covers, which are an intelligent and economical solution to the wear and tear that stairs face. They protect stairs from damage, improve the safety of the staircase, and improve the overall aesthetics of the structure, while lowering maintenance costs and extending the life of the staircase.

What Are Stair Tread Covers?

Stair tread covers are protective coverings that are installed onto existing treads, or the part of the stair that you step onto. They are a medium used to protect the substrate material of the stair (concrete, wood, or metal) against wear, moisture, or impact.

Stair tread covers can come in a variety of materials, which may consist of fiberglass, rubber, metal, vinyl, or composite formulations, and are suited to different settings. Some stair tread covers come with anti-slip surfaces built-in, while others are mainly designed for protection of the stair and improvement of applications.

In addition to their functionality, stair tread covers would be a fast and cost-effective way to make an old or damaged stair look refreshed without the costly expense of either walking the stairs or replacing the stair from the ground up.

The High Price of Stair Maintenance

If there is no protective covering, staircases require frequent maintenance to stay safe and functional, which can become expensive due to:

Frequent Repairs: Stairs made of concrete can chip or crack, and wood can splinter or rot.

Repainting or Refinishing: To keep wood or metal stairs looking clean, it may be necessary to refinish them on a regular basis.

Slip Issues: Worn or smooth surfaces on stairs are sometimes heavily trafficked, which can result in injuries or claims against liability.

Downtime and Labor Costs: The removal or replacement of stairs interferes with customers' or employees' day-to-day use in commercial settings, resulting in indirect costs.

Stair Treads greatly alleviate these challenges by preventing surfaces of stairs from direct exposure to wear and environmental problems, resulting in dramatically reduced frequency and costs of maintenance.

How Stair Tread Covers Protect Against Maintenance Costs

Stair tread covers will save property owners and facility managers in multiple ways, uniquely placing them as one of the best long-term values for your investment.

Wear and Damage Protection: Stair surfaces can deteriorate quickly in a highly used area due to foot traffic, loads, and dirty step surfaces from the abrasive side of dirt. Stair tread covers act as a sacrificial layer that absorbs the impact and friction, thus preserving the stairs' integrity and extending the longevity of the stairs without requiring repairs.

Resistance to Moisture and Corrosion: Moisture is one of the greatest threats to stair materials, especially wood, concrete, and metal. Moisture can cause rust, swelling, and cracking. Many stair tread covers, specifically those made from fiberglass or a composite, are designed to be waterproof and corrosion resistant, protecting against moisture damage and increasing the overall life of the stair.

Decreased Cleaning Time: New stairs can get dirty and grimy over time and may need cleaning. Covers with non-porous or textured surfaces are easy to clean and stain resistant. This saves you time and the expense of detergent or special maintenance.

Slip Prevention and Decrease in Incidents: Accidents on stairs are one of the most frequent injuries in the workplace. Stair tread covers with anti-slip function address this concern by improving traction and reducing the business' liability, insurance liability, and compensation costs. In fact, avoiding one major slip and fall will exceed the cost of installing stair tread covers.

Low Cost for Installation and Replacement: Installing stair treads may provide extra durability and improved traction; however, it is low-cost and easy to install when compared to replacing or resurfacing stairs. Covers can be installed directly over existing treads with adhesive, screws, or clips and provide a quick installation process. After many years, when the tread covers are worn, an individual tread cover can be replaced using the same installation process, without disturbing other tread covers or stairs and reducing downtime and cost.

Long-Lasting: Quality stair tread covers can last for decades with little maintenance. These long-lasting tread covers mean less need for replacements and lower costs for materials. They are a great long-term investment for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities.