humidity and stair construction

On 29 May 2007 15:28:15 -0700, Nick <[email protected]> wrote:

>I have contracted with a builder to construct some open riser stairs
>from ash in my home here in Maine. He keeps delaying construction and
>I am worried that further delay into the humid summer will result in
>squeeking stairs when the air dries out in winter. Are my concerns
>justified?

IMO sorta...
I think you will have movement no matter the season you build the
stairs. If you build in the winter with dry heat the material will
still swell in the humid summer. I think it's one of those "six of
one... half a dozen of the other" situations.
Another thing I might mention since you said you were going to have
open risers...... be sure, if you have local codes, that your
inspector will buy open risers. The IRC (International Residential
Code), used by many municipalities for guidelines on stairway
construction, does not support open riser construction on interior
stair systems. There is an exception if you add a piece (across where
the normal riser would be) to split the open area normally covered by
the riser. You may also be able to get a variance from your local
authority if you have one.

Mike O.

Nick,
Never found a set of stairs that over time did not squeak. To slow
the process wrap the top of the stringers with a single layer of felt tar
paper. May smell for a short while, but reduces the rubbing of wood against
wood. The back side of the run may still run against the stringer if not
treated as well.

Paul

"Nick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all,
> I have contracted with a builder to construct some open riser stairs
> from ash in my home here in Maine. He keeps delaying construction and
> I am worried that further delay into the humid summer will result in
> squeeking stairs when the air dries out in winter. Are my concerns
> justified?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts.
>