Rotting porch steps — Bakersfield, California

Soft, spongy, or visibly decayed porch steps are a safety hazard and a sign that moisture has been working its way into the wood for months or years. Rot typically starts at the bottom of stringers where they contact the ground, at tread nosings where water pools, and around rusted fasteners. A carpenter can assess whether the damage is limited to treads or extends to the stringers and supporting structure, then repair or rebuild the steps to code.