After water damage in your home, stair carpeting is generally not removed for safety reasons. Exposed tack strips or staples, especially on steps, can be dangerous. However, there are situations where removing carpet from stairs is necessary to prevent damage to hardwood steps underneath, or in the case of sewage contamination. Removing tack strips is not advised, as this may damage the hardwood or the subfloor. Extreme caution must be used whenever the tack strip is exposed or when the carpeted stairs are damp. If carpet left on the stairs is unsalvageable, it will be removed when new carpet is installed.