Why Hire a Concrete Stair Installer?
Concrete stairs are an attractive and functional addition to your home. However, building concrete steps requires proper planning, construction, and maintenance.
Before you can build new concrete steps, the area needs to be clear and dug down to the correct depth for your stairs. Laying a subbase of granular fill protects your new concrete steps from shifts in the earth and deterioration. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Concrete Stair Installer.
Concrete stairs are a low-maintenance and durable way to enhance the exterior of a property. They are also easy to clean, and can be molded in many different designs to complement the style of a home or business. If you have existing concrete steps that are in need of repair, consider hiring a professional concrete stair installer to save yourself time and money. These experts can help you plan and install a new set of stairs that will provide years of use.
Start by clearing the area where your new steps will be placed. This includes removing any plants, rocks or debris from the area. Depending on your location, it may be necessary to dig up and remove the old steps. This can be a messy job, but it’s important to follow the safety protocols for jackhammer use. Wearing ear protection and a dust mask is recommended.
Next, lay a sub-base. This will include a layer of crushed gravel or sand that is 4-8 inches deep. It is important to get this right, as a poorly laid subbase can cause cracking and structural failure in the steps. It’s best to consult your local building and safety department for specific requirements.
Once the sub-base is laid, you’ll need to prepare the site for your concrete pour. Using the dimensions you’ve calculated for your staircase, stake out the area where it will be. Then, using a mason’s line, mark a line to indicate where the base of the stairs will be when poured. Use a level to ensure that the line is straight.
Dig out the installation area until it is the correct distance from your doorway entrance or porch. Then, pack the soil using a dirt tamper until it’s hard to penetrate with a shovel and resembles hard clay or the surface of a well-traveled dirt road.
Once the stair form is prepared, you’ll need to anchor it to the foundation. Typically, steel brackets are used for this purpose. They are bolted to the foundation using concrete anchors, and then they’re used to catch the legs of the stair.
Pouring
Concrete stairs are a permanent fixture that enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a property. They are highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic. In addition, they are a safe alternative to wooden steps because of their non-slip surface. They are also easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with a garden hose or pressure washer. If you are considering installing concrete stairs on your property, it is important to find a qualified contractor to complete the project. A professional concrete stair installer will be familiar with the process and can help you choose the best options for your home.
Pouring concrete on-site to build steps is an intense job that requires a lot of effort and energy. Before beginning the task, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to ensure you are physically capable of performing this type of work. Additionally, you should consider asking neighbors to keep their children and pets away from the area while you are working. Once you’ve made sure you can safely perform the work, start by preparing the site. Dig footings that are 3 inches wider than your steps. Using a shovel, a hoe, or a wheelbarrow, transfer the concrete to the form. Then, place wire mesh and rebar into the concrete. Once the concrete is poured, remove the forms after a day and let the concrete cure for a week before walking on it.
In some areas, it is necessary to get a building permit for concrete steps. This process adds to the cost of the project and may require a professional inspector to visit your property. Additionally, if you’re removing old concrete to install new steps, it can cost up to $200 to dispose of the material.
Precast concrete stairs are a great alternative to poured-in-place steps. They are available in a wide variety of styles and can be custom-designed to match your home’s design. They are more cost-effective than poured-in-place stairs and are easier to install because they’re manufactured in a factory. Additionally, they are eco-friendly because they are made from recycled materials and don’t create allergy- or asthma-inducing dust during installation.
Finishing
Concrete is an extremely strong material and will withstand many kinds of wear and tear. However, it must be well maintained to ensure longevity. This includes resurfacing and sealing the concrete. Stairs are one of the most common places where you’ll find concrete, and it can easily deteriorate if left unprotected. You should also make sure that you have a solid subbase, as this will help to prevent structural failure. This can be done by adding a layer of crushed rock, gravel or sand to the top of your steps. It is important to lay a base that is 3 inches deeper than the height of your steps. If you live in a cold climate, consider applying a layer of Styrofoam to the subbase to protect against frost damage.
The next step in the process of installing concrete stairs involves creating forms for the concrete to be poured. This can be done by hand or with a power tool. Typically, steel reinforcement bars are placed in the form to provide support and prevent cracking. The number and size of the steel bars is determined by a structural engineer based on the loads that will be applied to the stairs.
After the concrete has been poured, it is left to cure for several days until it is strong enough to be used. Once the concrete is ready, the forms are removed, and the concrete is smoothed or troweled to give it a finished appearance. In some cases, decorative elements such as coloured aggregates or tile can be added to the concrete during this stage.
While the process of installing concrete stairs may seem complicated, it is actually much simpler than most people realize. This is especially true when you opt for precast concrete stairs, which are made at a factory and then delivered to the site for installation. This saves time and money, as the contractor doesn’t have to spend a lot of effort on labor.
If you need new stairs or are looking to upgrade your existing ones, contact a local concrete contractor to see what kind of options they have available. They can recommend the best style for your home and will work within your budget. They can even install or repair railings if you need them.
Maintenance
Over time, foot traffic and the elements can take their toll on concrete. It’s important to inspect and repair these steps on a regular basis, so that they last longer and remain safe for use. If you notice that your stairs are showing signs of wear and tear, like cracks or crumbling, don’t hesitate to contact a professional concrete contractor to come out and take a look. By catching these issues early, you can prevent further damage and save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
To begin the process of repairing your concrete steps, first chip away any soft or crumbling concrete with a mason’s chisel. Make sure to wear a dust mask and goggles during this step. Once you have removed all of the damaged concrete, dampen the surface to help prevent the new cement from drawing the moisture out of the existing concrete and causing it to set too fast.
Next, you will need to build a form to protect your handiwork. Create a piece of wood that is large enough to cover the hole from the inside, looks like it may be 12″ x 24″. Drill two holes into it and place a bolt in each one. Then put duct tape over the entire thing and make it secure with tape around the edges to protect your hands from the sharp edge of the concrete.
When you are ready to add the new cement, mix it up in a 5 gallon bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You will want to use a concrete fortifier in order to ensure that your stairs are as strong and durable as possible.
With the use of a margin trowel, begin to fill in the broken section of your step. Press the cement into the voids and smooth it out with the steel trowel. Once you have finished, use a level to make sure that your repaired step is even.
It is important to note that this repair method will only work on small cracks and surface imperfections. If your concrete steps have any large breaks or areas that are excessively crumbling, they will probably need to be replaced entirely. For more extensive problems, you can hire a concrete pro to inspect them and check the structural integrity of your home’s foundation.
