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First off, building codes dictate that the entry steps (whether concrete entry steps or otherwise) into your home need to start out with footings, makes sense to me. If your entry steps are pulling away from your home or are sinking (not good) it should make sense to you as well.
If entry steps are not properly installed with footings, sink-age may/will occur and water can run in between, possibly causing foundation problems. We here at Goodmanson Construction, having been here since 1971, know steps and entry step codes.
Give us a call (651-636-4966) or click here for a FREE estimate. Yes, FREE!!!
And just so you know we’re on the level: here’s the City of St. Paul Department of Safety And Inspection’s Entry Step Codes.
Entry Step Footings
- Footings must be at least 42 inches in depth.
- They may be block, poured concrete wall or post footings.
- Also, the Landing of the steps, must be at least 36 inches from where it abuts (lies adjacent to) the house out to the first step.
Any of you that have tried to open your door with a bag of groceries and have had to back down a step or two to get the door open can appreciate the wisdom in that one. Bigger is better!
Entry Step Risers & Treads
- The height of your front entry step (called Risers), according to code, can be no higher than 7 3/4 inches .
- The part of the front entry step you actually step on (called Treads) can be no less than 10 inches.
- All Risers (the height of the steps) and Treads (the part you step on) must all be the same; uniform. Same height for all risers. Same length for all treads.
We here at Goodmanson Construction believe in 12 inch Treads for our concrete steps. People with larger feet can appreciate this wisdom. That’s why concrete entry steps (not precast concrete entry steps, I might add, but our very own custom built steps) are among our most popular concrete products!
We should mention that your entry steps will have a 2% slope away from the house, so the water won’t run towards your house.
One more fun fact: Any set of entry steps exceeding 3 Risers must have hand railings.
We don’t install railings but we can recommend a railing expert in your area.
We give our customized concrete steps a nice broom finish to give you more traction in the rain. Also, our steps are 5 inches to 9 inches thick with 3/8 inch rebar in a 24 inch grid pattern throughout.
The steps will be cured and sealed to protect from spills, stains and erosion.
We also fill all cavities left from the forms with black dirt and grass seed. (You will be in charge of watering the grass seed).
Your job site will be thoroughly cleaned up and you can use your new concrete entry steps after just 24 hours.
It will take about 3 days to remove your old steps, set up and pour the new steps. We have the proper equipment to haul the old concrete to the recycling plant so you won’t have a dumpster sitting in front of your house taking up parking spaces and being an eye sore.
Now I think everything is covered as far as your steps go.
Can’t think of anything else you need to know, (please ask if there is) so until next time, this is Max Goodmanson (I work for Goodmanson Construction) wishing you a happy and healthy 2013.
OH WAIT!!! I almost forgot to invite you to come visit me/us at the Roseville “Living Smarter” Home and Garden Fair on Saturday February 16th at the Fairview Community center on County Road B in Roseville.
I’ll see you next time with more concrete facts about concrete. If there are any questions or you have something you would like me to blog about, please send them in.
Bye….
