concretestairs
The front steps in front of my house are deteriorating. I am trying to get a contractor to replace the limestone slab steps with concrete. For example, enclosed is a picture of my estimate from 2016.
The steps are steep, is there a specific type of concrete that might work better than 4000 PSI mix? Are there any red flags in the estimate, or other specifics I should be looking for or asking about?
I realize that you don't want to proceed with the project but I thought I'd answer anyway in case someone else is curious. I am a licensed contractor and my company specializes in basement remodeling; we have done several window expansions or additions in concrete foundations. A few things:
Though you can support the new opening with pressure treated wood (according the engineers prescription, of course), most likely the engineer will recommend a steel frame in the newly cut opening. We use a 4"x4"x1/4" steel frame that the engineer signs off on. You can have one made to fit your opening at your local steel fabricator. (see pic below)
After you install the frame with bolts into the concrete and silicone sealant around the entire perimeter, the installation of the window is a piece of cake.
From the description and photograph, it appears that the crack is the natural result of the sort of stresses one would expect at a location with:
Drastic change in slab width to extend the slab through the door opening.
Drastic change in thermal stress where the slab transitions from interior temperatures to exterior temperatures.
Drastic change in slab stiffness. Dynamic vehicle loads are applied sequentially from the rigidly supported portion directly above the wall below to the spanning portion where they create deflection in the supporting structure.
All of which is to say that repairing the joint does not mean filling it in. There will always be a joint there. Instead, repairing the joint probably consists of keeping water out using backer rod and a flexible traffic sealant rated for wide joints...and perhaps a metal joint cover.
There's no magic in a can that it going to defy the laws of physics or change the internal stresses of a concrete slab under dynamic vehicular loads. Any repair needs to be premised on acceptance that there will be a joint across the opening where the slab narrows.
Best Answer
I'm not a concrete expert by any measure, but here are a few questions I would have about the job. I'm not looking for you to answer them here - they are just questions you should know the answer to and possibly should be a part of the quote.
Are you sure you want the same rails replaced in the new steps? Won't they be damaged when removed and if so, who pays for new rails/posts? Are they also replacing that stone "slope" the rails are sticking out of?
Does the current stair design meet all building codes or will it have to be modified to meet code? Check on rise/run measurements, landing requirements, ok to have rails on just one side, etc.
Do you require any building permits or inspections to get this completed? Who pays for the permits?
Are they hauling off and disposing of the old material? You may be able to shop for cheaper demolition since that is unskilled labor.
Do you want a time estimate in addition to pricing?