For parts of the country subjected to freeze thaw cycles, air-entrained concrete provides greater strength and stability than other processes. The trapped air cells allow for repeated expansion and contraction of the concrete without compromising its characteristics.
If there is enough space for it, a straight stair construction is usually recommended, as it is simplest to build, and thus the least costly of all the stair types. This type of staircase (as the name implies) has no turns.
Portland cement is classified as a calcium silicate cement, because it includes calcium, silicon, aluminum and iron. There are eight primary and many specialty Portland cement formulations, including a white Portland that produces an elegant effect in stairs, patios and driveways.
Out with the old, in with the new!
New poured in place steps into hillside!
A few projects we completed this week!
With their wedge-shaped steps, a winder staircase can involve a lot of carefully calculation and design to build. But if done correctly (such as by a stair contractor), the result is a staircase that flows smoothly between the floors and invites people to use it.
Concrete surfaces sometimes develop a white surface residue. Called efflorescence, it appears when moisture in the concrete carries natural salts to the surface, which leave a powdery residue as the moisture evaporates. This residue can be removed with masonry cleaning formulas.
Are you looking for the perfect addition to your grand entryway? One of the most elegant and graceful staircases is the arched staircase. These take up a good amount of space, but the gently tapered steps and smooth curve are well worth it.
Some final pictures of a railing project we just completed in Webster City, IA. Big shout out to my fabricator Ryne Fuller, all my help to test fit and install, and our painters at Royal Coating Solutions in Center Point, IA! Thanks Concept to Creation for the work! Turned out awesome!
Just a few completed projects this week!
Concrete steps can be made with a concrete base, then have a variety of finishes, including granite, aggregate stones, cobblestone, or brick. Precast concrete steps can be bought with these finishes already made into the steps to make installation easier.
When it comes to poured exterior concrete stairs, the concrete mix is generally at least 4,000 psi with a low water-to-cement ratio. An air-entrainment can also be added to the concrete to help resist freezing and thawing cycles, and deicing chemicals.
When you stop and think about it, going up the stairs involves a good amount of strength, balance, and coordination, which is why many staircases include landings. These provide a flat area between flights to make climbing the stairs a lot more comfortable.
When it comes to the construction of exterior stairs, concrete is a better choice than wood for several reasons. Unlike wood, concrete stairs will not warp, fade, splinter, or rot, and they are also extremely low-maintenance.
Did you know that curved sales can actually increase the market value of a home? Not only can curved staircases add a unique look to the foyer, but they also make the overall look of your home more appealing and thus more attractive to buyers.
Because pre-cast concrete stairs are mobile, they can be used to provide quick and easy access to temporary structures, like field offices, derricks, and platforms. All we need to know is the height that needs to be reached, and we will have them on site when needed.
If you’re trying to remodel or renovate your home on a strict budget, it’s wise to consult with an experienced stair contactor before you begin. This will help you ensure that you have a realistic idea of what your budget can accomplish with your staircase. You may be surprised by how much change you can get!
Many concrete surface sealants are designed to improve water resistance without creating a fully waterproof surface. When used on concrete, this type of sealant is designed to protect the material from external moisture but allow internal moisture to evaporate.
If your staircase needs to turn, you have a choice between winder stairs and landings. Landings have a flat surface that breaks up the staircase into straight flights, while winder stairs have angled steps that allow the staircase to turn while still going up.
If you want to add stone stairs to your building, they don't actually have to be built of stone. Using concrete stairs as a base, the stairs can be tiled to look like stone, but still have the solid, dependable durability of concrete underneath the tile.
Double-L staircases require two 90-degree turns along the flight of stairs. This type of staircase is not common and is primarily used when there is a real shortage of space that won’t even accommodate an L-stair construction.
Did you know that, in the process of casting multi-flight concrete stairs, the concrete molds cast the stair in one landing (called monolithic)? This is important, as it allows architects and engineers a great deal of flexibility in their design.
