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Trying to find building code requirements for your concrete steps?
While building codes might seem daunting at first, with a proper guide, you will be done with your entry step project in no time! Now lets breakdown the building code for concrete steps.
Entry Step Codes
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.
Before we dive into our breakdown of the building code for concrete steps, it is important to note this is only a breakdown of the main requirements. Yes, this should be everything you need to know to complete your project, but if you would like to read all of the building code requirements in Minnesota, 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.
Final Steps and Clean Up
Once the steps are cured and sealed, they will be ready to protect from spills, stains and erosion.
To clean up, our team at Goodmanson always fills any cavities left from the forms with black dirt and places grass seed (You will be in charge of watering the grass seed). And just like that, your job site will be thoroughly cleaned up and you can use your new concrete entry steps after just 24 hours.
All-in-all, it will take about 3 days to remove your old steps, set up and pour the new steps. Our team has 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.
Finding the Right Contractor for Your Concrete Steps
If you started reading this post with the intention of doing the steps yourself, we would urge you not too. Sure, you might be able to do it, but when you don’t have the tools or experience, you will probably spend a decent amount of time and money just to be left with a mediocre outcome.
Like all home projects, you are going to want to have an end product that will last you for years to come. If you are looking for an experienced and trusted contractor in the Twin Cities, give our team at Goodmanson a call! We are always happy to help with your project or even just answer any questions you may have!
See you next time with more concrete facts about concrete.
