Are you having problems with steps settling? Even years later? Most houses have a 24" over dig and those with basements the over dig goes down approximately 9'. Builders will fill the over dig with dirt and that fill is still settling years later after the house was built. Jason Geiser, owner of Deco-Crete Supply, has come up with a solution to help keep your concrete steps from settling.
The method utilizes an angle iron with block dry stacked on top of the angle iron. The angle iron should measure 3" x 3" x 1/4" thick in order for it to hold the block. Once you have the angle iron then you will want to drill holes for tapcons every 18" Before placing the angel, you will want to figure out how many risers will be in the steps then add another 5" to the measurement. Adding the 5 inches will allow for the extra concrete. Now you are ready to place the angle iron. Tapcon the angle iron to the foundation at the measurement you took of the risers. Before placing any block, you will want to use an anti-rust spray paint on the angle iron to slow down the deterioration.
Place the block on the angle iron and fill up the free space in the steps. By using this method your concrete is not attached or tied into the house.
Check out the Technique of the Week video to see the process done. Subscribe to receive weekly tips, www.techniqueoftheweek.org
