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Building new stairs

Jjjmsc

My outdoor stoop stairs (concrete) are being rebuilt due to excessive damage (125 year old house).

When I stepped on the rebuilt stairs (scratch cote) for the first time tonight, I noticed they were not quite level. They pitched downward so that when I stepped up, my heel was lower than my toes. Just slightly, but discernible.

Seems the property manager instructed the contractor to "pitch the stairs a bit" so that "rain water would run off and not collect on the stairs."

Help me out here. I am dizzy from all the google searching. Does this make ANY sense? I think NO WAY but want to hear from the experts.

 
Jun 26, 15 12:46 am
midlander

could it be built? sure. should it? probably not.

If the slope on the tread is that noticeable they almost certainly don't comply with code. If you think it's a real danger for tripping or slipping bring this up with the property manager. Can you post a photo?

If you live in a big apartment that's professionally managed they'll take your concern seriously - falls are a big risk for property owners. If it's a small building or lazy owner you might need to do a little work to check out the local building code and see what it says about stairs - and send him a written letter noting that the new stairs don't comply if that's the case.

Jun 26, 15 1:10 am  · 
 · 
midlander

here is an illustration of what's allowed per the IBC/IRC:

A 2% slope downwards is allowed to make sure rain can drain off. But on a typical tread that would be less than 1/4 inch of slope. If it's noticeable when you walk on it the slope is probably too high. Get a level and check it.

Jun 26, 15 2:34 am  · 
 · 
JeromeS

Scratch coat stairs? 

Jun 26, 15 7:09 am  · 
 · 

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