Replies

1. 
   HomeBldr_ | Feb 07, 2001 12:31am | #1

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   I have never known anyone to attach them before. I can't think of a reason to attach them. But if I did, I would probably use steel angle bracket, drilled and bolted to the stairs and foundation..

1. 
   Mike_Willms | Feb 07, 2001 01:50am | #2

   *Jim,Most pre-casts I've seen are attached by bolting a concrete pier bracket directly to a concrete foundation and setting the step on top. Gravity pretty much keeps it in place, with an absence of fill underneath. The bolts run directly thru an 8" wall and are fastened on the inside with a 3 or 4" washer. Most manufacturers I've dealt with will supply appropriate hardware, and even install it for you. Like I said, I've seen them attached to concrete foundations. Better talk to the manufacturer or check your local building codes to see if the block can withstand the lateral pressure of the brackets.

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   Vincent_Carbone | Feb 07, 2001 01:53am | #3

   *Jim, the ones we use come with bolts cast in the wall of the stairs and holes are drilled in the block and the stairs are attached to the wall and sealed.Then the stairs are backed filled.Vince

1. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Feb 07, 2001 02:16am | #4

   *Vince, do ya just use a big washer and nut, or do ya run a 2x or something up the wall first and bolt thru that to spread the pressure? Or, have filled block been strong enough? I never did this, but had a job that fell thru a few yrs ago that would have. Just curious. Jeff

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   Vincent_Carbone | Feb 08, 2001 01:15pm | #5

   *Jeff,we use 10" poured foundations here and the cast stairs are installed by the co. that makes them.But yes a washer and nut are used, in a block wall you might want to reinforce where the conection is made.Vince

2. 
   Ryan_C | Feb 08, 2001 03:12pm | #6

   *Around here, a step footing goes below frost and the steps are just grouted to the top of this footing. no bolts.

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   Mongo_ | Feb 08, 2001 06:56pm | #7

   *Are we talking pre-cast basement steps going down to the basement or precast units going up to an entry door?For the former:10" poured foundations are the norm here, and the installer does as Vince wrote...pops four holes through the foundation, installs the gasket, then booms the stairs in, then installs the washers and nuts.For block foundations they also add a strip (about 4" by 60") of quarter-inch steel plate on the inside of the block wall. The steel has pre-punched holes for the bolts to pass through. This helps spread the load a bit. Not all installers use the steel strip. Some just use plates, about 4-6" square at each bolt (think an oversized square washer), others use nothing.For the latter:The precast unit (or block-built up) is typically set on a slab which is set on footers that run below frost level. The stairs themselves are free from the foundation.

4. 
   JIM_WALKAMA | Feb 09, 2001 04:41am | #8

   *THE PRE-CAST STEPS ARE FOR A BASEMENT ENTRY. THEY WILL BE COVERED WITH A SET CELLAR DOORS.

2. 
   JIM_WALKAMA | Feb 09, 2001 04:41am | #9

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   LOOKING FOR BEST METHOD TO ATTACH PRE-CAST REAR ENTRY STEPS TO A
   EXISTING BLOCK FOUNDATION.