Which trade to repair

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OllieF

85 posts

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#298731 11-Jul-2022 14:32

Hi. Images are of the foundation beneath the front entrance steps, so not the actual house. The join between the steps and the structure beneath has some cracking. I am wondering what trade or go for to get it repaired. Prevous owner has obviously tried inserting some filler, but this is crumbling now. Images below.

timmmay

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#2940717 11-Jul-2022 14:34

I'd try a builder first.

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johno1234

2733 posts

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#2940723 11-Jul-2022 14:43

Looks like the ground has moved and as the steps are not connected to the house they will go with the ground. Has the prior repair been done with hard mortar or flexible sealer? Personally I would consider scraping or chipping out the previous repair and filling with a flexible caulking. It will tend to keep cracking, especially if the ground is drying out.

OllieF

85 posts

Master Geek

#2940730 11-Jul-2022 15:08

johno1234:

Looks like the ground has moved and as the steps are not connected to the house they will go with the ground. Has the prior repair been done with hard mortar or flexible sealer? Personally I would consider scraping or chipping out the previous repair and filling with a flexible caulking. It will tend to keep cracking, especially if the ground is drying out.

I was wondering about whether just to this, but was wondering if there was something that structurally could be addressed as a more permanent repair. What sort of caulking product do you think?

johno1234

2733 posts

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#2940751 11-Jul-2022 16:10

I could be completely wrong but don't think there's much you can or need to do unless the movement is drastic. We have the same issue, and the concrete has a stucco finish so can get away with a rough repair to match the rough surface, which is then painted.

I'd give something like one of these a try before spending $$$ on a tradie:

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/h-b-fuller-caulk-in-colours-flexible-coloured-joint-sealant-450g-cedar/p/370581

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/selleys-no-more-gaps-mortar-filler-repair-440g-offwhite_p0503423

If you are not painting it then hopefully you can find a matching colour, otherwise colour won't matter I guess.

OllieF

85 posts

Master Geek

#2963133 4-Sep-2022 18:22

Just an update. Had a L3 LPB around and asked him. He proposed the below which we are going to go with.

New wall to front entry stairs. $1,475.00

Scope of works.

Cut concrete and prepare and steel for footing
Concrete footing
Lay masonry blocks
Solid plaster wall to match existing

eracode

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#2963159 4-Sep-2022 20:22

OllieF:

Just an update. Had a L3 LPB around and asked him. He proposed the below which we are going to go with.

New wall to front entry stairs. $1,475.00

Scope of works.

Cut concrete and prepare and steel for footing
Concrete footing
Lay masonry blocks
Solid plaster wall to match existing

IANAE but that sounds a very reasonable price for what is planned.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Bung

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#2963180 4-Sep-2022 21:19

Is it really that serious? The steps themselves appear intact and the concrete path doesn't seem to have moved. Are there any cracks between steps and house? I wouldn't be surprised to find that the panel covering the triangular space under the stairs isn't that substantial. Try knocking some of the filler out and looking.

OllieF

85 posts

Master Geek

#2963230 5-Sep-2022 08:43

Bung: Is it really that serious? The steps themselves appear intact and the concrete path doesn't seem to have moved. Are there any cracks between steps and house? I wouldn't be surprised to find that the panel covering the triangular space under the stairs isn't that substantial. Try knocking some of the filler out and looking.

On the basis that the crack has been there for some time and the stairs are good, I would suggest its not serious, rather than looks worse that what it is. Given the price and that it will present better for sale some time in the future, I am inclined to just do the fix.

Bung

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#2963234 5-Sep-2022 08:56

I would still have a look at what that panel is. I suspect it could just be a wooden frame that's rotted and falling to bits, covered in fibre cement board and plastered. If it was more than that there's a lot of apparent movement that's not evident in the steps or path slabs.

Even just getting rid of it and having a hollow space under the steps could look better.

Eva888

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#2963239 5-Sep-2022 09:08

Leaving a hollow space underneath if it’s not structural as @bung suggests would be my choice too. Great for storing a wheelbarrow or some garden tools, dog and cat shelter etc.