Fixing porch steps (foundation, sink, glass, cost)

[sbanawan]

The steps on my front porch need to be fixed. I don't know how to describe it except that the set of 4 steps leading up to the porch have begun to pull down from the porch itself. Does that make sense? In other words, the top step is higher than the others because they have begun to separate. What's the best way to fix this? I'll take some pics if that'll help.

Please ask any questions you need for clarifications. Thanks.

[Cosmic]

Doesn't sort of make sense.

From what you say, sounds like the nailer tab that the stringer(s) is attached with is sliding down. About the only way the top step height can be increasing in height.

Take some pixs, include one right where the steps connect to the porch from the side angle.

There normally is a lil tab that is nailed to the flat vertical top part of the stringer (the framing member the steps sit on) and then that tab is nailed into the porch itself. If that is the case and that is not propely secured, the entire set of stairs could appear to be dropping in relation to the porch if that is moving in some fashion.

All the other steps are fixed in relation to each other, the top step probably is below the porch level, if the entire stringer assembly is dropping that top step height would appear to be getting higher.

If all that makes sense.

[sbanawan]

There normally is a lil tab that is nailed to the flat vertical top part of the stringer (the framing member the steps sit on) and then that tab is nailed into the porch itself. If that is the case and that is not propely secured, the entire set of stairs could appear to be dropping in relation to the porch if that is moving in some fashion.

I think that's it. I'll take some pics once it stops raining.

[sbanawan]

Ok. I've got some pics:

[harry chickpea]

It appears that the steps are free standing and not structurally attached to the porch foundation wall. That means that frost and moisture and load variations will cause one or the other to sink into the ground more than the other. My guess is that rainwater has softened the ground under the stairs and the 4x4s supporting it are pressing into the mud.

Options -
Down and dirty - add a new layer of treads on top of the existing treads.

Somewhat better - jack the frame up with a bottle or car jack, cut off the bottom ends of the 4 x 4s where they go into the ground, and insert concrete half-blocks to spread the weight and reduce the wood to ground contact.

Better yet - cut loose the 4x4s, prop the stairs up temporarily, remove the top treads and risers and use the opening to properly lag a ledger board to the porch. Attach the top of the stringers to the ledger board. Rest the lower stair frame on concrete, allowing it to float.

Best - replace the steps entirely. Some of the home improvement stores have pre-formed fiberglass steps that just drop in. The biggest issue with steps that I have seen is poor foundation work. In areas of extreme cold, or areas with clay, foundations may have to be 3 or 4 feet down to create stable steps.

It is easy to see that this was a handyman project or set of stairs meant to be temporary. Note the grain on the ends of the two top sections of tread. A pro would flip those treads over. The way it is constructed, the grain and natural warping forms a cup on the top of boards like that. That holds water, helps form a slick layer of ice, and rots the boards. 4x4s set into the ground either sit on a concrete base or have concrete mix dumped in the hole around them to prevent subsidence. FWIW, if the steps are to remain, the wood needs to be cleaned and sealed.

[sbanawan]

Thanks for that advice. I'm thinking that I should just have them replaced. Any sense of what that would cost? I'm not terribly handy so I would have to hire someone to do it right.

[JFRRACING]

For a small set of steps like that shouldn't cost a whole lot. it looks to me like the person that built them to begin with didn't build them right. the stringer, which is the piece of wood running at an angle under the steps should have been mounted level to the top of the porch not down so low. then you wouldn't have that problem.

[sbanawan]

Ok. Thinking about this, I think I can pull it off as long as I can leave the existing posts in. Could I just pull out the old steps and stringers and leave the posts as is?

[JFRRACING]

I think if you get longer stringers you can connect them to the board that is right above the top step , shown in the picture. then you won't even need the 4x4 s that are in the ground and you will have the steps mounted right to the porch instead of free standing like they are now. that's what i would do.

[sbanawan]

The only problem I see (and possibly the reason they did it this way) is that the concrete walkway starts right at the bottom of the last step. If I used the correct length stringer, it would go out 10" into that walkway instead of stopping right at its edge. Would that be weird? Having the bottom step on the walkway?