Concrete Steps and Stairs

The Ontario Building Code, occupancy, egress function, architectural drawings, structural design, and finished elevations establish rise, going, width, landing, headroom, guard, and handrail requirements. Harrowgate calculates the full flight from final finishes and surveys every form so uniformity is maintained from the lower landing to the upper floor.

Unexpected variation disrupts a user’s walking rhythm and creates a trip risk. It can also cause inspection failure. Form layout must account for tile, topping, paving slope, and actual top and bottom elevations. Harrowgate checks each riser before concrete and remeasures the completed flight before handover.

The design combines frost-protected foundations, stable compacted support, positive drainage, suitable air-entrained concrete, correct finishing, curing, durable joints, and controlled salt exposure. Harrowgate keeps water from collecting below the stairs or against landings. Concrete strength alone does not prevent movement if saturated subgrade freezes.

Yes, where the structural and rail design uses cast-in sleeves, plates, or anchors. The exact post line, edge distance, projection, and corrosion protection are coordinated before placement. Post pockets must not weaken nosings or collect water. Field-drilled anchors are used only with approved embedment and verified reinforcing clearance.

The architectural detail determines square, chamfered, formed, or proprietary nosings and any contrast or abrasive insert. Harrowgate consolidates concrete fully into the nosing, avoids excess paste, provides consistent slip-resistant tread texture, and protects edges during curing. Inserts and rail components are aligned from coordinated layout.

Localized sound repairs are possible where the foundation, geometry, reinforcement, and remaining concrete are suitable. Deep delamination, widespread corrosion, major settlement, or noncompliant dimensions can make replacement more reliable. Harrowgate exposes the condition, removes unsound concrete, and coordinates the repair limits with the engineer.

The stair is barricaded and a temporary compliant route is coordinated with the facility and constructor. Harrowgate protects the concrete from pedestrian shortcuts, deliveries, vibration, and rail installation until required strength is reached. Reopening also depends on completed guards, handrails, landings, lighting, and safe adjacent surfaces.