Stoop Issues!

1) Our stoop is cracking. It was re-brownstoned somewhere between 6-10 years ago by the previous owner. We filled the cracks (pix attached) last winter because water was leaking through (and dripping under the stoop) while trying to determine what to do. It is again cracking open and leaking and I need a more permanent solution. I got an estimate from a contractor who does Brownstoning (came recommended and I’ve seen his work) and he said he’d rip up the landing and put re-bar in.

Does this sound right, some re-bar and then resurfacing? Just wondering if the problem is somehow deeper (not even sure what I mean by that.)

2) We have a hole in the concrete at the base of the stairs (pic attached) that rats have made larger, and are now using as a home base. We’ve put a bunch of poison in there, and activity is lower — now I need to fill it. Can I concrete it myself? Quickcrete? I am not at all handy, but how hard can it be?! (The internet just told me concrete d oes not bond to concrete so I figured I should probably ask people wiser than myself).

Thank you!

[IMG_1728](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:014k:img_1728.jpg.jpg) [IMG_1726](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:KeY0:img_1726.jpg.jpg) [IMG_1725](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:etn8:img_1725.jpg.jpg)

cynthiab

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

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cynthiab

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

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Hi Everyone – thanks for your responses. I guess I was wondering if I needed something more (deeper!?) than a mason, like structural engineer or someone like that — but your responses helped me see that I have the right guy! The bid I have is from Z.Abedin which has tons of reviews on here, and came highly recommended from a friend. Thank you!

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

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We are weighing the cost to have our old, crumbling, leaky stoop repaired and re-surfaced, or having it demolished and rebuilt from scratch. It looks like your stoop can be resurfaced, which is when the masons chip away the old surface, apply 1-2 layers of cement, and then add a final layer of cement mixed with brownstone. The former can cost $15k-$25k, $10k+ if it just needs the surface re-done. We’re still waiting on the estimate for a brand new one, as well as an estimate for a steel staircase with stone steps.

cate | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Yes, stick to the outfits that specialize in brownstone and work with Landmarks. It’s costly though. But it takes real expertise to redo a stoop so it will last years and not immediately crack again. (I’ve seen the stoop work of generalists and it typically doesn’t last, resulting in repairs that end up costing more than a job done right.) At the very least, if you interview a few of them, you should gain an understanding of what is causing the issue and what needs to be done.

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

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What did you previously use to caulk the cracks?

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Brokelin is correct. I am not a mason but if i had that situation and did not want to rip that entire thing down, i would consult a facade or masonry specialist to see if it is possible to rip that off and a little of what is underneath, and rebuild by incorporating steel lathing in it to stabilize it. If you talk to someone, it has to be a specialist not some guy who is simply doing this.

brokelin | 2 years and 5 months ago

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When out stoop was cracking, it wasn’t just brownstoning that was needed – we were told the entire stoop needed rebuilding, and ended up having the whole structure sort-of rebuilt – mainly just strengthened and reinforced – so it would be sturdy, before the new brownstone coating was added. If I remember correctly, the stoop was a brick structure beneath, the brownstoning was just a coating, and the brickwork was failing in places. Your stoop may be different. Ours was a short one, only about 5 or 6 steps, as the building was built as four flats, not a single family with the higher stoop. You need to have the problem diagnosed by one of the brownstone repair companies. I’d recommend our contractor, as it looked great and held up great, but that was over 20 years ago, and I have no idea if they are still a recommended contractor. Others can tell you which companies they recommend now for brownstone repair work.