Cracked brownstone steps (laid over original limestone)

Unless the brownstone was dug completely down to a solid base, i feel it is unreasonable to expect any masonry or plaster repair to last 100% for a long period of time.  There are most likely things happening way below the surface which are causing the disruptions and is beyond the control of the original contractor when he did the work the first time.  Better to meet somewhere in the middle than to break out the blamethrower

Springs

in Masonry 12 years and 9 months ago

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gianpaulo | 12 years and 9 months ago

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http://cdn.brownstoner.com/50114ef56bbf3-.jpg

About a year ago, I had the Brownstone banding around the front of my house and stoop redone.  The company, which is highly recommended on this site, did a beautiful job restoring everything that was original Brownstone. They also covered in Brownstone the three LIMESTONE steps that were added (many years ago) to the bottom of the orignal Brownstone stoop.  These steps were added when the raised patio off the sidewalk was removed in order to make the patio area level with the sidewalk.  I was thrilled at the fact that all the steps of my stoop would now be the same material, and it looked great.  However, within six weeks, the brownstone covering the limestone steps cracked.  The company came out to redo it, but several weeks later, small cracks began to form.  They fixed it a second time, but with the same result — cracks.  Now a year later, the cracks are very large, and what was the nicest stoop on the block is no longer so nice.  (Pictures posted below don’t do this situation justice — it’s really bad). The original company has offered to put in a new foundation and redo the bottom three steps for a hefty sum of money.  However, I have a problem giving them more money when I already paid a heft sum, and they told me many times that their work is guaranteed.  Unless it is only guaranteed for three months, it doesn’t seem to be guaranteed.  I can no longer recommend them. Can anyone recommend someone who can do this job the right way for a reasonable price?  I want it to match the original brownstone.  And I want it to last, with a guarantee.  Many thanks.

hdlbklyn | 12 years and 9 months ago

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If the original contractor said it would match and it was guaranteed he should fix it again and properly this time. I doubt the original proposal included the means and methods for completing this work just that it would match and it was guaranteed. If he thought he could not execute it properly without the new foundation work he should have told you that originally. I assume he said nothing of the sort. You paid for a matching stoop without cracks, he should have enough experience to know how to achieve it. If he doesn’t have the experience this will serve as a good lesson for him. Make him do it right on his dime.

dylan621 | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Would you mind disclosing the contractor since its someone who is highly recommended on this forum?