Concrete Stairs - what should be behind them to protect the house from rotting?

Question

We are building a new addition and have it framed in right now with the Typar on it but not the siding yet. Should we put the siding on first before the concrete stairs are installed? Should we just build the stairs against the Typar and then istall the siding aroun the stairs? Basically we're worried about water getting between the stairs and the house and causing rotting? What should be behind the stairs to prevent this?

Answer 1

I've done it both ways .If you pour up against the tyvek you'll have to J around the steps. It's not any different then putting J around a window or up against your soffit as far as water is concerned.If you put your siding up first you'll have to put expansion behind the steps up against the house in case the steps heave or settle so it won't damage the siding. Make sure you put fall on the steps away from the addition just like a patio or a driveway should have.You may need a footing under the steps depending how big they are and any frost issues you may have in your area.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I don't believe your foundation is required to extend 3ft. from the house itself. Are you sure you cannot have it partially removed. It sounds like the concrete leading to my front door and I can imagine how odd it would look if it just went nowhere. If there is no way to have it sized down then I would build a deck that would cover the concrete but also extend to the current door location so you would appear to have one long deck.

Answer 4

You will want to put metal (aluminum) flashing between the wood and concrete. You cannot let this area get wet. You are right to be concerned. Make sure this is done correctly, putting the flashing in shingle-style, the top overlapping the lower, and no way for water to get in at the top.

Answer 5

i would sheet it and tyvek it and then put a couple layers of felt paper where the stairs are in contact with the house...be sure to get a good deep base for these stairs as you dont want them tipping into the house wall over time....

Answer 6

It all matters on the steps, if its three steps up then i would use metal flashing. if it a set of steps going up the side of the building i would use ice and water shield. It is a self stick waterproof membrane that carries up to a 50 year warranty and if you drive a nail through it, it self seals. so you could go a little bigger then needed and let you siding hang on top of it

Just apply it directly to the exterior wall and then overlap it with your tyvek.

Answer 7

There is really no way to keep the water out. It's gonna get in there no matter what you do. the siding should keep most of it out, but moisture will get in there. Will be a while till ritting happens.

Answer 8

I've been planning to build a deck using dirt and blocks, up against my house, so I have the same question. Sorry I can't help you. I'll be watching this for an answer. Thanks.