Natural Stone Fireplace Surround - Ottawa Case study. techniques, photos, masonry services. Stone fireplaces, cultured stone.

Case Study 1 - Chimney Repair Case Study 2 - Concrete Countertop Case Study 3 - Parging Examples, Tools & Techniques Case Study 4 - Fireplace Brick Replacement Case Study 5 - Tile Installation Case Study 6 - Chimney Flue Replacement Case Study 7 - Broken Concrete Step Case Study 8 - Brick Sill Creates Wall Damage Case Study 9 - Brick Retaining Wall Rebuild	Case Study 10 - Basement Window, Cut-out, installation Case Study 11 - Concrete Walkway, Landing Case Study 12 - Stone Wall Rebuild Case Study 13 - Stone Step Rebuild Case Study 14 - Fireplace Surround - Cultured Stone Case Study 15 - Stone Stair Rebuild - in Winter Case Study 16 - Fireplace Surround - Natural Stone Case Study 17 - Stone Retaining Wall Rebuild Case Study 18 - Dry-Stack Stone Retaining Wall Rebuild
Stone Stair Replacement: Assignment: Rebuild the stair during the winter.
	Cracked, heaved, curved. The slight curve resulted from the earth heaving inside the stair. The inside of the step is just loose filler, which freezes and expands. The repeated expansion and contraction of the filler breaks the step's cement joints.
Inside the stone step The loose fill absorbs water, freezes, expands.
	Empty cavity in step With much of the fill removed, the source of the problem is clearer.
Base of post is rotting Exposed to the earth, and cement, the wooden support post absorbs water and rots. Ideally, the post is not surrounded by concrete and earth, not below grade.
	Earlier repairs The stair is completely removed. Someone else had installed a layer of stone to adjust the walkway height. Perhaps the original stone were sinking. The two steps are now 18" high, more than the allowed 15.5". Someone might trip.
Dry-fit Stones removed, set in order and photographed. Some replacement stones may be needed due to horizontal cleaving. Off site in a warm basement the stair's stone will be cast in concrete. With rebar reinforcement, this will be a heavy and solid replacement.
	Temporary Stair This solid concrete block stair is temporary. The stair measures 14" deep, 16" wide, and 7" high. The slabs have been glued together, in plus 4 degree weather.
Arrival, weighing hundreds of pounds Carried in my pick-up, from being cured in a warmed garage. The tailgate is off, a ramp is being used. Plywood protects the existing walkway. Straps help move it.
	Without the top Here you can see the step is solid concrete, no loose fill.
Done Here the stone stair is rebuilt, and cemented in place. The top step had ten small pieces and one large one, now just three large ones.

This page last modified: February 6 2012