Installation
Before Installing Precast Stair Treads
Diamond Precast Stair treads are manufactured for compliance with industry standards and job specifications. Diamond Precast Stair treads are cured for a minimum of 5-7 days prior to shipping and are wrapped and banded with special care for shipping to our clients. In spite of this, during the process of unloading, handling at the jobsite and installation the treads can be chipped and/or damaged and may require field repair or replacement. Upon delivery of the precast stair treads it is the installer’s duty to examine each tread for damage and to contact the Diamond Precast Stairs for recommendations regarding field repair or replacement. Diamond Precast Stairs is not responsible for improper installation of stair treads, damage from abuse or neglect while unloading, mishandling, or poor jobsite storage conditions.
Stair Tread Installation
The installer must comply with proper field storage, handling, installation and permanent bracing, anchoring, connections and field assembly requirements. It is recommended that installation is completed by an experienced and responsible person with stair tread installation experience for the size and type of stair being installed. Correct installation is a serious matter for both proper performance of the product and safety. Proper installation which includes proper handling, placement and tightening of the bolts is absolutely critical to proper product performance.
Installing stair treads is a 2 person job, treads are heavy and difficult to handle.
Install brackets – attach to stringer, either with lag bolts, or by welding.
Place stair treads on top of bracket and insert machine bolts into the insert through the bracket.
Never over tighten the machine bolts, it can lead to stripping of the insert.
Stair Tread Care
The installer must take extreme care when unloading and handling treads. Stair treads should be stored in a manner that they will not be damaged and discolored from jobsite conditions such as heavy equipment operations, painting, stacking materials on or against stair treads. The installer should avoid damage to stair treads from dragging equipment, dollies, appliances, furniture, etc over the treads being installed.
It is nearly impossible to completely eliminate the cracking of concrete. Fine hairline cracks usually occur at the surface and are very small. They do not impact the structural integrity or intended service life of the stair. Minor chips, cracks, air voids, and/or slight color variations are not grounds for rejection of the product.
Care and Maintenance of Stair Treads
Precast treads can be rinsed off with soap and water using a terry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a broom can be used to brush dirt while spraying with a garden hose. A commercial stain remover may also be used – use product as directed. Sealing the concrete treads with a natural look/matte finish sealer will protect the treads from staining. A high gloss sealer applied by brush will give the concrete a wet-look, and will provide adequate protection from staining.
The application of deicing chemicals and salt can result in the deterioration and spalling of concrete stair treads, due to chemical damage, and repeated concrete exposure to freezing and thawing cycles. Avoid extended and repeated use of deicers and salt.
A powdery white substance could show up on the surface of the concrete. This chalky residue, called efflorescence, is caused by water coming up through the concrete, evaporating, and bringing dissolved minerals to the surface. Efflorescence is common with any concrete mix using Portland cement. These white marks do not indicate any structural or manufacturing defects with the concrete. The residue normally wears off or can be washed off of unsealed concrete surfaces. Soap and water can be used for cleaning, or a commercial efflorescence remover can be purchased. Please note that repeatedly using a commercial efflorescence remover could affect concrete color, and continue to bring soluble minerals to the surface. Commercial concrete sealers can be used to help restore and protect precast concrete pieces, as well. These are sprayed or painted onto dry, clean concrete.
