When it comes to mobile home steps, there are no shortage of material options - homeowners can select wood, fiberglass, or metal, among other materials. These materials require a lower investment on the front end, but maintenance and a short life cycle make these options more expensive than they initially appear.
However, there’s another option that many may not be aware of: precast concrete. Concrete eliminates the need for replacement and offers a better long-term solution from the start, and can be a great solution for many mobile home parks for several reasons, three of which are outlined below:
Aesthetics. Compared to other materials, precast concrete stairs can provide a more planned, permanent look. Textures and colors can also be added to create a unique and tailored finish. This can go a long way for community pride with residents and visitors alike.
Ease of installation. Our line of residential concrete stairs can be installed in one day with no curing time. Designs are available in multiple sizes and can include a landing or deck. They can also be moved to new trailer sites as needed.
Low maintenance. Unlike timber stairs that can warp and fiberglass stairs that can delaminate, precast concrete stairs only require power washing as needed and will last decades.
Other materials may require a smaller investment in the short-term, but precast concrete will last as long as the home itself, and has shown to be a comparable investment over the life of the mobile home steps,
Ready to get started? We’ve been designing and manufacturing precast concrete steps for over 40 years. Let us know how we can help you create a welcoming, friendly environment at your mobile home park with precast concrete steps.
When designing your next ramp project, have you considered precast concrete? Precast pedestrian ramps are ADA-compliant, anti-skid, and low maintenance, while precast loading dock ramps are pre-engineered and customizable by length, width, and height. Let’s look at four additional reasons why you should consider precast concrete for your next loading dock ramp or entry ramp.
No permitting required. Applying and waiting on approval for permits can slow down any project. Precast concrete ramps are considered “temporary” structures and therefore, do not fall under the same permitting requirements as cast-in-place concrete.
Ramps can be moved if needed. Another benefit to “temporary” structures - they can be moved! If your loading dock configuration needs to be changed for any reason or access points have changed around a building, precast concrete ramps can be relocated as needed.
Precast concrete is quicker to install and can be used immediately after installation. One big drawback to cast-in-place concrete is the time it can take to install. First, the forms must be built on-site, reinforcements must be placed, and then the concrete is poured. From there, it can take several days for the concrete to cure and be strong enough for heavy traffic.
Precast concrete goes through the same process described above, but because everything takes place off-site, ramps are ready to use as soon as they are installed on Day One. Your warehouse will be able to keep going without literally waiting for concrete to dry.
If multiple ramps are needed, precast concrete provides a more uniform look. An often overlooked advantage of precast concrete is the aesthetic value. Precast concrete is poured in steel forms that are less prone to warping or bending, giving you a more uniform appearance between ramps. The ramps also go through rigorous quality control testing prior to being released to the customer, giving you confidence that the product will stand the test of time.
At Leesburg Concrete, we offer a wide variety of options for loading dock ramps and entry ramps, as well as steps and decks for both commercial and residential projects. Do you have an upcoming project? Reach out today and let us know how we can help!
Metal Stairs
Pros. Metal stairs are a common option for commercial stairs--they can be designed with lots of options for customization, from shape, size, and color. Many textures can be applied to increase slip resistance.
Cons. Similar to wood stairs, metal stairs can deteriorate over time; however, the deterioration is due to rust and corrosion. These issues can be fixed, but must be considered as part of the overall investment for the project. Acoustics must also be considered, because in most circumstances, metal stairs can be loud and echo throughout a facility.
Wood Stairs
Pros. Wood stairs are very economical and readily available, making them a popular choice for commercial stairs. They also provide a natural, clean look and are made from a material that’s widely available. In industrial spaces, these stairs are easy and relatively fast to install.
Cons. While the installation of wood stairs are a lower investment compared to other options, long-term maintenance can make the overall cost of this option higher than it might appear at first glance. Over time, wood can warp, splinter, or rot, and will need to be replaced regularly, and more often if your facility is damp, hot, or poorly ventilated.
Precast Concrete Stairs
Pros. Precast concrete stairs are perhaps the most expensive of the commercial options, but it’s important to keep in mind that most of the cost comes in the initial investment. Precast concrete is maintenance-free, only requiring power washing as needed. Concrete also offers more options from an aesthetic standpoint, from slip-resistant textures to colors and styles that match surroundings. Another bonus? Precast concrete can be used immediately after installation, since curing takes place at the manufacturing site.
Cons. Outside of initial investment, the biggest disadvantage of precast concrete is the weight of the product. As you can imagine, a concrete stairway can become quite heavy - specialized equipment may be needed to install the stairs, and it may be difficult to install in restrictive spaces. Shipping costs may be prohibitive over long distances. However, the product’s weight becomes an advantage after installation, because these solid stairs will not shift or deteriorate over time.
Leesburg Concrete is proud to offer many options of precast concrete steps for commercial application. Have more questions? Drop us a line and let us help you find the best solution for you and your business.