Old Concrete Stairs
Here's a good example of an older concrete set of
stairs used for the entrance to a home. This home probably has a raised
foundation and required a stairway.
The stairway has a gripable double handrail on the one side, while
creating a safety hazard on the other side.
There is a good chance the stairs meet local building requirements but
it wouldn't be a bad idea to have another handrail or guardrail
installed on the other side for extra safety.
These concrete stairs are also painted and if the wrong paint is used
the stairs can become slippery, creating more problems.
I personally do not recommend painting any concrete because of safety
and water retention in the concrete itself. Too much moisture in the
concrete can eventually cause damage to the stairs.
I slipped one time on a curb that was painted red to signify that area
was designated for no parking. I was walking out of an apartment
building on a rainy day and the maintenance people had painted this curb
with a high gloss paint. Well, I slipped and fell pretty hard on my
back, I was not seriously injured but could only imagine an elderly
person in the same situation.
If you do paint concrete be aware that it can become extremely slippery
with a little water.
I would like to point out that I have seen plenty of painted concrete
walkways and stairways that are over 70 years old and are still in great
shape.