Custom Solutions for Bluffside Access: Renew Restoration in Northeast Wisconsin

Expert Craftsmanship for Your Home

In Northeast Wisconsin, many homes are built on the stunning bluffs bordering Lake Michigan. However, homeowners often struggle to access the beaches on their properties. Creating a safe and durable structure for waterfront access can be challenging. That's where Renew Restoration comes in. We offer custom solutions for stairs and platforms, ensuring homeowners in Door County, Brown County, Kewaunee County, and surrounding areas can enjoy their waterfront.

A Recent Project: Custom Deck and Stairway

We recently completed a custom deck and stairway for a home on Lake Michigan. This project presented several challenges. The previous stairs had been swept away by heavy rains and excessive ice shoves. Our customer wanted an affordable solution that would also prevent future losses. We needed to address soil erosion on the bluff and the destructive forces of potential ice shove events.

After assessing the ground's stability, we dug 6x6 treated posts deep into the firmest soil available at that level of the bluff. We set the deck's 6x6 posts separately from the steps leading down to the water. This design ensured that if ice shoves or erosion caused the steps to move, the new deck would remain unaffected.

Innovative Design Features

A custom set of steel and treated wood steps was assembled offsite. The steel was treated with a vinyl polymer that resists abrasion and rust before being brought onsite. We installed a steel pole at the top of the steps on two support posts. The stair stringers were set on this pole in a bracket that extended about five feet down the stringers.

This bracket provided two essential features:

1. It allowed the entire stairway to shift up or down on a "hinge." This design accommodates changes to the soil on the bluff over time without damaging the 6x6 post connection.

2. It enabled the stairs to be pushed backward and upward on the bluff, separate from the deck. This way, ice shoves could lift the stairs in two directions if they began to pile and add pressure at the base.

   
   

We also created four break points on the custom steel stringers. If the other features could not accommodate changes on the bluff, the stringers could easily break apart for minimal repairs.

Adjustable Stair Support

The 4x4 treated stair support posts were installed on custom brackets. This allows for annual adjustments if the terrain changes. Such adjustments prevent torque-type damage from eroding soil and rocks that could compromise their structural integrity over time.

Unique Challenges of Bluffside Properties

Every bluffside property along Lake Michigan presents its own challenges for installing stairs to access the water. If you're looking to add stairs to your property, let Renew Restoration help you create a custom solution tailored to your specific challenges. We understand the importance of returning your home to its pre-damage condition with top-notch craftsmanship and clear communication, especially when dealing with insurance companies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are facing challenges with accessing your waterfront property, consider the expertise of Renew Restoration. Our team is dedicated to providing reliable and effective solutions for homeowners in Wisconsin. We prioritize your needs and work diligently to ensure your home remains safe and accessible. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can assist you with your emergency restoration needs.