Need to Repair Concrete Steps? Tips for Northeast New England Homeowners
Are you unsure of your footing on your home’s concrete steps? Do these stairs feel wobbly and uneven?
Concrete steps can crack, sink, and settle over the years, affecting the look and safety of your outdoor space. Sometimes, flooding, soil erosion from rainfall, and other challenges here in Northeast New England might be to blame for the damage.
If you need to repair concrete steps on your property, follow the tips below and learn the benefits of working with a professional like Groundworks.
Step 1: Assess the Problem
Not all concrete step problems require immediate attention. For example, hairline cracks, which usually measure less than 1/16 of an inch, might not pose a huge threat right now. However, you should keep an eye on them in case they grow larger.
Wider cracks, especially those that measure more than a 1/4 of an inch, may indicate a significant structural issue with your concrete steps, so you’ll want to address these sooner rather than later. The same goes for sinking steps. Not only are these a trip and fall hazard, especially for children and older adults, but they could eventually collapse.
Step 2: Determine the Cause of Damaged Concrete Steps
Concrete steps can deteriorate in Northeast New England for many reasons:
- Soil Erosion: Groundwater from rainfall or snowmelt might erode the soil underneath your steps and cause them to crack and become uneven. This is a common problem in Northeast New England, which receives more precipitation yearly than the national average.
- Flooding: Many rivers in our region, including the Connecticut and Kennebec, are at risk of flooding. Concrete steps can shift and crack when floodwater saturates the soil underneath them.
- Freeze-thaw Cycles: When water penetrates concrete, it can freeze during cold temperatures and then thaw during warmer weather. Over time, this may damage your concrete steps. Freeze-thaw cycles happen frequently in Northeast New England.
Finding the cause of your damaged concrete steps will help you find the right repair solution. A concrete lifting expert like Groundworks can diagnose your problem quickly and fix it before things get worse.
Step 3: Determine the Correct Repair Method
There are various ways to repair concrete steps. You could try a sealant from the hardware store to fill small cracks and gaps. This won’t address the root cause of the damage, though, and the problem might return. You may also be able to resurface concrete steps that have discoloration, minor pitting, or other small issues.
Mudjacking has long been the preferred option for lifting sinking or uneven concrete steps. However, this method is messy, invasive, and not always great for the environment.
Polyurethane foam injections are a much better option because they use a lightweight material that reduces pressure on the soil beneath the concrete. Both techniques involve raising concrete slabs to their original position.
Step 4: Find a Repair Company You Can Trust
As you can see, DIY concrete repair can quickly become a costly and time-consuming project. Plus, most of these products and methods are temporary, failing to address the root cause. Your best bet is to choose an experienced concrete repair professional.
The right expert can help you solve any issue with your concrete steps. Look for one with knowledge of Northeast New England’s soil conditions and environmental factors. Groundworks perfectly fits the bill.
We install polyurethane foam that lifts concrete steps to their initial position. PolyRenewal™ is waterproof, environmentally friendly, and cures in just 15 minutes, meaning you can use your steps again on the same day as installation.
Here’s how we install PolyRenewal™:
- Drill small holes into the affected concrete steps
- Mix the two-part foam
- Inject the high-density foam into the drilled holes
- Allow the foam to expand, fill voids, and lift concrete
- Fill and smooth out the drilled holes
Depending on the extent of the damage and if your concrete steps are closely tied to the foundation, we may recommend foundation repair solutions such as helical piers or push piers instead. Learn what’s best for your property with a thorough inspection from our experts.
Rely On Groundworks to Repair Concrete Steps
Damaged concrete steps can be an eyesore, a trip hazard, and affect your home’s curb appeal. You don’t have to endure these problems, and it’s a good idea to repair them sooner rather than later.
Groundworks specializes in concrete step repair, enhancing the safety and aesthetics of your home. Unlike other repair methods, our PolyRenewal™ foam injections help lift your steps without damaging the environment or causing too much disruption. Contact us to speak with a professional to learn more and schedule a free inspection.
Concrete Step Repair FAQs
Concrete lifting works for a wide range of concrete structures, from small residential projects to large commercial or industrial applications. However, if the concrete is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.
The costs of concrete lifting vary based on project-specific details like the size of the concrete area and the severity of the damage. PolyRenewal™ injections are cost-effective compared to complete slab replacement or DIY installations. Contact a local professional for a free concrete inspection and estimate.
Protect your home’s concrete surfaces through sealing techniques, ensuring proper drainage to avoid erosion, evenly distributing weight, and regular inspection and maintenance.
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Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.