Steps are a crucial part of our homes, offices, and buildings, so any cracks and damage that appear should be taken care of quickly. Although durable, concrete steps can develop certain problems like cracks, sinking, and separating. While this is an eye sore and a tripping hazard, it can also cause structural damage to the rest of the building.
If you notice any issue with your steps, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Most problems with concrete steps require relatively minor repairs that any concrete step repair expert can do as long as they’re addressed in time, so let’s get into all the details to help you get to the bottom of this.
Importance of Maintaining Concrete Stairs in Optimal Shape
As mentioned before, damaged steps can pose a serious problem. For example, let’s imagine a big crack. If ignored, the concrete surface will continue to break and, eventually, fall apart, which isn’t optimal when talking about stars, to say the least. Surface damage like cracks affect structural integrity and is a safety hazard for the building and everyone in and around it, so it’s safe to say maintenance is key.
In detail, this means ensuring any minimal disruption that could damage the concrete, like ice or salt, stays on it for too long. Additionally, you should also avoid putting too much weight on the concrete steps if you’re not sure they can handle it. Even underestimating the foot traffic at the time of building the steps can be a mistake that will lead to sagging or cracks.
Any cracks, misalignment, and sinking you notice, regardless of how small, is best to fix while it’s still small to avoid worse future damage. It’s cheaper and quicker to fix anyway.
Common Causes of Concrete Step Damage
Concrete is a durable material and can take on a lot of wear and tear, but eventually, some things do more harm than you’d think. Here are the most common causes of concrete step damage:
- Freeze and thaw cycle – When you have water that freezes and thaws on the concrete many times a year, this can cause concrete spalling. However, even if the water never touches the stairs, you should be careful about whether it touches the ground underneath them. If the soil under the stairs freezes and thaws many times a year, it expands and contracts, potentially moving the stairs more than they can handle.
- Dangerous moisture level – Have you checked the moisture level in the ground beneath the stairs? Too much moisture will expand the soil, especially when the moisture level increases. This can put too much pressure on the stairs from under.
- Dry soil – Just like you don’t want too much moisture in the soil, you also don’t want it to be too dry. If the moisture dries out too much, it can leave a void under your steps, which means there’s nothing for the concrete to stay on. This is usually why concrete stairs sink or separate altogether.
- Poorly constructed stairs – One of the most common reasons why concrete stairs and concrete slabs are damaged is improper construction. The concrete itself may not have been done well or even reinforced properly in the first place, leading to structural issues. Also, maybe there’s a drainage problem that’s now causing damage to the concrete. Concrete steps don’t need to be perfectly level, as they need just the most subtle slope possible in order to ensure proper drainage.
- Tree roots – Big trees can cause big problems when you put them near your house. They can damage the stairs as well as other areas of your property, like the driveway, patio, or even the foundation, needing additional repairs or extensive repairs. American elm, willow, oak, and other similar trees are typically the best to avoid.
Professional Inspection Matters Before Deciding on Repairs
Repairing concrete stairs is not exactly a walk in the park. For this reason, it’s best to leave it to professionals. Surely, you can patch things up here and there if you have some DIY experience, but at least have the concrete repair experts over for an inspection.
A professional inspection is a crucial part of the concrete step repair process as it will help you understand exactly what’s wrong with your concrete stairs. This way, you can also learn what the best and quickest way of fixing this issue would be.
Without proper experience, you might not be able to tell the source and true extent of damage to your stairs. On the other hand, professionals typically take just a glance to figure it out.
Traditional Repair Methods for Concrete Steps
Not many things can be wrong with your stairs, so repair methods are usually tried and tested. Fixing concrete stairs shouldn’t be too far from fixing any other concrete area in your home, but let’s mention some of the most common repair methods.
Patching Compounds and Caulking
Any crack over 5mm is likely too large to fix with a self-leveling smoothing compound, which is used mostly just for uneven surfaces and uneven concrete. Instead, professionals typically use patching compounds for larger cracks, holes, and other damaged areas. This traditional method is quick and easy, plus it usually doesn’t cost much.
Concrete Grinding
Concrete grinding is not always the best solution, but sometimes, it’s an easy fix for small damage. If you notice any imperfections and inconsistencies, you can grind the concrete to make it smoother. This way, you can bring new life to old and worn-out concrete.
Concrete Leveling
Leveling is done when concrete sags. This works for sinking concrete steps, patios, driveways, and sidewalks all the same. Concrete usually sags due to underlying issues like voids developing underneath, but you can fix this by drilling holes, which you then fill with a leveling material. Professionals use different materials for this.
Full Replacement
If your stairs are too damaged, full replacement might be the only option. This is time-consuming, costly, and not something you should do on your own. Replacement of a single step might not take long, especially if it’s the first one lying on the soil. However, replacing several steps and those closer to the top of the stairs is definitely more time-consuming. Again, full concrete replacement is best to leave to professionals, especially since stairs are a serious business.
High-density polyurethane foam injection
High-density polyurethane foam injection is often used to fix concrete. It’s a chemical that expands and fills concrete cracks, holes, and other similar voids. In most cases, professionals use it because it’s less invasive and cures quickly. Best of all, polyurethane foam lasts ages when injected into concrete. It doesn’t absorb water, so it doesn’t break down.
Basic Tools and Materials Needed to Repair Steps
Concrete repair requires specific tools and materials not everyone has at home. For example, you’ll probably need a pointed or margin trowel, chisel, an edger, a hammer drill, wire brush, a wheelbarrow, and more. Things like gloves and safety glasses are not as expensive to get, but a hammer drill is, which is why you might want to consider calling professionals who already have all of these things, plus the knowledge and experience.
Average Concrete Step Repair Cost for Each Option
Average concrete step repair cost varies depending on the following things:
- The materials used
- Size of your steps
- Repair methods
- Preparation work
- Geographical location
- Urgency of repair
Don’t DIY: Call Us for Safe and Durable Step Repairs
DIY is fun and can help save money, but it’s not always worth it. Concrete steps are an important part of your house for more reasons beyond curb appeal. Any damage can be a hazard. This is why it’s best to call professional concrete contractors like those at Xpert Foundation Repair.
Professionals at Xpert have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle these problems and fix them promptly. It’s safer than DIY, better for your pocket in the long-term, and on top of that, they know how to go about new problems that arise along the way.
