Sinking Concrete Steps

Sturdy stairs are an essential element to any home, allowing safe access and stability over the years. However, when these stairs sink or become unlevel, you risk significant instability and harm. 

Sinking concrete steps impair your home’s curb appeal and present safety risks, including trip hazards. Such occurrences are unfortunately common and can be attributed to many sources. 

Mount Valley Foundation Services stands at the forefront of addressing these concerns, providing impeccable, specialized solutions to restore safety and aesthetic appeal to your home. Leveraging our extensive experience and state-of-the-art technology, our tailored concrete lifting solutions ensure your home regains its lost functionality. 

This page will help you understand the reasons behind sinking concrete steps and how Mount Valley Foundation Services’ proprietary solutions work to restore your home’s stability and peace of mind.

What Are Sinking Concrete Steps? 

Sinking concrete steps can be identified by the noticeable dips or destabilizations in concrete stairs, which frequently lead to uneven surfaces and a lack of structural integrity. 

Such instances can greatly affect both the safety and visual appeal of your home. They point to deeper issues, like the shifting of soil or imbalances in the structure. Most of the time, these issues need to be addressed quickly to stop them from getting worse or leading to potential mishaps. 

Additionally, you might observe comparable issues with the concrete in other parts of your property, such as: 

• Cracked concrete 
• Sinking porch 
• Cracked concrete patio 
• Cracked sidewalks 
• Cracked driveway 
• Cracked pool deck 
• Concrete pitting, flaking, and staining 

Concrete stairs that have sunk create a considerable risk of tripping and detract from the look of your home. When these issues are not dealt with, the stairs may continue to deteriorate. Over time, this could result in the entire staircase collapsing. Therefore, it is essential to seek prompt and expert help from organizations such as Mount Valley Foundation Services. 

What Causes Sinking Concrete Steps? 

There are several causes of sinking concrete steps, including: 

• Settling Soil: When the soil underneath your stairs compacts, shifts, or sinks, it causes the concrete above to settle and crack. This is common with expansive soils high in clay content. 
• Eroding Soil: Water flowing under or against the stairs will erode and wash away the supporting soil. This undermines the integrity of the concrete. 
• Tree Roots: As tree roots grow, they shift the underlying soil and can lift and crack concrete from underneath by exerting upward pressure. 
• Excessive Rain and Flooding: Chronic moisture exposure—from heavy rain, flooding, and snowmelt—softens the soil and leads to erosion under the stairs. 
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water that seeps into existing cracks, then freezes and thaws, will expand those cracks with each cycle. 
• Substandard Concrete Work: Weak concrete that wasn’t adequately prepared or had problems during the curing process is prone to cracking and sinking over time. 

The factors that affect the steps also pose risks to the foundation of your home. This highlights the importance of seeking thorough solutions from experts such as Mount Valley. 

Can You Fix Sinking Concrete Steps? 

Yes, fixing sinking concrete steps is entirely feasible. However, employing partial or makeshift solutions will not suffice in the long run. DIY quick fixes and traditional methods like mudjacking are temporary and quickly become expensive, time-consuming, and ineffective. 

A holistic approach is imperative to address the visible damage and underlying issues affecting the home’s overall structural integrity. Mount Valley Foundation Services offers comprehensive solutions, ensuring every aspect of the problem is meticulously addressed, providing lasting respite from recurring damages. 

The most effective solution is a process called concrete lifting. This involves injecting high-density polyurethane foam underneath the concrete to gently raise and stabilize each slab back into position. The foam quickly expands and cures within 15 minutes. 

How to Fix Sinking Concrete Steps 

At Mount Valley Foundation Services, we use an advanced concrete lifting technique to safely restore sinking concrete steps. Our comprehensive process includes: 

• Assessment: We complete a detailed inspection to identify the extent, causes of the damage, and repair plan. 
• Drill Holes: We drill small holes—the size of a penny—into the affected concrete. 
• Position Ports: We place injection ports into the holes before installation. 
• Mix Foam: We mix the specialized two-part polyurethane foam together. 
• Inject Foam: We inject the high-density foam underneath the affected concrete. 
• Lift Steps: The foam fills voids between the concrete steps and the soil. As it cures, it gently lifts the sunken sections. 
• Fill Holes: Once the steps are stable, we fill the drilled holes for a smooth finish. 
• Fill Cracks: We also fill and repair any cracks to prevent future damage. 
• Maintain Safety: We offer various service and maintenance programs to ensure stability and longevity. 

Why Address Sinking Concrete Steps Now 

Addressing sinking concrete steps without delay is essential for various reasons: 

• Prevent Further Damage: Leaving the stairs unrepaired leads to accelerated deterioration as water seeps into widening cracks. Quick action staves off further problems. 
• Avoid Foundation Problems: Similarly, settling soil under the steps often indicates foundation instability requiring urgent attention. Early repairs protect your foundation. 
• Ensure Safety: Sinking, uneven stairs significantly increase fall and injury risks for you, your family, and guests. Concrete lifting rectifies tripping hazards and structural instabilities. 
• Preserve Property Value: Sunken, cracked stairs are an eyesore affecting your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal. Reliable repairs maintain and enhance the aesthetic and structural value of the property. 
• Lasting Solution: Our concrete lifting repairs are covered by comprehensive warranties, giving you peace of mind. Act now to stop damage before repairs become costlier. 

By being forward-thinking and engaging Mount Valley to examine and rectify your sinking concrete steps, you benefit from our expert PolyRenewal™ service—a solution that is both trustworthy and enduring. 

Contact Mount Valley Foundation Services for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions 

Transform your home’s appearance and safety with Mount Valley Foundation Services’ concrete lifting solutions. For top-notch services and unparalleled results, contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection, and bid farewell to sinking concrete steps. 

We have been restoring concrete structures like sinking concrete steps for homeowners across South Carolina and Western North Carolina for years. They know they can count on us for personalized customer care, attention to detail, and reliable repair solutions.

_{Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Mount Valley Foundation Services does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}