A front entrance should feel steady and easy to use. When concrete steps begin to sink, you may notice an uneven first step, a gap near the porch, or a walkway that no longer lines up with the steps. These changes can make the entrance awkward to use and leave you wondering whether the steps need to be replaced. Sealtite Insulation & Slabjacking offers free estimates for Illinois homeowners who want to find out whether lifting is an option.
Here are four things to know before deciding what to do.
1. The problem may be beneath the concrete
Sunken steps do not always mean the concrete itself has failed. The ground supporting it may have settled or eroded, leaving space beneath the steps. Slabjacking is used to raise suitable concrete that has shifted and to fill voids below it.
Take a look at the area around your entrance. Has a gap opened between the steps and the porch? Does the walkway sit lower than it used to? Does water collect near the steps after it rains? These observations can help us understand how the concrete has moved and what might be contributing to the problem.
2. Some steps can be lifted without replacing them
If the concrete is in suitable condition, our installers may be able to lift the steps with polyurethane foam. They drill small holes in the concrete and inject foam beneath it. As the foam expands, it fills the space below and can gradually raise the settled steps. The installers monitor the lift as they work, then patch the injection holes.
This approach keeps the existing concrete in place. The amount of lift that is possible depends on the condition of the steps, how they were built, and how they connect to the porch or home. An inspection helps us determine what result is realistic for your entrance.
3. Lifting does not repair every kind of damage
If the steps are severely cracked, crumbling, or otherwise deteriorated, replacement or another repair may make more sense. Slabjacking addresses settlement beneath suitable concrete; it does not erase cracks or restore a damaged surface.
It is also important to look at the entire entrance. If the walkway has settled along with the steps, addressing only one part may leave an uneven transition. Our evaluation considers the steps and the surrounding concrete together.
4. The cause of settlement matters
Water and drainage can affect the ground around your steps. If rainwater regularly runs toward the entrance or pools beside it, let us know during the evaluation. We’ll look for visible signs of drainage concerns and discuss anything that may need attention along with the concrete repair.
You do not have to decide whether to replace your front steps based on appearance alone. Contact Sealtite Insulation & Slabjacking to schedule a free estimate. We’ll inspect your steps, explain the repair options, and review the lifetime warranty offered on our slabjacking work.