7 Reasons to Repair Your Concrete Steps

Our Top Reasons to Get Concrete Step Repair

1. Safety First

The primary reason for repairing concrete steps is safety. Cracked, uneven, or deteriorating steps can be a significant hazard. They pose a risk of trips and falls, which can lead to severe injuries. Regular inspections and repairs ensure that everyone, from family members to customers and employees, can safely navigate these areas.

2. Preventing Further Damage

Concrete steps that show early signs of wear—like small cracks or slight unevenness—can quickly deteriorate if not addressed. Water can seep into cracks and, especially in Florida, erode the soil beneath the steps, causing the concrete to sink and crumble. By repairing concrete steps as soon as possible, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major, more expensive problems.

3. Maintaining Property Value

The condition of your steps can significantly influence the first impression of your property. Well-maintained steps enhance curb appeal, contributing positively to the overall value of your property. On the other hand, damaged and neglected steps can lead to a decrease in property value. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can serve as a good investment in the financial worth of your property.

4. Cost Efficiency

Investing in repair work as soon as possible can be much more cost-effective than waiting until the problem worsens. Extensive damages might require complete replacement of the steps, which is significantly more expensive and labor-intensive than simple repairs. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your concrete steps and saves money in the long run.

5. Compliance with Building Codes

Depending on your location, maintaining your steps in good repair may not only be a matter of safety or aesthetics but also of legal compliance. Many local building codes require that steps and other structural elements of buildings be kept to certain standards to avoid penalties or fines. Keeping your steps in top shape ensures that you meet these regulatory requirements.

6. Enhancing Functionality

Damaged steps can affect the functionality of your building. For example, if steps leading to an entrance are in disrepair, it might discourage visitors from entering and could potentially impact business operations or ease of access in residential properties. Ensuring that steps are well-maintained helps maintain the utility and accessibility of your property.

7. Protection Against Environment

Concrete is a durable material, but it is not impervious to the effects of the environment. Exposure to extreme weather, chemicals, and physical wear can deteriorate concrete over time. Regular maintenance includes treatments that increase resistance to these factors, helping your steps withstand the elements better and for longer.

How Concrete Step Repair Works: The Polyurethane Injection Process

Step 1: Site Evaluation and Assessment

Before any repair work begins, our specialists conduct a thorough evaluation of the concrete steps to assess the extent of the damage and determine the underlying causes. This assessment helps in planning the most effective repair strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Step 2: Preparing the Area

To ensure a clean and successful application, the area around the damaged steps is prepared. This includes cleaning the cracks and surrounding surfaces of any debris, dirt, or vegetation to allow for the best possible adhesion and effectiveness of the repair materials.

Step 3: Injection Ports Installation

Small, penny-sized holes are strategically drilled into the concrete near the affected areas. These holes serve as entry points for the polyurethane foam. Injection ports are then installed in these holes, which will guide the foam into the necessary locations beneath the concrete.

Step 4: Polyurethane Foam Injection

Once the ports are in place, the polyurethane foam is injected. This foam is lightweight yet incredibly durable and begins to expand immediately upon injection. As it expands, the foam fills any voids underneath the steps, raising and stabilizing the concrete back to its original level. The foam sets quickly, which minimizes downtime and allows the steps to be used shortly after the procedure.

Step 5: Sealing and Finishing

After the foam has fully expanded and the concrete is back to level, the injection ports are removed, and the drilled holes are sealed with a strong, weather-resistant material. Any cracks that were initially present in the steps are also sealed to prevent water ingress and future damage.

Step 6: Clean-Up and Inspection

The final step involves cleaning up the work area and conducting a detailed inspection to ensure that the repair has been completed successfully and to the highest standard. Our team ensures that everything is left neat and tidy, with steps restored to their full functionality and appearance.

Benefits of PolyRenewal™ Injection

The PolyRenewal™ system offers several advantages over traditional concrete repair methods:

By choosing Alpha Foundations’ PolyRenewal™ system for concrete step repair, you’re opting for a modern, efficient, and effective solution that not only fixes visible damage but also addresses root causes, ensuring safer and more durable steps in the long run. If you notice any issues with your concrete steps, contact us to learn more about how our PolyRenewal™ technology can restore them.

FAQs

How long does the concrete leveling process take?

The timeline can range from 1-3 days depending on the size of the job. Professionals work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property. Setting materials like polyurethane expand quickly while other methods like self-leveling concrete and mudjacking take longer to cure. You’ll receive a more accurate timeline after a free concrete inspection from Alpha Foundations. 

How expensive is it to fix concrete steps? 

The cost of repairing concrete steps depends on the severity of the damage and the required repairs. For instance, the expense of concrete lifting with polyurethane injections varies from the cost of pier installation for issues related to the foundation. Contact Alpha Foundations for a precise cost breakdown and financing options, available through a free inspection with one of our specialists.

What causes damage to my concrete steps? 

Damage to exterior concrete steps, including cracks and sinking, can occur from various soil-related issues like soil settling and erosion, water saturation, freeze-thaw cycles, and the growth of tree roots. Alpha Foundations will identify the cause of damage to your concrete steps and recommend the most suitable repair solution during a complimentary inspection.

Schedule a Free Concrete Inspection With Alpha Foundations

Resources

What You Need to Know About Florida’s Soil

Florida is full of diverse soil. Learn about your area's soil type and how to prepare for concrete issues and repairs.

How Polyurethane Foam Injections Level Concrete

Polyurethane foam injections are a cutting-edge solution to fix sinking concrete. Learn about how they work in our guide.

The Florida Guide to Concrete Repair

Concrete is strong but not impervious to damage, especially in Florida’s wet environment. Learn how to care for it in our guide.

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Alpha Foundations does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.