Fixing Cracked or Sinking Stair & Stoops

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Do you have sinking or cracking stairs and stoops? Are they beginning to pull away from your house?

If so, there is a chance that either the stoop, the house or both are experiencing settlement issues.

Problems Caused By Cracking or Sinking Stoops & Stairs

Just like the rest of your home, stairs and stoops can develop cracks. This can cause a number of problems.

First, it could also be a safety hazard for family members and visitors. Cracking or uneven stairs can cause trip hazards

Second is the obvious cosmetic issue. A stoop and stairs that are cracked or pulling away from the home will decrease the home's curb appeal.

Finally, the problem will likely only get worse if the underlying cause isn't addressed as the cracked concrete is already weakened.

What Causes Stoop & Stair Problems?

The likeliest cause is settlement. As the stairs or stoop settles or sinks, it places the entire structure under pressure. It can lead to cracking or the stoop pulling away from the house.

Now as to what is causing the settlement, that is more complex. In our Iowa and Nebraska service area, clay soil is common. For this reason, settling stairs and stoops are a common occurrence as well. This type of soil shifts and moves depending on moisture levels. Other causes of settling stairs and stoops include:

• Poorly compacted soil
• Soil erosion
• Soil shrinkage

The Big Question: Is Your Stoop Settling or is it Your House?

If your stoop is pulling away from your house, there are two possibilities. Either your stoop is settling or your house is settling. If it is the former, the stoop will need to be supported. If it is the latter, it is a sign of foundation problems.

If you notice other signs of foundation problems around your home, the problem is likely your home (or a combination of both).

In this case contacting a specialist to inspect your foundation becomes even more important.

Stair and Stoop Repair

If the problem is with the stairs or stoop, any repair will need to involve raising them back to level and supporting them from below so they don't just start sinking again.

If the problem is with the home itself, the solution is similar just on a larger scale.

We use high quality steel pier underpinning products. They extend deep into the soil until we reach bedrock or a load-bearing strata of soil.

They are load tested and afterward, they are attached to the footing by brackets. The home is hydraulically lifted back to level before the load is transferred to the piers.

Have a Sinking Stoop or Stairs in the Omaha or Lincoln area? Contact Jerry's Waterproofing

Don't ignore your settling stair and stoop problems. Contact Jerry's Waterproofing to prevent further foundation crumbling and deterioration. We are stair and stoop service providers serving Nebraska and Iowa.