Settling Front Steps and Leaning Front Stoops/Porches

Front Steps and Front Stoops are a common problem in the foundation repair world.  Often the front stoops, stairs or porches are built directly on fill dirt (mostly uncompacted) right outside the footprint of the home.  Over time these can settle as the soils consolidate.

How do you fix settling front steps?

• Polyurethane injection
• Mudjacking
• Underpin using helical piers
• Remove and replace the stairs

Depending on the size of the steps (2-4) the best option will either be to remove/replace the stairs or to use polyurethane or mudjacking. We do not perform these services in house but do have good referrals for these repairs. Send us an email to info@foundationworx.com and ask for our referrals for this issue.

How do you fix settling front Stoops?

• Underpin using helical piers
• Mudjacking
• Polyurethane Injection
• Remove and replace the stoop

Depending on the size of the stoop you will want to consider all the options. Of course you will need to consider matching the brick and of course making sure the foundation is on firm ground. This is more than likely what caused the front stoop to settle in the first place. Of course the smaller in size the less it will cost. And there are always deals on masonry work – but generally a trade off with quality as well. If the stoop is failing/settling AWAY from the house (on settled on the outside edge) then underpinning with 2 helical piers would be a cost effective way to stop the settlement. There are other factors to consider as well.

How do you fix settling front porches?

• Remove the footings, install new footings
• Remove the footings, install new footings on deep foundation helical piers
• Jack up the porch and set on new posts
• Underpin the existing columns with helical piers

It gets interesting on wood porches that are supported by 2 or more columns. Generally these columns rest on footings. These footings often sink/settle for the same reason – poorly compacted fill dirt next to the foundation. All the above will work – and some are more permanent than others. But it’s all about what you are wanting to accomplish – and how long you want the repair to last.