What to Do If My Concrete Steps Are Sinking?

By Stephanie baron, Realtor

If you’ve noticed your concrete steps starting to sink or crack, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem in older Winnipeg homes, and if you’re seeing uneven steps or large gaps beginning to form, it’s time to act.

First, it’s important to understand that sinking steps happen when the ground beneath your concrete settles or shifts. In Winnipeg, this can be caused by soil erosion, freezing and thawing cycles, or even improper drainage around the foundation.

Here’s what you need to know and some options for getting things back in shape:

1. Contact a Professional for an Assessment

• In most cases, it's best to call in a professional concrete repair specialist sooner rather than later. A professional will be able to identify the underlying issue — whether it’s poor drainage, soil instability, or something else, and provide a long-term fix. Don’t wait too long to get it checked, as waiting can cause the damage to get worse and the bill to become higher.

2. Consider Concrete Lifting or Slabjacking

• One of the most popular ways to repair sinking concrete steps is a process called concrete lifting, or slabjacking. This involves injecting a specialized material under the sunken steps to lift them back to their original position. It’s a more affordable option compared to replacing the entire set of steps, and it can usually be done quickly, with minimal disruption to your yard.

3. Concrete Resurfacing or Patching

• If your steps are only slightly sunken, you might be able to fix them by resurfacing or patching the concrete. This involves applying a new layer of concrete over the existing steps to fill in cracks, gaps, and any unevenness.

4. Rebuilding the Steps (If Necessary)

• If the damage to your concrete steps is severe, or if the ground beneath them has completely settled or eroded, you may need to rebuild the steps. This process is more expensive and time-consuming, but sometimes it’s the best solution, especially if shifting is severe.

So, fixing sinking concrete steps is possible and manageable, and with the right approach, you can keep it safe and looking its best for years to come. If you have questions about any of the options, give me a call at 204-232-6495