I have two free-floating concrete stoops that are sinking and heaving(?) or pulling away from the house. The front stoop has one step and measures 9' x 5' at the base. The stoop has sunk about 8" on the left as you face the house and 4" on the right, and maybe 1.5" along the front. The stoop is in perfect condition, no cracks, no crumbing.

The second stoop also in perfect condition, is at the back door and measures 4' x 3.5' and no step. The front of this stoop has sunk about 4" and pulls away from the building by about 4".

I had estimates from several concrete raising services and all said they could raise the stoops. One estimator told me that the stoops could be raised, but the gaps would still be there - maybe not as wide, but they could not push the concrete back into position.

Several questions:

Can stoops such as these be lifted and pushed back into place or would it require a complete removal and leveling/prepping ground for new concrete? If so, what type of equipment is used for this?

I am considering removing the concrete and replacing the front stoop kings-stair forms and pavers on a 2" lime stone base - which would require 2 levels to accomodate the steps.

I would do the same for the back (1 level high) or build a deck.

I am the one doing the work and am pretty good at directions and understanding what to do, once I know what to do!

Also, came across something called DEXPAN for concrete demolition. Don't know the cost but you drill holes and add this stuff. Any other suggestions for breaking up concrete?

Any suggestions about my options would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Marilyn

 

It happens to stoops all the time and with highest frequency to those that are nothing more than a 4" thick slab of concrete poured on top of the ground. Think about it a minute. Most of these heaved stoops get poured at least partially on top of backfilled sand which is going to settle. Sometimes they get poured directly beneath eaves with no eaves troughs and in many climates they have to endure freeze / thaw cycles.

The solution in many cases could be to get a footing and four or five course of block in the ground with the concrete pad bearing on that. That way you have gotten down to virgin and undisturbed soil and you will minimize the effects of frost and settling.

'bs5

 

bullshooter5 is right.

If something is but on nothing, it will settle. You are lucky if you have a concrete slab under the steps to save you.

"free-floating" is a scary term.

The concrete "mudjacking" or "slab raising" will help, but the bottom line is what was below the problem slabs. It sounds like the raising contractor was being very accurate. Concrete raining is an engineered appraoch that has been adapted to residential needs.

Since the cost of mudjacking is relatively cheap and easy, it may provide an elevation correction. Nothing will correct the movement away from the solid concrete foundation.

The long term solution is to support the "stoops" properly with a positive support below the frost level. A band-aid approach with a little gravel will not be a solution unless it is on a firm foundation that is below frost.

Dick

 

So it sounds like use mudjacking and live with the gaps which could be wide, or start over - demolish the old steps, put in proper base and prep and pour new concrete.