Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build

Your front steps are one of the first things people see when they visit your home, but they serve a much more important purpose than just curb appeal. Steps need to be safe, sturdy, and stable. Cracked, crumbling, or uneven steps create tripping hazards that can lead to serious injuries. Loose stones or bricks can shift underfoot, causing falls. When steps settle or tilt, they become dangerous to navigate, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Here in Springfield, our weather is particularly hard on masonry steps. Water seeps into cracks and freezes during winter, expanding and making damage worse. The constant cycle of freezing and thawing can cause steps to separate from the foundation, mortar to deteriorate, and individual stones or bricks to come loose. What starts as a small crack or minor settling can quickly become a major safety hazard and expensive repair if not addressed promptly.

At SFM Springfield Masonry, we take step safety seriously. Whether you need repairs to fix existing damage or want to build new steps that will last for decades, we have the expertise to do the job right. We understand proper construction techniques, building codes, and the specific challenges that our local climate presents. Every set of steps we build or repair is designed to be safe, functional, and attractive.

Understanding what can go wrong with masonry steps helps you recognize when repairs are needed. Catching problems early prevents more extensive damage and keeps your family and visitors safe. Here are the most common issues we see and fix.

Settling and Separation

When steps settle or pull away from the house, it creates gaps where water can enter and cause even more damage. This usually happens when the foundation under the steps was not built properly or when soil erosion washes away support. You might notice the steps tilting, gaps between the steps and your foundation, or uneven treads. These issues need professional repair to stabilize the structure and prevent further settling.

Cracked and Broken Treads

The horizontal surfaces where you step are called treads, and they take the most wear and stress. Cracks can develop from freeze-thaw cycles, impact damage, or structural movement. Broken treads are dangerous and need immediate repair. We can often replace individual damaged stones or bricks without having to rebuild the entire set of steps, saving you money while restoring safety. Our brick repair expertise extends to all aspects of step restoration.

Deteriorating Mortar Joints

The mortar between bricks or stones does not last forever. As it ages and weathers, it begins to crack, crumble, and fall out. This allows water to penetrate the structure, accelerating damage to both the mortar and the masonry units. Loose joints also mean the steps are not as structurally sound as they should be. Repointing the mortar joints restores strength and prevents water intrusion that can cause bigger problems.

Missing or Loose Stones

Individual bricks or stones can work loose over time, especially if the mortar has deteriorated. Missing pieces create obvious safety hazards and look bad. Loose stones that have not fallen out yet are accidents waiting to happen. We reset loose masonry units and replace missing ones with materials that match your existing steps.

Warning signs that your steps need professional attention:

• Cracks in treads or risers that are widening
• Steps that rock or feel unstable when you walk on them
• Gaps between the steps and your foundation or porch
• Mortar that is crumbling or falling out of joints
• Water pooling on steps or not draining properly
• Visible tilting or uneven step heights
• Loose or missing bricks or stones
• Spalling where the surface of stones flakes off

Whether we are repairing existing steps or building new ones from scratch, the process requires careful planning and skilled execution. For repairs, we start by assessing the extent of the damage and determining what is causing it. Sometimes the problem is just surface deterioration that can be fixed. Other times, underlying structural issues need to be addressed before cosmetic repairs will hold up. We give you an honest assessment and explain your options.

When building new steps, proper foundation work is critical. We excavate to below the frost line and pour a solid concrete footing that will not shift or settle. The footing must be level and properly sized to support the weight of the steps and the people using them. We ensure proper slope for drainage and tie the steps into the existing foundation when possible for maximum stability.

The rise and run of each step must meet building code requirements for safety. The rise is the vertical height of each step, and the run is the horizontal depth. Consistent measurements from step to step are essential because even small variations can cause people to trip. We carefully calculate and measure to ensure every step is uniform. This attention to detail is what makes the difference between steps that are safe and comfortable to use versus ones that feel awkward or dangerous. Like our tuckpointing services, precision and proper techniques ensure lasting results.

Material selection affects both appearance and performance. Brick steps offer a classic look, natural stone provides unique character, and concrete treads with stone or brick facing combine durability with aesthetic appeal. We help you choose materials that complement your home's style, fit your budget, and will hold up well to our local weather. Every brick is laid level, every stone is solidly set, and all mortar joints are properly tooled and finished. The result is a set of steps you can count on for safety and beauty for many years.