Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build

Why Safe Steps Matter

Your front steps are one of the most used features of your home. You walk on them multiple times every day. Guests judge your home by its entrance. Damaged or uneven steps create serious safety hazards. Loose bricks can cause trips and falls. Crumbling mortar undermines stability. Uneven treads become slippery when wet or icy. These problems affect everyone, but they are especially dangerous for children, elderly visitors, and anyone carrying packages or groceries.

In Shreveport, LA, our weather puts extra stress on exterior steps. Rain soaks into cracks and gaps. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, making cracks worse. Summer heat causes masonry to expand, then fall temperatures make it contract. This constant movement loosens mortar and shifts bricks. Without proper maintenance and timely repairs, small problems become major safety issues that require complete rebuilding rather than simple fixes.

Beyond safety, your steps significantly impact curb appeal and home value. Crumbling, uneven steps make your entire property look neglected. They raise red flags for potential buyers who worry about other maintenance issues. Beautiful, well-maintained steps create positive first impressions and demonstrate pride of ownership. When we repair or build steps, we focus on both safety and aesthetics, creating entries that welcome people to your home while protecting them from injury.

Common Step Problems We Fix

Steps face constant stress from foot traffic and weather. Here are the most common problems we see in Shreveport area homes.

Loose or Shifting Bricks

When mortar deteriorates, bricks lose their support and start to shift or rock underfoot. This creates immediate trip hazards and accelerates further damage. Loose bricks often indicate foundation settling or inadequate original construction. We remove unstable bricks, address underlying causes, and rebuild with proper techniques and materials. This repair ensures your steps remain solid and safe for years to come.

Cracked or Broken Treads

Cracks in step treads allow water penetration that causes rapid deterioration. Broken corners create sharp edges and trip hazards. Cracks often start small but spread quickly under the stress of foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. We replace damaged treads with carefully matched materials, ensuring seamless repairs that blend with your existing steps. For severe damage affecting multiple treads, we recommend rebuilding the entire stairway to ensure uniform strength and appearance.

Settling and Tilting

Steps that settle or tilt away from your home create dangerous uneven surfaces and allow water to pool against your foundation. Settlement usually indicates soil erosion or inadequate footings. Simply releveling settled steps without addressing the foundation causes the problem to return. We evaluate foundation conditions, make necessary repairs, and rebuild steps with proper support. This comprehensive approach provides permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Deteriorating Mortar Joints

Like all masonry, step mortar eventually wears out. Eroding mortar joints weaken the entire structure and allow water intrusion. You might notice gaps between bricks or find mortar dust and fragments on your steps. Addressing mortar problems early through professional repointing services prevents the need for complete step replacement. We remove deteriorated mortar and replace it with properly mixed and applied materials that restore structural integrity.

Missing or Inadequate Railings

Steps with more than three risers typically require handrails by building code. Missing railings create safety concerns and code violations. We coordinate with qualified metalworkers to add railings when needed. During step repairs or construction, we can incorporate mounting points for railings, ensuring they attach securely to the masonry structure rather than just surface-mounting.

How We Build Steps That Last

Quality step construction requires careful planning, proper materials, and skilled craftsmanship. Here is our process for building steps that combine safety, durability, and beauty.

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  Detailed measurements and planning: We measure the total rise and calculate the number of steps needed. Building codes specify maximum riser height and minimum tread depth for safety. We design steps that meet code requirements while fitting your space and style. For complex situations with tight spaces or unusual heights, we create custom solutions that work perfectly.
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  Solid foundation work: Steps need proper footings that extend below the frost line and rest on undisturbed soil. We excavate to appropriate depth and pour concrete footings that support the entire structure. Skipping foundation work causes settling and structural failure. We never compromise on this critical step.
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  Quality material selection: We help you choose materials that match your home's architecture and meet your budget. Options include traditional brick, natural stone like bluestone or granite, or concrete with various finishes. We source materials that handle Louisiana weather and provide the slip resistance needed for exterior steps.
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  Precise construction: We build steps with consistent riser heights and tread depths. This uniformity prevents trips caused by unexpected height changes. We ensure proper slope for water drainage and tool mortar joints for weather resistance. Each step receives the same attention to detail.
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  Weather protection: We add capstones or bullnose edges that shed water away from mortar joints. We seal steps when appropriate and ensure drainage directs water away rather than pooling on treads. These details extend step life significantly.
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  Integration with surroundings: We coordinate steps with existing walkways, landings, and landscaping. Steps should flow naturally into your property's circulation patterns. We can incorporate planters, lighting, or other features that enhance both function and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steps