Yes. The gap between the stoop and foundation is a direct symptom of settlement and the stoop has dropped while the foundation wall has not. Lifting the stoop back toward its original position closes or significantly reduces the gap. After lifting the joint is sealed with flexible polyurethane sealant that accommodates seasonal movement and prevents water re-entry.

Stoop leveling typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Polyurethane foam cures in 15 minutes and the steps can be used safely the same day. The gap between the stoop and the foundation wall is sealed after lifting to prevent re-infiltration of water. There is no need to restrict entry to the home during or after the process.

Steps that have fractured into multiple sections may not be candidates for lifting because slab integrity required to transmit foam pressure uniformly is compromised. Scaldino will assess whether cracking is superficial or structural through the full depth. Structurally fractured steps typically require partial or full reconstruction before leveling can restore a safe and stable entry.

Steps sink when the fill material placed beneath the stoop during original construction erodes, compacts, or washes away over years of water infiltration. The area directly beneath entry stoops is one of the most water-exposed zones around a house. Downspout discharge near the steps and poor grading both accelerate the process.

In most cases yes. Railings attached to the stoop slab move with the slab during lifting and typically do not need to be removed. Railings anchored into a separate footing beside the stoop may pull slightly as the stoop rises but are generally not damaged. Technicians identify railing anchor points before drilling to position injection ports appropriately.

Sinking steps typically show a gap between the top riser and the door threshold, separation between the stoop slab and the foundation wall, or a visible tilt. Steps built incorrectly show consistent slope with no gap at the foundation. A Scaldino technician will probe beneath the stoop to confirm whether void formation is present, which is the definitive indicator of settlement.

Yes. Concrete steps that have sunk away from the foundation or separated at joints can be lifted with polyurethane foam injection, restoring the step-to-landing height and closing gaps that allow water infiltration. Steps that have crumbled or fractured structurally may need partial replacement before leveling can restore a safe and stable entry.

Concrete leveling typically costs 50 to 75 percent less than full replacement by eliminating demolition, disposal, new pours, and extended curing time. For slabs that are structurally sound but have settled, leveling is almost always the more cost-effective solution. Replacement is only warranted when the concrete itself has deteriorated beyond repair.

Most residential concrete leveling jobs are completed in one to three hours depending on the number of slabs and severity of settlement. Polyurethane foam injection cures in 15 minutes, allowing same-day use. Mudjacking requires 24 to 48 hours before the area can be driven on.

Concrete sinks when the soil beneath it erodes, settles, or washes away due to poor compaction, water infiltration, or natural soil movement over time. Tree roots, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy loads can accelerate this process. Concrete leveling restores the surface without the cost and disruption of full replacement.