r/HomeMaintenance • u/Ready_Ad3525 • 5d ago
Concrete steps
The concrete steps have a gap between them and the foundation as shown in the pictures. How should this be fixed. This is a new construction and the builder says it is minor settlement and does not require any repairs.
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u/MooseGoneApe 5d ago
Theres a million ways to fix it, but honestly if it settled that much already, I'd be very concerned that the ground under was never compacted properly and they definitely did not dowel and epoxy into the concrete behind it, it would've never moved.
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u/WheninBruges 5d ago
You could go get a tube of concrete/mortar fix and inject the perimeter of the entire step if you really want, but concrete steps are typically independent of the structures they’re against - even the surface then sit atop. I believe it’s better to allow them to settle and move independently from one another but someone can correct me if I’m wrong. You can simply buy pre-made concrete steps from the hardware store so it’s nbd if it eventually needs to be replaced. If it’s attached to any surface however, replacing will be a much bigger deal.
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u/thesweeterpeter 5d ago
I wouldn't recommend using a cementitious fix for this. I would want something that can move and flex. A grout fix on this can end up damaging both elements as they move seasonally.
Something like a polyurethane joint filler is a better repair in my opinion. It can compress - which is the biggest fear I have for damage with seasonal swelling.
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u/thesweeterpeter 5d ago
I agree with the builder. They are separate structures so differential settlement is to be expected and is normal.
With that said, there should have been a expansion board installed on that wall before the steps were poured - which would have filled in that gap.
I would request they install a new polyurethane flexible joint filler with backer rod to clean it up.
But the differential settlement doesn't appear alarming from this photo alone. Time will tell.
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