Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build

Why Steps Need Professional Attention

Your front steps are one of the most used features of your home. You walk on them multiple times every day. Guests use them. Delivery drivers use them. When steps become loose, uneven, or cracked, they create a serious safety hazard. Every year, thousands of people get injured from falls on damaged steps. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with timely repairs.

Beyond safety, your steps make a huge first impression. They are often the focal point of your home's entrance. Crumbling, stained, or poorly maintained steps drag down your entire curb appeal. Beautiful, well-built steps do the opposite. They welcome guests and add value to your property. Real estate agents consistently point to quality front steps as a key selling feature.

At OT Ontario Masonry, we repair and build brick and stone steps throughout Ontario, CA. We know the local building codes, the best materials for our climate, and the techniques that create steps lasting decades. Whether your steps need minor repairs or complete rebuilding, we deliver safe, attractive results that stand the test of time.

Common Step Problems We Fix

Step damage happens gradually. Small issues turn into big problems when ignored. Here are the warning signs that your steps need attention:

Loose or Wobbly Steps

Steps that move when you walk on them have foundation problems. The base has settled or washed away. The step unit has separated from its support. Whatever the cause, loose steps are dangerous. They get worse with every use until someone gets hurt. We assess the foundation, rebuild the base if needed, and secure the steps properly.

Cracked or Broken Treads

Cracks in step surfaces create trip hazards and let water penetrate below. Once water gets in and freezes, it breaks the steps apart from the inside. Small cracks become big breaks surprisingly fast. We replace damaged treads with properly matched materials and address the root cause of the cracking.

Settling and Sinking

When steps sink or tilt, the foundation has failed. Poor drainage often causes this. Water washes away supporting soil, and gravity does the rest. Settled steps create awkward height differences and water pooling problems. We excavate to stable soil, install proper drainage, and rebuild on a foundation that will not settle.

Deteriorating Mortar

The mortar joints in brick steps wear out before the brick does. When joints crumble or fall out, the steps lose structural integrity. Individual bricks become loose. Water penetrates and causes freeze damage. Our tuckpointing services restore these joints and stop the deterioration.

Outdated or Unsafe Design

Older steps often fail to meet modern building codes. The risers might be too tall or inconsistent. They might lack proper handrails. The tread depth might be too shallow. These design flaws create trip hazards. We can rebuild steps to current code standards that are both safer and more comfortable to use.

Our Step Repair and Construction Process

Quality step work requires precision and experience. Every step must be exactly the right height. The slope must shed water without being too steep. The materials must handle constant use and weather exposure. Here is how we approach every project:

• Thorough inspection to identify all structural and safety issues
• Detailed measurements and code compliance review
• Foundation assessment and soil stability evaluation
• Custom design that matches your home's architecture
• Proper excavation and drainage installation
• Reinforced concrete foundation for maximum stability
• Precise construction with consistent riser heights
• Quality materials that resist weather and wear
• Final inspection and safety verification

Foundation work is critical for steps. We dig below the frost line and pour a reinforced concrete base. This prevents settling and frost heave. We also install drainage to keep water away from the foundation. These steps might seem excessive, but they are what separate steps that last three decades from steps that fail in five years.

Riser height consistency matters more than most people realize. Building codes specify maximum height and require that all risers be within a quarter inch of each other. This is not arbitrary. Inconsistent step heights cause trips and falls. Your feet expect each step to be the same height. When they are not, accidents happen. We measure and verify every riser to ensure perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions