Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build

Why Your Steps Need Attention Now

Loose, cracked, or uneven steps are more than an eyesore. They create serious safety hazards for you, your family, and visitors. Every year, thousands of people get injured on damaged steps. One wrong step on a loose brick or broken stone can lead to a fall that results in broken bones or worse.

Here in Ann Arbor, freeze-thaw cycles break down mortar joints and shift step treads. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands. This process pushes bricks apart and creates trip hazards. What starts as a small crack becomes a major repair job if you wait too long.

We repair damaged steps and build new ones that last. Your front entrance sets the tone for your entire property. Well-built steps with clean lines and solid construction show that you care about your home. Our team at AA Ann Arbor Masonry handles everything from simple repairs to complete rebuilds.

Common Step Problems We Fix

Most step problems show clear warning signs before they become dangerous. Catching these issues early saves you money and prevents injuries.

Loose or Missing Bricks

When mortar deteriorates, bricks start to wobble. You might notice movement when you step on them or see gaps where bricks used to sit tight. We remove loose bricks, clean out old mortar, and reset them with fresh material that bonds properly.

Cracked or Broken Treads

Stone treads crack when water freezes underneath them. Brick treads break when the base settles unevenly. We replace damaged treads with matching materials and fix the underlying drainage or support issues that caused the problem in the first place.

Settling and Separation

Steps pull away from your house when the foundation settles or when water washes out the base material. This creates gaps and makes steps unstable. We rebuild the base, add proper drainage, and reconnect steps to your foundation securely. Similar to our brick repair and restoration work, we address root causes.

• Leaning or tilting steps that no longer sit level
• Spalling brick surfaces that flake and crumble
• Eroded mortar joints that expose brick edges
• Water pooling on treads instead of draining away

Building New Steps That Last

New step construction starts with understanding local building codes and your property's specific needs. We do not just stack bricks. We engineer a structure that handles Michigan weather and daily use.

Foundation Work

Steps need a concrete footing that extends below the frost line. In Ann Arbor, that means going at least 42 inches deep. This prevents frost heave from pushing your steps around in winter. We pour footings that exceed code requirements because we want your steps standing strong decades from now.

Material Selection

Brick, natural stone, and concrete pavers all work for steps. Your choice depends on your home's style, budget, and maintenance preferences. Brick matches traditional homes and offers countless color options. Natural stone like bluestone provides slip resistance and timeless appeal. We help you pick materials that complement your property.

Construction Details

Each tread must pitch slightly forward so water runs off instead of pooling. Risers should be consistent height for safety. We build in proper drainage at the base to prevent water accumulation. Handrails get anchored securely when needed. Every detail matters when you are building something people trust with their safety every day.

Our approach to step construction matches the care we put into tuckpointing and repointing projects. Quality materials and skilled craftsmanship make the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions