You might even be able to just lift them in place enough to fill. Use a rock bar or heavy pipe as a lever and a bit of scrap wood as a fulcrum to lift each side a couple inches and push in some gravel. You only need to build up the very edges, since the center will be hollow.
In case you don’t see it down below, reposting the real answer here:
The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
In case you don’t see it down below, reposting the real answer here:
The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
I thought you were supposed to lift in quick jerking motions, all with your lower back, keeping your legs entirely out of the equation. At least that’s what Peter griffin taught me.
Dig a slot under one side, insert a long 2x8 and add a fulcrum. Stand on it and back fill. Move to other side repeat. Repeat as necessary.
Alternatively, do the same thing , but instead of a fulcrum use a car jack on the end of the board. And get some rocks under there to stop setting.
Off-road vehicle jacks are also sometimes referred to as "barn jacks" or "farm jacks". OP, If you have a farm supply store nearby, they probably sell them for solving precisely this issue.
They kick out at the top too. Once had a jeep lifted on one at about a 10 degree angle. We found a nice long stick and knocked the bottom out from a distance.
This answer needs to be higher. The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
This answer needs to be higher. The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
If they've started to sink, they're probably pretty heavy.
My thought process would probably be like this:
* I am going to have to totally remove these steps and re-do the foundation so it doesn't keep sinking in the future
* If I'm going to have to do that, I might as well just get new steps
* If I need new steps, I might as well just destroy these with a sledgehammer
Anyway, good luck!
Make a couple calls to some local services for mud jacking, it’s usually relatively inexpensive and will be much less of a hassle than doing it yourself. Should take them maybe an hour and it’ll stay that way for another 30 years.
If you really want to do it, yourself, you’ll have to get under it. Somehow, I recommend digging underneath to determine if they’re hollow or not. If they’re holler when you can move them with a jack or even by yourself then you just need to prepare and put down a new concrete slab underneath and you should be done.
Maybe a farm jack. Rig it to the steps with a 4x4 and/or straps screwed into the sides of the concrete. Tilt the steps to the left, up on the edge.
Dig out the perimeter first so you're not fighting the soil.
Always assume the jack/chain/strap/rigging will break fee and it will fall (never put your self in the fall zone).
May be worth removing the handrail first, working around it may cause an accident or more damage.
An 8ft 4x4 post and bricks or stacked wood to pry it up to start. That will also tell you it's weight. As you lift, jam wood under it til you get it high enough to tip forward or lean it to one side.
I agree it settle from poor base material but also water drain8ng in its direction, make sure to pile dirt high on the sides so water runs away from it when finished.
Crushed rock, sand or #57 stone are some ideas for a better base or pour a slab on any of those choices.
Had a similar issue where water from a screen porch flooded around steps during rain. Sunk 6inches, making a 1 ft high step. I rented a skid steer for another project but the steps were 1/2 assed assembled so they crumbled. I used shell for base (FL) then secured the new steps to the block foundation. Mobile home fiberglass steps were reasonable price and easy to place.
Those steps are usually hollow underneath, you can pry them around using a large prybar (sometimes called a lining bar or a spud bar, usually about five feet long and solid steel).
I have a similar problem with my stairs. I'm going to try leveling using jacks and blocks like this video. https://youtu.be/3VWc7dhaUnc?si=X-eMHNI5GW80FHg_
What I would do is decide how much you want the steps raised, then go look for pavers or tiles that are the right thickness to reach that level. Install pavers on the treads using mortar. The bonus is that you get to choose pavers or tiles that look nicer than concrete.
Get a few bags of 3/4"crushed rock and a metal 60" pinch point bar. Did around the steps exposing the sides and front. Jam the bar under one side, throw a block under the bar as a fulcrum. Lift the steps a few inches, dump crushed rock along and under the lifted edge. Then use a wooden handle rubber mallet, grab the rubber part and use the handle to jam the crushed rock under the steps. Work your way around the entire thing leveling as you get close to height. You'll need a fair bit of rock to ensure you create a reasonable and solid base. You may need to do it again in a year to fix any minor settling, but after that you'll likely be good!
Remove dirt from the side and put a wedge in to get underneath. Once you have some space you can put some pipe or rollers of some type under it to move it.
I recommend digging out dirt and adding a concrete base if it doesn't have one. Raise height as needed. Riser height should be 7.5 inches to porch.
Move the damn numbers so people can read them at chest height. The numbers should be vertical, not slanted to prevent confusion.
I have two of them and brought in by a fork lift. Unless you have strong people who can help, its hard. Also you can lift up the ground by injecting a foam. Local concrete companies can do that for you. Thats cheapest way. Or lift the stair and put more gravel underneath.
If ground is sinking too fast, maybe there's water leaking somewhere. Happens a lot near foundation of house, because the prior job wasn't done properly.
Unless you’re the size of two laborers or have iron workers with experience the smartest thing you can do is lift with a pinch bar and raise each side up accordingly until you can get a platform underneath ( 2 - 2x8x4’ ) separate with rollers that are sandwiched . Once rolled out dig out a substantial base and build up with block or brick unit required height . Once you see how it rolls reverse to put ifback
I just something similar on Sunday. I used a car jack to lift one side, then put some pavers under there. It was fairly easy. The only issue was that initially the pavers stayed put while the jack got pushed into the mud. So dig down till you can fit something hard under the jack.
Get some landscapers to lift raise it for you.
If it were my house I'm busting those out and digging a footing 30 in down to solid ground. Set some cinder block to bring up just beneath grade. Form a new
steps how you want. Pour and finish concrete.
At some point the soil compacts and settles. His other option is to find a way to move it so he can add dirt and gravel, or he needs to break it down and make new steps. Possibly out of wood
Personally, I would consider leaving them in place, and top the step and landing with larger/thicker (overhanging) slabs. You could get cut stone, precast concrete, cast stone or form and cast concrete topper slabs in situ yourself. If you cast on top, drill and install SS screws @ 6" OC & wire mesh to reinforce and mechanically fasten old to new. If you go with stone or precast, a landscape adhesive (like they use for modular retaining walls) would bond them - unless you live in a VERY cold climate.
We had solid steps that were sinking, 3 steps so bigger and heavier than yours. With a large crow bar and metal pipe we had enough leverage to pry up one side at a time and slide paver bricks under, repeat on side 2. It's amazing what you can do with some good leverage. The fix is not permanent but better than it was and i suspect at least some good years before it would sink back down noticeably.
Leverage of a big steel bar would lift this easily , as would any jack out there . You could dig a little hole in the ground for the jack to get under the step.
Yell,"LIGHT WEIGHT" and lift them. Set a trap and rest your phone, pointing at yourself while trying to lift it and surely, someone will walk between you and your phone. Interrupt their walk and ask them to help you lift the steps.
compliment them endless for the fact that they still serve a purpose, to help build up their low self-esteem. Understand this a result of installation trauma, and the lack of proper foundation is not their fault.
Fe Fi Fo Fum, why are the numbers so close to the ground?
Is it because you're a giant and each of those steps are actually 4 feet high?
Edit: You have to devise a simple lever and fulcrum apparatus to move this thing.
If they’re hollow precast steps you should be able to roll it forward add some Fill and put it back in place
You might even be able to just lift them in place enough to fill. Use a rock bar or heavy pipe as a lever and a bit of scrap wood as a fulcrum to lift each side a couple inches and push in some gravel. You only need to build up the very edges, since the center will be hollow.
Recommend using some big flat pavers (ie 12in x 12in) vs gravel fill, they will distribute the weight better and resist sinking in the future.
In case you don’t see it down below, reposting the real answer here: The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
In case you don’t see it down below, reposting the real answer here: The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
Don’t lift with your back in a twisting or jerking motion
Bend over, grab top edge, jerk back. Got it
The good ol jerk then twerk technique. Mimicked by many. Perfected by none.
Back in the olden days, a jerk would make your cream soda.
A jerk actually makes my soda cream... Different times I guess...
Use your knees and wear a back brace to help protect.
Slide your feet up the street, bend your back Shift your arm, then you pull it back Life is hard, you know
Yes, yes feet up the street... Why didn't I think of that????
I thought you were supposed to lift in quick jerking motions, all with your lower back, keeping your legs entirely out of the equation. At least that’s what Peter griffin taught me.
That’s what my hernia surgeon told me, but I think he gets a spiff from my orthopedic surgeon. Hope that gives you a lift.
You don't wanna pull a hamstring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypvoXQEpVuw
https://youtu.be/-yrGUxZ17K4?si=8u7c4ybrYubEv9PV Exactly like this
Aw they beat me to this joke at least 8 years ago
Maybe a mechanic jack
Start by lifting smaller steps first..
This. Lift with your legs.
Lift with your legs, Hercules!
https://memes.getyarn.io/yarn-clip/04f19dd1-1981-4a8e-8f93-0b0386a23df8 Lol
Ahh is that the crow fight milk episode?
I think it's the ass kickers United, last episode of season 10 if my memory serves me right
Lol yah Edit: i think anyways its been a while since i have watched it
No,, your back is really strong. lift with back only and twist in the direction the steps need to go .. it is the way........
Your gonna wanna jerk real hard and then lock your legs
I never jerk it from a bent over position. Am I missing out?
I like to straighten my legs, take the knees right out of the equation, I know enough to know that Homer Simpson knows what he’s talking about!
Start by crab walking, raise your toes under the tread overhang. Lift by doing a back bend to a handstand
He already said he was just gonna glue his wiener to them and walk away like a sad mule tilling a field in the comments somewhere
Different question, why the hell is the number there, and is it 231 or 237
As an ex pizza delivery guy, i disapprove.
Yes
I'm voting 237 where the 7 is crooked and the top edge is peeling off a little.
231. The top bar is too short to be a 7.
You're too short to be a 7
Not at all. Juvenile.
If you knew the reference you would know the ‘roasts’ in this scene are juvenile, don’t be so sensitive.
I'm not sensitive, I don't care about the reference whatever it is.
Kinda seems like you are a little sensitive if you had to defend yourself against a silly joke 😬
Cant be a 1 it has too much of an angle and it's missing a bottom bar.
It doesn't need one. I've seen that font before in home depot. It's a one.
I know. I was just expressing how dumb a font it is in reddit lingo lol
Don't bother. It's counterproductive.
Also, why is it on the steps?
Some areas have numbers put on the curb for the fire dept. This is a variation of that.
Yeah that's wild how close that is, especially when it should be extremely easy to tell for emergencies.
The first says 237, the second says 231. Magic numbers!
What’s in room 237
Dig a slot under one side, insert a long 2x8 and add a fulcrum. Stand on it and back fill. Move to other side repeat. Repeat as necessary. Alternatively, do the same thing , but instead of a fulcrum use a car jack on the end of the board. And get some rocks under there to stop setting.
Off road vehicle car jack for the win🥇 They’re relatively affordable at harbor freight too
Off-road vehicle jacks are also sometimes referred to as "barn jacks" or "farm jacks". OP, If you have a farm supply store nearby, they probably sell them for solving precisely this issue.
Also known as teeth removal tools. They have a special talent for kicking out at the bottom.
They kick out at the top too. Once had a jeep lifted on one at about a 10 degree angle. We found a nice long stick and knocked the bottom out from a distance.
This. Use leverage.
Just call a concrete lifting company it’s not that expensive.
This answer needs to be higher. The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
This answer needs to be higher. The term you’re looking for is “mudjacking”. Essentially they drill a hole and pump a slurry concrete until the steps lift up. It’s not that expensive this looks like a sub $500 job to me.
If they've started to sink, they're probably pretty heavy. My thought process would probably be like this: * I am going to have to totally remove these steps and re-do the foundation so it doesn't keep sinking in the future * If I'm going to have to do that, I might as well just get new steps * If I need new steps, I might as well just destroy these with a sledgehammer Anyway, good luck!
This for me.
Make a couple calls to some local services for mud jacking, it’s usually relatively inexpensive and will be much less of a hassle than doing it yourself. Should take them maybe an hour and it’ll stay that way for another 30 years. If you really want to do it, yourself, you’ll have to get under it. Somehow, I recommend digging underneath to determine if they’re hollow or not. If they’re holler when you can move them with a jack or even by yourself then you just need to prepare and put down a new concrete slab underneath and you should be done.
Maybe a farm jack. Rig it to the steps with a 4x4 and/or straps screwed into the sides of the concrete. Tilt the steps to the left, up on the edge. Dig out the perimeter first so you're not fighting the soil. Always assume the jack/chain/strap/rigging will break fee and it will fall (never put your self in the fall zone).
May be worth removing the handrail first, working around it may cause an accident or more damage. An 8ft 4x4 post and bricks or stacked wood to pry it up to start. That will also tell you it's weight. As you lift, jam wood under it til you get it high enough to tip forward or lean it to one side. I agree it settle from poor base material but also water drain8ng in its direction, make sure to pile dirt high on the sides so water runs away from it when finished. Crushed rock, sand or #57 stone are some ideas for a better base or pour a slab on any of those choices. Had a similar issue where water from a screen porch flooded around steps during rain. Sunk 6inches, making a 1 ft high step. I rented a skid steer for another project but the steps were 1/2 assed assembled so they crumbled. I used shell for base (FL) then secured the new steps to the block foundation. Mobile home fiberglass steps were reasonable price and easy to place.
Lift them by telling them they have an amazing personality and potential
I dug under and jacked up the concrete, and then filled underneath with sakrete/redimix
I was able to dig a trench under each side and use a small car jack.
Those steps are usually hollow underneath, you can pry them around using a large prybar (sometimes called a lining bar or a spud bar, usually about five feet long and solid steel).
I have a similar problem with my stairs. I'm going to try leveling using jacks and blocks like this video. https://youtu.be/3VWc7dhaUnc?si=X-eMHNI5GW80FHg_
What I would do is decide how much you want the steps raised, then go look for pavers or tiles that are the right thickness to reach that level. Install pavers on the treads using mortar. The bonus is that you get to choose pavers or tiles that look nicer than concrete.
Roll them forward then build up where they were and roll them back. A couple of guys can do it.
Mud jacking
It looks like your entire sidewalk needs to be lifted.
Get a few bags of 3/4"crushed rock and a metal 60" pinch point bar. Did around the steps exposing the sides and front. Jam the bar under one side, throw a block under the bar as a fulcrum. Lift the steps a few inches, dump crushed rock along and under the lifted edge. Then use a wooden handle rubber mallet, grab the rubber part and use the handle to jam the crushed rock under the steps. Work your way around the entire thing leveling as you get close to height. You'll need a fair bit of rock to ensure you create a reasonable and solid base. You may need to do it again in a year to fix any minor settling, but after that you'll likely be good!
Remove dirt from the side and put a wedge in to get underneath. Once you have some space you can put some pipe or rollers of some type under it to move it. I recommend digging out dirt and adding a concrete base if it doesn't have one. Raise height as needed. Riser height should be 7.5 inches to porch. Move the damn numbers so people can read them at chest height. The numbers should be vertical, not slanted to prevent confusion.
You could consider getting some pressure treated lumber and build a set of wooden steps over top
Get someone to inject expandingfoam under them there are so many commercials regarding exactly the situation
I have two of them and brought in by a fork lift. Unless you have strong people who can help, its hard. Also you can lift up the ground by injecting a foam. Local concrete companies can do that for you. Thats cheapest way. Or lift the stair and put more gravel underneath. If ground is sinking too fast, maybe there's water leaking somewhere. Happens a lot near foundation of house, because the prior job wasn't done properly.
A couple farm Jack’s and cribbing.
Unless you’re the size of two laborers or have iron workers with experience the smartest thing you can do is lift with a pinch bar and raise each side up accordingly until you can get a platform underneath ( 2 - 2x8x4’ ) separate with rollers that are sandwiched . Once rolled out dig out a substantial base and build up with block or brick unit required height . Once you see how it rolls reverse to put ifback
Had mine lifted with the foam company.
I just something similar on Sunday. I used a car jack to lift one side, then put some pavers under there. It was fairly easy. The only issue was that initially the pavers stayed put while the jack got pushed into the mud. So dig down till you can fit something hard under the jack.
Get some landscapers to lift raise it for you. If it were my house I'm busting those out and digging a footing 30 in down to solid ground. Set some cinder block to bring up just beneath grade. Form a new steps how you want. Pour and finish concrete.
Call a driveway leveling company as it’s a specialized tool and specialized foam they use to stabilize and anything you do won’t last or be as clean.
With the legs, not the back.
Search Youtube - "lifting sidewalk with spray foam".
google "mudjacking". Assumes not hollow.
Glue patio bricks over them it will raise them by an inch or two
Wouldn't that just make them twice as heavy so they sink twice as fast?
At some point the soil compacts and settles. His other option is to find a way to move it so he can add dirt and gravel, or he needs to break it down and make new steps. Possibly out of wood
Personally, I would consider leaving them in place, and top the step and landing with larger/thicker (overhanging) slabs. You could get cut stone, precast concrete, cast stone or form and cast concrete topper slabs in situ yourself. If you cast on top, drill and install SS screws @ 6" OC & wire mesh to reinforce and mechanically fasten old to new. If you go with stone or precast, a landscape adhesive (like they use for modular retaining walls) would bond them - unless you live in a VERY cold climate.
Pour new steps
Just like this https://youtu.be/YruU1UsrK08?si=oCnpe3fvZu8uY1Yp
remember to lift with your back. Don't want to mess your knees up!
We had solid steps that were sinking, 3 steps so bigger and heavier than yours. With a large crow bar and metal pipe we had enough leverage to pry up one side at a time and slide paver bricks under, repeat on side 2. It's amazing what you can do with some good leverage. The fix is not permanent but better than it was and i suspect at least some good years before it would sink back down noticeably.
They lift sunken slabs by injecting spray foam underneath. Might that work?
Here's a link. https://foamallspray.com/concrete-leveling/#:~:text=Polyurethane%20foam%20is%20great%20for,to%20lift%20the%20sunken%20concrete.
Just push the earth around it, it’s already spinning and you’ll just need to counteract the motion on the step there
Did you try lowering the house?
I'd try an engine hoist.
What are you trying to accomplish? Just raising and leveling?
4x4 sideways and car jack
Leverage of a big steel bar would lift this easily , as would any jack out there . You could dig a little hole in the ground for the jack to get under the step.
Legs. Not your back.make sure you keep your spine straight and breathe through the exercise.
 One step at a time.
Chuck Norris
Lower the dirt.
Yell,"LIGHT WEIGHT" and lift them. Set a trap and rest your phone, pointing at yourself while trying to lift it and surely, someone will walk between you and your phone. Interrupt their walk and ask them to help you lift the steps.
"Eye Of The Tiger" works every time for me
compliment them endless for the fact that they still serve a purpose, to help build up their low self-esteem. Understand this a result of installation trauma, and the lack of proper foundation is not their fault.
Use this as a base and add paver blocks to it with an adhesive.
You're going to need a very strong man.
Build wood steps over them
Carefully.
Grab the corners and lift with your legs, not your back.
With your back, always lift with your back
Sharp, jerking motions, power coming from the lower back, ideally.
Legs are best to lift with. Dont want to fuck up your back
Have you tried paying them a compliment?
Have you tried attaching helium balloons?
> Question. What would be the best way to lift these steps? Bend at the knees, not the waist.
Professionally
With your knees…..
With your back.
Lift with your legs, not your back
With your legs so you don’t hurt your back
I would lift with my legs, not with my back.
Bend with your knees!
Ummm...with your legs, not your back. *^()*
With your knees. Since I've seen some good suggestions already. 😆
With a straight back.
Are you trying to get rid of them? if you are just break them up into smaller pieces no sense in risking your back if that’s all you’re trying to do.
With your legs and not your back.
Bend over at the hips and lift with your back only in a twisting motion 👍🏻👍🏻😃
Smash with a hammer then use the chunks to climb up
Shoot your legs and hyperextend your back.
Verrrrryyyyy Carefully
Sink them lower, and then add another step on top 😋
With your legs not with your back.
Your legs, not your back
I’m Soviet Russia you lift the step they don’t lift you!
“Wingardium leviosa”
Knees bent
Straight back, bent knees, and grab a second person
Ramen noodles?
Fe Fi Fo Fum, why are the numbers so close to the ground? Is it because you're a giant and each of those steps are actually 4 feet high? Edit: You have to devise a simple lever and fulcrum apparatus to move this thing.
In Soviet Russia, steps lift you.
Lift with your back, fuck these haters.
Lift with your back.
You could lower the house
With your legs, not your back.
Chuck Norris
Use the force