Waterproofing services for steps, stairs and paving, London

The Stone Steps and Paving team have been waterproofing damaged, leaking steps, staircases, paving and basement lightwells across London and the South East for many years.

We offer two methods; our proprietary membrane layer waterproofing system, and asphalting.

Waterproofed stone steps

Pictured: Waterproofed stone steps for a London house fitted by our stonemasons. Location:  Church Road, Richmond, London, TW10

Membrane layer waterproofing for steps and stairs

Our membrane layer waterproofing system is only available via the Stone Steps and Paving team. Essentially, we build a layered barrier structure beneath steps, that acts as a protective shield against water ingress. Membrane sheets for waterproofing are a favourite method among professional builders because they offer:

  • Seamless protection: Since the barrier layer is continuous, there are no gaps or seams where water can seep through.
  • Durability: High-quality barrier layers can last for decades, offering long-term protection against water damage.
  • Aesthetics: As the waterproofing is placed beneath the steps, the appearance of the stone is not altered.
  • Versatility: Suitable for various surfaces, including steps, basements and walls.

Examples:

Steps waterproofed with a membrane layer

Pictured: A side view of the membrane layer waterproofing method – layers we insert beneath stone steps. This photo is from our steps project in Church Road, Richmond, London, TW10

Asphalt waterproofing for steps and stairs

Fully waterproofing and replacing steps and external staircases with our membrane layer system is an investment. It offers great value, but it’s not the cheapest option.

For homeowners with leaking steps, our asphalt waterproofing service can be a more affordable route.

When applied to surfaces, asphalt (sticky black liquid bitumen) forms a waterproof barrier that’s tough to breach. Here’s why asphalt is a good choice:

  • Robust protection: Asphalt is resistant to both water and UV rays, ensuring that the surface underneath remains unscathed.
  • Flexibility: Unlike some materials that can become brittle over time, asphalt retains its flexibility, accommodating minor shifts or movements in the structure without cracking.
  • Cost-effective: In the long run, asphalt proves to be a cost-effective waterproofing solution, given its longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.

Asphalt is a liquid-applied system. It goes on hot and sets as one continuous layer, which is why it copes well with the joints and edges that let water into stepped surfaces.

We asphalted the entrance steps at a property in Petherton Road in Highbury for exactly this reason. The flight over the basement was leaking, and asphalt allowed us to seal it at a lower cost.

The cost of asphalting steps depends on the size of the flight, the condition of the surface underneath, and how easy the steps are to reach.

Steps waterproofed with asphalt, London home

Pictured: Steps waterproofed with asphalt by the Stone Steps and Paving team. Location: Petherton Road, Highbury, London, N5

Why waterproofing is important

  • Structural integrity: Properly implemented waterproofing ensures that materials within your house last longer by protecting them from dampness which could lead to rotting, rusting, or decay.
  • Health: Damp environments tend to promote mould growth and mildew.
  • Property value: A well-maintained home with high-quality waterproofed surfaces will retain its value better than one prone to leaks and related problems.
  • Return on investment: Addressing water damage can be costly. Proactive waterproofing can save property owners significant repair costs in the long run.
Asphalted waterproof steps, London home

Pictured: A closer look at asphalted waterproof steps by the Stone Steps and Paving team. Location: Petherton Road, Highbury, North London. Postcode: N5

Waterproofing questions answered

The barrier layers we fit beneath steps are built to last for decades. Because the membrane is continuous, there are no seams or gaps for water to work through.

No. The membrane sits beneath the stone, so the appearance of the steps is not altered. The finished staircase at Aberdeen Park in Highbury shows only the new buff Yorkstone; the waterproofing sits out of sight beneath the treads.

The membrane system is the long-term option and suits steps that are being rebuilt. Asphalt is the more affordable option for existing steps that leak, as it was at Petherton Road in Highbury. We advise on the right choice when we quote.

Yes. At Fordingley Road in Maida Vale, cracked asphalt was letting rainwater into a basement kitchen. We replaced the steps with new stone over our waterproofing system, and restored the original coal hole cover in the process.

It varies, so we price for it honestly. At Branch Hill in Hampstead we quoted two scenarios before starting: one price to overlay if the original stone was sound, and one to rebuild if it was not. When the asphalt came up, years of trapped moisture had delaminated the sandstone, so the rebuild price applied and the client knew the cost in advance. At Aberdeen Park the structure underneath was sound enough to waterproof and overlay.

See also