We have a cement stoop that was covered with 1/2 inch slate. The threshold area was leaking water into the basement because it is not pitched correctly. Now we are trying to decide if we need to completely remove the cement stoop or not. One contractor recommended capping it with 2 or more inches of cement and pitching the threshold area correctly for half the cost of a brand new stoop. The existing stoop is in good condition. Will capping it be just as good and solve our water problem in the basement???

What that contractor didn't tell you is that by capping the stoop 2 inches, all the steps are thrown off. To do that properly, you would have to cap every step the same amount, and then raise the grade at the bottom of the steps.

Also, before capping the stoop, you should find some way to flash the joint between the stoop and the bottom of the threshhold.

Thank you, Richard! The contractor did give us a quote for capping all the steps (I wasn't clear in my description.) And the bottom step is too high anyway and not up to code so I think he'll add another step to even everything out. I hope this will work! Thanks Again