Repairing concrete stairs

Use a paint brush to apply a thick coat of latex bonding liquid on the damaged portion of the concrete step were you will be applying the new concrete. Prepare quick-setting cement. Mix a small amount of quick-setting cement in a plastic bucket according to the instructions on the packaging. Brush the surface with a masonry brush or concrete finishing brush.

When repairing or resurfacing concrete steps, make sure the surface doesn’t become too smooth. Smooth steps that get slippery when wet can be a falling hazard.

Shape the edges of the steps and the corners where the steps meet with the side of the trowel. Dampen the existing concrete stairs , then add the NewCrete , using a trowel to smooth and shape it. Note that a couple of nonstandard trowels may prove handy along the way.

A concrete saw with a hose is used to remove the damaged portion of a concrete step. Remove the Damaged Step Use a concrete saw with a hose attachment to remove damaged part of step. The hose helps keep the blade cool and keep down dust.

Apply the mixture to the steps to fill any gaps, smoothing the cement as it sets. Once the material has set, apply a thin layer of concrete resurfacerto the top of the steps.

Smooth the resurfacer , and add texture with a stiff brush to prevent slipping. Watch this video to find out more. How do I repair broken concrete steps? How to repair cracked concrete steps?

Drill four holes into your concrete steps with a hammer drill. You will want to place two holes on each side of the steps. Prior to applying the repair material the repair area should be dampened with water.

Enough water should be used to saturate the concrete substrate and any standing water must be removed. This step is necessary because concrete is essentially a rigid sponge. Dry concrete will absorb water from the repair material and can cause a weakened bond and shrinkage cracking.

After you make the repair, The Family Handyman expert Rick Muscoplat, will show you how to resurface the concrete to make the old and new concrete match perfectly. Concrete stairs and walkways can chip and wear away over time. Learn how to repair concrete steps then reface them with new stone. Then see how to lay a new paver walkway. Work the concrete into the front of the form with your shovel or a stick.

When the form is completely full, screed off the excess concrete. Hose down the steps and let them dry. Then coat the chipped-out areas with concrete bonding adhesive.

The reason the steps are sinking is that the subgrade beneath the steps has eroded. This can come from the influence of a high water table or from the subgrade not being properly prepared to withstand the weight of the steps. Project Instructions Step 1. Clean the surface of the damaged area by removing any loose material such as dirt, oil, or grease and unsound or. Scrub and clean the surface of the repair area with a stiff bristle brush. Thoroughly rinse the repair area after cleaning.

Apply a chemical paint remover made specifically for concrete. The rate to repair your stairs ranges between $and $800. You can patch concrete for as little as $with a DIY kit.

More comprehensive options include professional labor and fresh concrete , which costs more.