Repairing Guides

how to repair cement porch steps

by Xzavier Feil Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Clean the Area. You won’t be able to work with the concrete steps until you clean them first. ...
  2. Concrete Bonding. Examine the spot where the concrete steps are pulling away from the house. ...
  3. Mix Concrete. Now, it’s time for you to mix up a batch of quick-set concrete to repair your steps. ...
  4. Apply the Concrete. Bring your bucket with concrete over to the steps and have a trowel on hand. ...
  5. Patch the Steps. As you apply the concrete, alternate between the mix and patching material. ...
  6. Finishing Touches. Now, smooth and blend the edges of the new concrete and patch using a rubber float. ...

Part of a video titled Cement Step Repair in One Day -- by Home Repair Tutor
3:05
7:34
Use your margin trowel to scoop up the cement from the top and push it down into the recess. CreatedMoreUse your margin trowel to scoop up the cement from the top and push it down into the recess. Created by the wood form. And your old step.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace a concrete porch?

The average demo cost for a porch is between $500 and $1,000. This makes the total average cost to replace an existing porch between $15,500 and $36,000, depending on the size, material, and style. Some areas may have additional disposal fees, depending on the material your old porch was.

How do I resurface my cement porch?

How to Resurface Worn Concrete

  1. Clean the Concrete. For surface preparation, wear heavy boots and protective glasses and blast off surface dirt with a gas-powered pressure washer that can reach at least 3,500 ...
  2. Patch Spalled Areas. While the concrete is damp, mix up enough resurfacer to fill any divots. ...
  3. Spread the Resurfacer. ...
  4. Trowel Out the Resurfacer. ...

What can I use to clean my cement porch?

When cleaning your pavers, we suggest that you have the following materials on hand:

  • Stiff deck broom.
  • Pressure Washer (or high-pressure nozzle setting on your hose)
  • Dish Detergent.
  • Water.
  • Polymeric Sand.
  • Sealant.
  • Roller Brush.

How can I remove an old concrete porch?

To remove existing sealant:

  • Clean the concrete. ...
  • If you get the concrete wet while cleaning, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
  • Fill cracks with concrete crack sealer, smoothing with a putty knife.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dry time.
  • Use a roller or paint sprayer to evenly apply a thick coat of stripper to the concrete.

More items...

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Can you fix damaged cement steps?

Repair superficial damage by applying a layer of concrete patch with a mason's trowel. For structural damage, put the concrete mix over the holes or damaged areas with a square head shovel. Fill the holes and smooth the surface with a trowel. Work the new concrete into the pores of the existing concrete.

What is the best product for repairing concrete steps?

QUIKRETE® Concrete Patching Compound is another option for small non-structural repairs. The pre-mixed acrylic material dries to a firm yet flexible finish. For repairs to concrete edges and corners QUIKRETE® Quick-Setting Cement should be used along with QUIKRETE® Acrylic Fortifier.

How do you repair a crumbling concrete porch?

How to Fix a Crumbling Concrete Porch (and Tips for Preventing It From Happening Again)Solve Your Drainage Issues (Quickly) ... Consider If It's Just General Wear and Tear. ... Power Wash Your Porch (Then Keep Doing It Regularly) ... Seal Any Holes, Then Add A Layer of Concrete Paint. ... Reinforce Your Concrete Porch With A Steel Dowel.More items...•

How do you restore concrete steps?

1:454:47How To Resurface Concrete Steps / Cement Stair Repair ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe found the quickest way is to use a concrete grinder. So here you see the concrete grindingMoreWe found the quickest way is to use a concrete grinder. So here you see the concrete grinding process where he's using a hand grinder to remove all the paint.

How do you fix front porch steps?

0:253:50How to repair your porch steps DIY Home Depot materials - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo our first step is going to be removing all the screws. You can have some situations where theMoreSo our first step is going to be removing all the screws. You can have some situations where the screws might be stripped. And you're not able to remove them. So you may have to use a pry bar.

Whats the difference between cement and concrete?

What is the difference between cement and concrete? Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement.

Why do concrete steps crumble?

The biggest reason steps crumble is because the concrete wasn't mixed properly in the first place, which causes it to set with air bubbles.

Can you pour concrete over cracked concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

How do you resurface a cracked concrete porch?

1:587:19How to resurface cracked concrete with BRICKFORM Overlay - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can deep clean the concrete of all the dirt that's gotten into the pores of the concrete over theMoreWe can deep clean the concrete of all the dirt that's gotten into the pores of the concrete over the years. As you see here the slab is cleaned and prepped and now ready for the restoration.

How do you make old concrete steps look better?

You can simply repaint it, add bricks, tiles, wood panels or decorative stones. Also you can place plants, lanterns and other decorative details at your front steps. All these steps can give a whole new look to your resurface concrete patio.

How do you fix salt damaged concrete steps?

3:5714:21How To Repair And Resurface Spalled, Salt Damaged ConcreteYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so what i'm using for the patch material is ardex cd the cd stands for concrete dressing.MoreAll right so what i'm using for the patch material is ardex cd the cd stands for concrete dressing. And this is the same stuff i'm going to use to resurface.

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

Why is my concrete patio crumbling?

“Concrete is like a rigid sponge,” Owens said, with “billions of bubbles” of air embedded in its structure. When water fills those voids and then freezes and thaws repeatedly, the expansion and thawing of ice makes concrete crumble. It also pushes paint off the surface.

How do you fix a crumbling concrete floor?

0:472:35How to repair a concrete floor - U-CAN Ready to Use ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipForce the concrete patch repair into the space squeezing out any air bubbles and level the surfaceMoreForce the concrete patch repair into the space squeezing out any air bubbles and level the surface of the concrete in line with the surrounding.

What do you do with crumbling cement?

1:133:14How to Repair a Crumbling Foundation Video 1 of 3 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're going to do it when it comes time to fix it so it's still crumbling there a little bitMoreSo what we're going to do it when it comes time to fix it so it's still crumbling there a little bit. So what i would want you to do is we would take that really stiff brush that i'm going to show you

Who can repair concrete steps?

A mason or general contractor can repair your concrete steps. You may want to contact either professional for your project if the damage to the concrete steps is extensive or if it extends deep within the structure of the steps. Show Full Article.

How to build up a broken section?

Build up the broken section in layers. First, press concrete into the broken section with the margin trowel. At this point, you are only aiming to add mass, not form, to that section.

How to protect hands from concrete dust?

Avoid breathing concrete products' dust since exposure may irritate eyes, nose, and lungs. Use a NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator such as a HEPA N95 mask or a P100 mask. To protect the hands, wear latex or latex-substitute gloves. Always wear safety glasses.

How to make peanut butter with concrete fortifier?

Mix the Concrete. Mix up the concrete in the 5-gallon bucket with the recommended amount of water. Add the concrete fortifier at a ratio of 4:1. Mix to the consistency of peanut butter.

How cold should concrete be to repair?

Be mindful of the temperature ranges of the concrete repair product you will be using. Concrete applied below 45 F or above 90 F often may not cure or will cure exceedingly slow.

How does concrete deteriorate?

From a physical standpoint, once the concrete has been allowed to deteriorate in a minor way—through spalling, small breaks or chips, de-lamination, cracking, or blistering —further deterioration occurs exponentially. Catching the problem early on is critical to preventing rebuilding the steps entirely.

How long does it take for concrete to set?

Second, since concrete sets quickly, you will need to work relatively quickly. Concrete becomes hard to the touch in about ten minutes. Plan the contours of your intended patch before you mix up the concrete.

How long does a porch repair last?

If properly mixed and completed with care, the porch repair should blend in well and last for years to come.

Why is concrete used for porches?

Concrete is one of the most popular materials used to make porches because it is sturdy, and although concrete is naturally very solid it can develop cracks, holes, and broken edges . Concrete can become damaged because of poor installation combined with temperature changes and moisture, and these problems are not always initially apparent ...

What is the most popular material for porches?

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Concrete is one of the most popular materials used to make porches because it is sturdy, and although concrete is naturally very solid it can develop ...

Can you repair a cracked concrete porch?

Repairing broken edges, holes, and cracks in concrete is easier than most people realize, and it is possible to repair the damage and make a porch look almost as good as new.

Can you fix a porch landing that breaks off?

The edges of porch landings and stair steps sometimes break off for no apparent reason, and in many cases, the missing pieces are found on the ground. When the pieces can be located they are very easy to reattach if they have not completely crumbled. With careful preparation and placement, the repair to the porch will be unapparent.

Can you repair a broken edge on a cement porch?

The broken pieces are not required since newly mixed cement will be used to repair the porch. To repair a large broken edge on a cement porch you will need a steel dowel rod several inches in length, a masonry drill bit, an electric drill, a wire brush, and a strong shop vacuum.

Why do steps sink?

Steps sink for similar reasons as many other concrete slabs. Often water can undermine the integrity of the soil base under the steps, causing them to drop to fill the void.

Can concrete steps be uneven?

Uneven concrete steps can be unsightly and can pose a danger to your family, neighbors, and visiting friends. This guide will show you how concrete step repair can transform your sunken concrete steps into safe, stable stairs. Most jobs can be completed in a day, and our price will leave you smiling.

How long to mix cement?

A good rule of thumb for mixing cement is to only mix a small amount (as much as you can use in 5 minutes) or else your mixture will dry out and crumble.

How to clean a hose with soap and dirt?

Scrub clean with a scrub brush. Then attach a spray nozzle to a hose to remove all dirt and soap with clean water. Let the entire area dry. PRO TIP: a power washer would be a great way to remove loose debris and dirt. It would also be a great way to blast of soap after step two.

Is cracked concrete bad for curb appeal?

Honestly, there is nothing worse for curb appeal than cracked and chipped concrete, especially steps. Not to mention the hazard it presents. But, you don’t have to live with that eyesore any longer. We want to walk you through this step by step so you feel confident you can repair concrete steps and be proud.

How long does it take to revive concrete stairs?

Once you have applied it, there are no additional, tedious steps to complete. Within two to three hours, your transformed stairs will be ready to accept foot traffic again. Although there’s no more straightforward way to revive tired concrete, there are still nuances to working with NewCrete or another resurfacer.

How long does concrete last?

In many instances, concrete can last for decades without deteriorating or requiring much at all in the way of maintenance. But particularly when it’s used outdoors, ...

Can you shore up concrete without a contractor?

But even so, solutions like Rapid Set Cement All enable you to shore up fail ing concrete on your own, and to do so easily and quickly, even without a contractor.

Can you reverse damage to stairs?

You can reverse damage and keep your stairs looking as good as new with a little maintenance and some innovative, effective products that simplify and speed up concrete repairs. For construction professionals and homeowners alike, concrete offers many appealing qualities, but there may be none greater than its undeniable durability.

Can concrete tablecloths get stained?

Believe it or not, concrete has something in common with a plain white tablecloth—both are capable of getting stained. Of course, there’s no practical harm associated with discoloration, so depending on the location of the stairs in question, you may or may not feel the need to intervene.

Does concrete get worse in winter?

For one thing, structural problems in concrete only get worse, particularly with each passing winter, until the installation deteriorates so badly that it needs to be fully replaced. There’s also the fact that compromised concrete can be a tripping hazard, never more so than on stairs.

Can you repair a concrete stairs?

Perhaps no hardscaping feature suffers as much as concrete stairs, which are subject to heavy foot traffic that only serves to hasten deterioration. That said, you can repair damage to your concrete stairs, whether it’s the result of gradual wear and tear or a sudden trauma, with a basic course of maintenance.

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