Repairing Guides

how to repair concrete steps and porch

by Mr. Vladimir Sawayn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Begin by dampening the area with water.
  • 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. ...

Part of a video titled Cement Step Repair in One Day -- by Home Repair Tutor
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Then apply concrete bonding adhesive to the step using a paintbrush. And just a cup now I'm applyingMoreThen apply concrete bonding adhesive to the step using a paintbrush. And just a cup now I'm applying it liberally all over the step so that the new concrete will properly bond to the old concrete.

How much does it cost to repair cement steps?

Concrete step repair including filling holes, patching cracks and applying a smooth new layer of concrete over the aging steps costs, on average, less than $500.In comparison, pouring new steps costs about $300 per step, including the framing, the rebar and the concrete.

How to resurface concrete in 4 steps?

Steps in Surface Preparation

  1. This concrete resurfacing job requires expertise and training; therefore, it would be better to hire someone professional in doing this job.
  2. To mix the resurfacer, you first need to get it in a dry powder form. Pour water into the correct proportions and mix well.
  3. Once done with the resurfaced, you can fill the walkway joints now. ...

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How to patch and resurface concrete steps?

Step 2: Patch Spalled Areas

  • While the concrete is damp, mix up enough resurfacer to fill any divots. ...
  • Fill the recesses with resurfacer, and smooth with a finish trowel.
  • Go to the next step when you can stand on the patch without indenting it, in about 2 to 5 hours.

How do you replace concrete steps?

Steps

  1. Clean the damaged portion of the concrete step. Remove all loose gravel, sand, dirt, and cement with a clean, stiff wire brush.
  2. Make a form. Screw 2 short pieces of 1 inch by 6 inch (2.54 cm by 15.24 cm) lumber together at a 90-degree angle to form an "L" shape.
  3. Align the wood form. ...
  4. Lubricate the form. ...
  5. Apply bonding liquid. ...
  6. Prepare quick-setting cement. ...

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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.

Can you repair a crumbling concrete porch?

For patching and resurfacing, use products that contain portland cement, sand, and polymer or resin — plastic-type materials that help the new layer grip and make it more resistant to water absorption. You might need one product for patching and another for resurfacing.

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.

How do you redo concrete porch steps?

1:434:47How To Resurface Concrete Steps / Cement Stair Repair ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use some chemical strippers. We found the quickest way is to use a concrete grinder. So hereMoreYou can use some chemical strippers. We 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 crumbling concrete steps?

0:297:34Cement Step Repair in One Day -- by Home Repair Tutor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first step that you need to take is the undercut all the edges using a cold chisel and aMoreSo the first step that you need to take is the undercut all the edges using a cold chisel and a hammer undercutting. Will help the new concrete properly bond to the old concrete.

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.

Can crumbling concrete be repaired?

You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies.

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.

How much does it cost to redo front steps?

The rate for replacing an existing staircase is between $1,400 and $5,700. That includes the $900 to $5,000 cost of a new unit and $400 to $700 for removing the existing stairs. You can also replace an individual step instead of the entire unit, which ranges between $300 and $500, including labor.

How do you make concrete stairs look good?

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.

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.

Can crumbling concrete be repaired?

You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies.

What causes concrete to crumble?

The most common cause of spalling is errors on the part of contractors. They either add additional water to the concrete as they finish it or they start to finish the concrete before the concrete bleed water leaves the surface of the concrete.

How much does it cost to jack up a porch?

Mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot, and foam jacking is $5 to $25 per square foot. The average cost of slabjacking to raise a concrete slab is between $511 and $1,790, with most spending $830.

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 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 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 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 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.

Can you use a power washer to clean concrete?

It would also be a great way to blast of soap after step two. But keep in mind you’ll have to allow the concrete to dry before making repairs.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

How much does it cost to build concrete steps?

Concrete steps generally cost $2,000, but they can cost as much as $5,000 for construction and labor. It all varies based on the size of the steps, materials used, and hourly rate of the professionals. Small concrete steps can cost as little as $800-$900, but that can be hard to come by.

Why are my concrete steps pulling away from my house?

Your concrete steps could be pulling away from your house for several reasons, such as: Flooding. Structural problems.

How long does it take for concrete bonding adhesive to cure?

Read the label of your bonding adhesive to figure out the necessary cure time before moving on to the next step. It should not take longer than 10-25 minutes to cure, but concrete bonding adhesive cure times vary by brand. Once the adhesive is fully cured, you will be free to move onto the next step and continue the repair.

Why do patchwork and concrete have to be unformed?

The patchwork and concrete must be unformed so that either material doesn’t stand out. The last thing that you want is for the materials to dry unevenly, both for structural and visual reasons.

How long does it take for concrete to cure?

It should not take longer than 10-25 minutes to cure, but concrete bonding adhesive cure times vary by brand. Once the adhesive is fully cured, you will be free to move onto the next step and continue the repair. Step 3. Mix Concrete. Now, it’s time for you to mix up a batch of quick-set concrete to repair your steps.

How long do concrete steps last?

Concrete steps last an average of 30 years, but they can last up to 40 or more years. Exposure to the elements, such as humidity, rain, and snow, plays a big role in how long concrete steps last. The best bet to make your concrete steps last for years to come is to apply a concrete sealer to them when they are done.

How long does it take to seal a gap between steps?

Alternate between adding patchwork and concrete, smooth it out, apply sealant, and all 24-48 hours for dry time.

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.

What is A-1 concrete leveling?

A-1 Concrete Leveling can lift and restore your uneven steps, using our patented concrete leveling and restoration process. Whatever the level of damage, we have the perfect solution to solve your specific problem. Our concrete step repair methods are a cost-effective way to improve the looks and the value of your home. A-1 Concrete has the expertise to carry out your concrete step repair project from the beginning stages to its completion. We will explain the process to you so that you will know what to expect and have confidence in our methods.

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.

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