Repairing Guides

how to repair outside steps

by Kristoffer Walter Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

How to Repair Outdoor Steps

  1. Tap on the steps with a hammer. If the step bounces, rattles or moves,...
  2. Chip or dig out rotten wood using a chisel -- if the rot does not penetrate all the way through...
  3. Mix glue powder with water following instructions printed on the package,...
  4. Apply wood clamps across the cracks, if possible.

Part of a video titled How to Repair Broken Concrete Steps with QUIKRETE
2:17
3:08
Although any standing water should be removed quick-setting cement should be built up in layersMoreAlthough any standing water should be removed quick-setting cement should be built up in layers using a margin trowel. The first layer should be pressed into the repair area using firm trowel.

Full Answer

How to replace rotten wood on outside steps?

How to Replace Rotten Wood on Outside Steps 1 Score a line around the rotten area using a hammer and chisel. ... 2 Place the blade of a reciprocating saw perpendicular to the grain of the step, aligned with the inside perimeter of the scored line. 3 Install a 1/2-inch cutter bit into a plunge router. ... More items...

How do you repair broken concrete steps?

Repair damage using waterproof resin glue. It dries hard as glass to fill and bond cracks and splits. Tap on the steps with a hammer. If the step bounces, rattles or moves, locate loose nails and drive them down with the hammer. Replace loose screws with new ones using a powered drill.

How do you repair damage to wood steps?

Damage to wood steps is unavoidable no matter how often you applied sealant. Other problems occur when steps warp or twist, causing fasteners to loosen or lift. Repair damage using waterproof resin glue. It dries hard as glass to fill and bond cracks and splits. Tap on the steps with a hammer.

How do you fix a corner on a concrete step?

Align the wood form. Place the wood form against the damaged corner of the concrete step so it is flush with the top of the step. Tape the form to the step firmly with duct tape. Lubricate the form.

image

How do you repair outdoor steps?

1:177:34Cement Step Repair in One Day -- by Home Repair Tutor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen 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.

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 fix deteriorating concrete steps?

Mix a small batch of quick-setting cement in a plastic bucket. With a pointed trowel, scoop the cement and press it into the form tightly, eliminating any air bubbles. Slightly overfill the corner, and once the patch is thumb dry (about 5-10 minutes), then smooth the cement flush with the top of the step.

How much does it cost to replace outside steps?

On average, concrete steps cost around $2,000, and most project prices range between $900 and $5,000. The amount you'll pay is largely determined by the number of steps and size of the staircase. Pouring cement costs about $300 per step at 2 feet wide and 11 inches deep, including materials and labor.

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 do you redo concrete 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 fill large gaps in concrete steps?

0:596:55Seal Gap In Foundation and Concrete Patio or Sidewalk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you're going to take your backer rod pack. It in there to bring it closer to the surface.MoreSo you're going to take your backer rod pack. It in there to bring it closer to the surface.

How much do outdoor wood steps cost?

The most common installed cost of wood deck stairs is $115 to $210 per stair when professionally installed, or $440 to $1,350 for the most common deck stair projects. When decorative aluminum stringers or fiberglass or composite treads are used on decks, cost rises closer to $170 to $250 per stair.

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.

Are wood steps better than concrete?

Concrete is generally more durable than wood because it isn't as vulnerable to scratches and weathering. Wood porches require sealing and painting annually to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, and to maintain the porch's appearance.

How do you repair concrete steps from a porch?

Mix quick-setting concrete with water per product instructions to create thick cement putty. When the adhesive and patch are ready, spread the concrete patch into the damaged area with a pointed trowel. Spread in thin layers, forcing the patch up against all old concrete surfaces.

How long do concrete steps last?

You can expect concrete or steel exterior stairs or steps to last 50 to 80 years, with an average of 65 years. Weather deteriorates the concrete surface, and spalling due to reinforcing bar corrosion cracks the concrete over time.

How do you Reslope concrete?

0:523:18Create a Sloped Concrete Overlay! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou know getting one that's kind of straight as you can and then put it cut it about the same sizeMoreYou know getting one that's kind of straight as you can and then put it cut it about the same size or it could be a little bit bigger than the actual porch. And all I'm gonna do then is take a screw.

How to fix a crack in a chisel?

Insert the tip of a chisel into any open cracks or splits. Pry the crack apart with the chisel; fill and saturate the crack with the glue with a brush to work it into the crack. If the crack is too narrow for the chisel or a thick-bladed putty knife, force the glue into the crack with the brush.

How to get rotten wood out of a wood step?

Chip or dig out rotten wood using a chisel -- if the rot does not penetrate all the way through the step. Repeat the process removing loose rotten wood with a wire brush. Trim off any noticeable splinters with a chisel.

How to fix cracks in wood?

Apply wood clamps across the cracks, if possible. Tighten the wood clamp so the crack closes. Allow the glue to dry overnight and remove the clamps. Check the cracks. If the glue recessed when it dried, apply more glue to fill the depressions. Allow the glue to dry overnight and repeat if necessary until the glue is flush with the step.

What was the instruction for the owners of the property to make the steps safe for use?

The instruction was that the owners of the property wanted to make the step safe for use, and they wanted to keep as much of the original stone as possible. The owners of the property were also happy with the general appearance of the stairs, so no cleaning etc was necessary.

What is a marble step?

This marble step is a side entrance to a commercial property, it has a dual purpose as a staff entry and exit point and goods entrance. It is in constant use with a lot of heavy traffic 7 days a week.

How to remove old marble?

Removing the old marble. The old marble is removed by cutting around the joints with a diamond blade. A Bolster Chisel is hammered into the joint between the step and the riser to separate the marble from the adhesive. Once the marble has been removed the old adhesive is chipped away down to the substrate.

Do stairs have to be sealed?

There was also signs that the stairs had been sealed in the past but most of this had worn off and only the sides of the steps had the residue of the old on it. There was also some yellow/brown staining in the marble which is common to this type of marble and could not be avoided, however, the staining would make matching the stone for repairs a little more difficult.

What can go wrong with stairs?

Many things can go wrong with your stairs. They can squeak or loosen between treads, and stairwells attached on only one side—known as open stairs —can even begin to separate from the wall. To diagnose problems, start with a visual inspection for gaps, and a walking test to feel out any movement (or give) and to identify the location of squeaks. The good news is that most problems are familiar to a competent carpenter. The bad news is that the plaster or paneling (or whatever else covers the underside of the stairs) must be removed in order to reach the problem. Frequently, the 2x4s at the sides that hold up the ceiling (the underneath part of the top stair) must also come off; save them for putting the ceiling back. Once the cover is removed and the stair’s innards are laid bare, repairs won’t seem so daunting. (Repairing the hole you’ve created usually isn’t too difficult, either).

How to close gaps in stringer?

To close gaps caused by stringer spread, start by cleaning debris from the stringer housings (the dado or groove where they fit). Remove nails, wood splinters, paint chips, or glue from the lower and upper sides; finish with a blast of compressed air.

Why do stairs have stringers?

This doesn’t happen very often on closed stairwells (stairs with walls on both sides), but open stairwells can experience stringer spread for a number of reasons: House settling, wall movement, inappropriate repairs, and poor original workmanship are all common culprits. The trick is to pull the stringers back together and keep them that way.

Can you remove the plaster from the underside of a stair?

The bad news is that the plaster or paneling (or whatever else covers the underside of the stairs) must be removed in order to reach the problem. Frequently, the 2x4s at the sides that hold up the ceiling (the underneath part of the top stair) must also come off; save them for putting the ceiling back.

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.

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.

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 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.

How to remove rotten wood from a wood step?

Place the router on the step inside the scored lines. Turn on the router. Plunge the router down so that the base of the router makes contact with the step. Push or pull the router inside the scored lines, moving it back and forth, removing the rotten wood until the bottom between the cut line on both sides is smooth on the bottom.

Why do steps rot?

It's not uncommon for exterior steps to sustain a bit of rot. It might be caused by faulty or soft grain, water penetration or a poor finish. But steps that remain strong and viable may not need replacement. Whatever the reason, you can update and replace the rotten wood and give those treads a new lease on life.

How to fix rotten drywall?

1. Score a line around the rotten area using a hammer and chisel. Score the line in a rectangular or square shape to a depth of 1/2-inch, maintaining the line all the way back to the riser.

How to make a cut out box with glue?

Brush the glue liberally into the cutout box using a brush. Tap the patch into the cut-out hole with a hammer. Shoot six 1 1/4-inch pin nails through the patch, evenly spaced, around the perimeter of the patch. Fill the nail holes with wood put ty using a putty knife . Wipe off any wet glue with a damp cloth. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9