Repairing Guides

how to repair railing on concrete steps

by Prof. Moses Brown Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Remove rusted railings from the staircase by cutting with a reciprocating saw, or simply bending and breaking the railing free.
  2. Use hammer-drill and ⅜-inch-diameter masonry bit to drilling out the pieces of old railing left in the concrete staircase. ...
  3. Cut railing legs flush with railing using a reciprocating saw with metal-cutting blade.
  4. Apply spray primer to bare metal at ends of railing legs.
  5. Squeeze bonding adhesive into hollow railing legs, then insert the leg extensions.
  6. Secure each leg extension with a single 3/16-inch-diameter x ⅜-inch-long pop rivet.
  7. Clean dust and debris from railing holes in concrete staircase with wet/dry vacuum.
  8. Stand repaired railing into place on the staircase. Use level to ensure railing is perfectly plumb, then temporarily secure the railing to the house with duct tape.
  9. Mix in a bucket some water and hydraulic cement.
  10. Use pointed trowel to apply cement to hole around the railing legs. ...
  11. Allow the cement to cure for two days before removing tape and using the railing.

Part of a video titled How To Fix A Loose Exterior Railing-Tutorial - YouTube
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Basically. I'm gonna be drilling a pilot hole. For each L bracket into the concrete. Then I'm goingMoreBasically. I'm gonna be drilling a pilot hole. For each L bracket into the concrete. Then I'm going to be using these tapcon concrete screws to drill the L bracket into the concrete.

How to repair broken railings on concrete stairways?

If the railings have broken free on your concrete steps it becomes a hazard. In order to replace or repair railings on concrete stairways, follow the steps outlined here. Look for exposed surface bolts that attach the railing to the concrete. Loosen and remove each bolt.

How to repair damaged concrete steps?

Use these instructions to repair concrete steps. Clean the damaged portion of the concrete step. Remove all loose gravel, sand, dirt, and cement with a clean, stiff wire brush. You can also tap lightly with a hammer or use a hammer and chisel.

How do you remove a wrought iron railing from concrete?

Follow the instructions in Section 1, Step 1, to remove the wrought iron railing. Use a flat headed screwdriver to dig out the hole where the footing of the wrought iron railing had been attached, making it bigger. Use a shop vac to remove the debris from the area. Drill away the concrete using the railing bracket as your template.

How to install concrete railing on concrete?

If the holes in the concrete have become too large for the anchors, fill them nearly to the top with a masonry epoxy. Then insert the anchors, position the railing post bottom, and insert the fasteners. Allow the epoxy to set up as per the package instructions before using the railing.

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How do you attach a railing to concrete steps?

0:595:39How to Anchor a Steel Handrail to Concrete Steps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor drilling I can set the railing aside and drill the holes. With the ldt anchors. No special bitsMoreFor drilling I can set the railing aside and drill the holes. With the ldt anchors. No special bits are required no proprietary business just a 5/16 inch bit for 3/8 inch LD T when I drill the hole.

How do you fix metal railing on concrete?

1:285:21How to Repair a Rusted Wrought Iron Railing | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo do that I'm going to use a hammer drill with a masonry bit I'm going to put it in the hole. And IMoreTo do that I'm going to use a hammer drill with a masonry bit I'm going to put it in the hole. And I set my depth stop because I don't want to go too deep.

How do you fix a broken stair rail?

5:179:32How to Repair Broken Stair Balusters | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDowel all right perfect very good now we'll drill out the other. Half all right now we're ready toMoreDowel all right perfect very good now we'll drill out the other. Half all right now we're ready to insert the dowel and glue. It if you want to stick that right in there. There and now in this end.

How do you reattach a stair railing?

1:586:10How to Replace a Stair Railing | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i can turn this nut right here to tighten the two pieces. Together now the first thing i need toMoreSo i can turn this nut right here to tighten the two pieces. Together now the first thing i need to do is i need to drill it a hole in the end of the turnout. And the end of the railing.

How do you repair an outdoor handrail?

8:5710:59How To Repair Rot: Cedar Deck Railing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis all down you can see the old existing wood here there's a little bit of that new wood that IMoreThis all down you can see the old existing wood here there's a little bit of that new wood that I stuck in on this curve here. And I've sanded it all down as well as I'm going to do for an exterior.

How do you replace an outdoor stair railing?

Remove the Old Stair Railing. Mark the existing stair railing's position on the top and bottom posts or balusters. ... Mark the New Stair Railing. Position the new rail against the inside of the stairway posts. ... Cut the Railing. ... Seal the Railing. ... Install the Railing. ... Install the Balusters. ... Install Railing Cap.

How do you replace a broken stair spindle?

2:2013:09Really useful broken spindle / baluster replacement instructions - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe bottom section 285. An easy way to replace spindles is to take the spindle that you need to umMoreThe bottom section 285. An easy way to replace spindles is to take the spindle that you need to um your existing spindle i should say and make sure you marry up the shoulders. Exactly here now if you

How do I change a railing spindle?

How to Replace Stair BalustersStep 1: remove existing balusters. Saw out your existing balusters. ... Step 2: drill holes for new balusters. ... Step 3: sand. ... step 4: measure. ... Step 5: paint. ... Step 6: cut the balusters. ... Step 7: install the new balusters.

How do you fix spindles to base rail?

1:345:09Staircase renovation - part 8: How to fit spindles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the first paste at the measurement you walked out previously at the angle of your stash. CreateMoreCut the first paste at the measurement you walked out previously at the angle of your stash. Create suspicion between the newer post and your first spin.

How do you fix a loose banister rail?

Steps:Steps: ... Remove all loose spindles and the banister. ... Drill new holes for draw bolts on the bottom side of the banister using the template provided by the manufacturer. ... Tighten banister pieces together with draw bolts. ... Tap spindles for one step into place, and then secure with polyurethane glue and brads.More items...

How long does it take to repair a concrete step?

In an hour you can repair a step.

How to remove sand from a concrete slab?

Remove all loose gravel, sand, dirt, and cement with a clean, stiff wire brush. You can also tap lightly with a hammer or use a hammer and chisel. ...

How to keep cement moist?

12. Keep the cement moist. Use a spray bottle to moisten the new concrete patch 2 or 3 times a day for 3 days. Then moisten the patch twice daily for a week.

How to hold cement together?

The wet cement mixture should hold together in a clump when you squeeze a handful. If the cement mixture crumbles, add more water. If it drips, add more dry concrete mix.

Can concrete steps break apart?

Concrete steps are exposed to the elements every day. After time, the steps can crack or begin to break apart. Cracked steps pose a potential safety risk to people entering or leaving your home and must be repaired. Use these instructions to repair concrete steps.

Can you cover cement with plywood?

Yes, cover the cement with plastic or plywood. If you use fast drying cement, it will not need to be covered because most fast drying cements cure within 1 hour.

Can you use premixed cement to fill stucco?

Do not use pre-mixed vinyl cement repair because it shrinks and will not hold weight. These vinyl fillers are best used to fill holes in stucco walls where no one is walking over them. "Cement-all", that is $22 per bag, does not need a bonding agent, and can be driven over in 60 minutes with an automobile.

Why do we need railings on steps?

Keeping your home safe and in compliance with codes is a good idea for everyone. A railing on steps will help make every area accessible and easy to navigate.

Where do metal railings sit?

Most metal railings will sit in flanges that are anchored to the concrete. Get a good idea of where you want these flanges to be and mark the holes for your anchors.

What kind of hammer do you use to hammer anchors?

When the holes are cleared, hammer in your anchors with a standard claw hammer.

What is the key to drilling concrete?

The key with drilling concrete is to get as much purchase on it as possible. By drilling slowly, you can be certain that the bit won’t slip and it will give you proper leverage.

How to get more bite out of concrete?

Use relatively high pressure and operate the drill slowly. The slower you move the bit, the more bite it will get in the concrete.

How to measure a landing on stairs?

If your stairs have a landing at the top, measure the landing for the 90 degree section. Then, measure from the edge of the landing to the edge of the last step.

Can you put metal railings on concrete steps?

In this article, we have put together a guide to installing a metal railing on concrete steps. By following this guide, you can upgrade your steps and make them safe for everyone to use.

What to use over anchoring cement?

Optionally apply a sand/epoxy mix over the anchoring cement to give it a coordinating appearance and prevent degradation by weather. Over time rain and wind will wear it away as it's relatively soft.

Can you repaint a railing?

Assess the condition of the railing. Often rust will weaken the bases of the posts. You may be able to cut the bad part away, removing an equal portion of each post. Obviously this lowers the railing, so determine whether it's an option in your case. You may also want to repaint it at this time. Modern spray paints are very good and often don't require much prep work other than cleaning.

How to get plastic anchors out of concrete?

You’ll find plastic anchors embedded in the concrete. If these are secure and in good shape, leave them alone. If they are loose, pull them out with pliers.

What to do if anchors are damaged?

If the anchors are damaged, replace them with new ones of the same size.

How to loosen a bolt that is stuck?

2. Use penetrating oil to loosen stuck bolts or screws. If a fastener that you need to tighten or remove is rusted into place, spray it with a penetrating oil and wait 30 minutes. The oil should loosen the connection enough for you to tighten or loosen the fastener.

How to remove rust from wrought iron?

2. Scrape off rust spots with a wire brush and medium-grit sandpaper. If you find some small rust spots on genuine wrought iron, remove any loose material with a wire brush and 80-grit to 120-grit sandpaper. You can also try steel wool instead of sandpaper.

What to do when using a reciprocating saw?

Wear eye protection and follow the product safety recommendations when using a reciprocating saw. Also be careful for sharp pieces of rusted metal once you remove the railing section.

How to get rid of epoxy residue?

Wipe away excess epoxy with a damp cloth right away.

What to do if a bolt won't tighten?

If a bolt won’t tighten securely by hand, remove it , check for damage, and replace it with another bolt of the same size.

Prepare the Damaged Area

Make sure the damaged area is clean and cleared of debris before you start repairing concrete steps.

Build a Form for a Corner

If you’re fixing a chipped or broken corner of a step, build a simple, L-shaped wood form (or mold) to ensure the patch stays in place.

Mix the Repair Material

The type of concrete repair material can depend on the extent of the damage. Small areas with superficial chips or cracks may only need a concrete patching compound. A larger area with holes, crumbling concrete or structural damage may need quick setting cement.

Finish the Concrete Surface

Add a second coat as needed while the first coat is still wet to ensure that the concrete has a smooth, finished appearance.

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.

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