Repairing Concrete Steps

In many cases, repairing concrete steps is fairly easy. The most common repairable problems are chipped or broken corners. If there are major structural problems, then the only fix is to break them out and pour new ones.

Steps can be overlayed to eliminate cosmetic defects such as discoloration and scaling. Make sure the steps are thoroughly cleaned and free of any coatings or sealer. You may need to lightly grind the surface if you know there is a sealer or believe there may be some leftover. Follow application instructions that come with the resurfacing product. Usually the material is applied with a steel trowel. While the topping is still wet, drag a broom or brush across the surface to get a slip resistant texture.

Corners of concrete steps are particularly vulnerable to chipping and breaking. Cleaning the area is the first step to mending. Scrub the damaged area with a wire brush, removing all loose bits of gravel, sand, and cement.

Then make an L-shaped form by nailing or screwing together two short boards, either 1x6 or 1x8. The forms need to be as tall or taller than the step. Place the wood form against the chipped corner an secure it with long strips of duct tape or by simply putting a heavy object, such as a can of paint, against it.

Tip: For big breaks or chip outs, drill small holes with a hammer drill horizontally into the broken area. Then hammer in masonry nails, leaving half of the nail sticking out. Making sure they won't interfere with the forms. This will help hold the new patch in place.

Coat the inside of the form with cooking-oil spray to keep it from sticking to the new cement patch. Brush a coat of latex bonding agent onto the broken surface. If the chips are small, then you can use patching cement with tiny aggregates. For bigger breaks, there must be larger, pea-sized, aggregates in the mix. In a plastic bucket, mix a small batch of the patching cement or concrete according to labeled instructions. Scoop up some with a trowel and tightly press it into the form. You should overfill the corner a bit, then smooth it flush with the top of the step. Allow the repair to dry overnight before carefully removing the form. To round the edge of the new patch, simply rub it with a stone the next day.

Repairing concrete steps should only be done in temperatures above 50 degrees. You can use warm water to mix the patch and make it set faster. Oh yeah, make sure it's not going to rain for a day or two.

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Repairing Concrete Steps