If you’ve recently built a home and are looking for a solution to the chipped or cracked concrete steps on your property, you can try simple concrete step repair. This type of concrete repair isn’t difficult and is often the first thing you should do when your home’s exterior needs a facelift. As the first place people will step upon, steps are also the most common safety hazard in any building, so it’s important to make sure yours is in tip-top shape.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you’ll need to decide what kind of concrete step repair you’ll need. Some steps need only minor repairs, while others may need more extensive work. For example, a cracked front edge or a broken corner requires a resurfacing job. This is a simple repair that will only cost you about $225, and you can buy the supplies at any home improvement store. If your steps have visible breakages or cracks, you can use a hammer and a mason’s chisel to remove them and clean the area with a stiff brush. If you’re repairing a stepped walkway, you may want to use a different type of resurfacing material.
A backer rod is another option. This material is available in different diameters, which is essential when repairing deep cracks. You can buy them in various lengths and insert them about 1/4” under the surface. This will prevent the new concrete from sinking and ensure that the crack sealant sticks to the patch. To make the edges smooth and even, use a putty knife to make the corners of the step look better.
If you’re concerned about slipping while repairing a concrete step, you can use a form that doesn’t require any permanent fix. However, you should choose a form that can be removed easily after the repair is completed. If the step is occupied, make sure to rope off the area and inform the residents of the repair. Because the cement has a specific drying time, the repair can take several hours. This will allow the new concrete to set properly and last a long time.
Before beginning any concrete step repair, you should make sure it’s free from loose pieces of concrete. This will ensure the new cement adheres properly to the old one. Then, you need to remove the wood form and use a steel trowel to remove the concrete mix. Afterwards, you should smooth out the surface of the step with the concrete patch to prevent the occurrence of air bubbles. Once you’ve finished the project, the repaired steps should look just as good as they did before.
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Before starting the concrete step repair, prepare the area for the repairs. You should place the foam beneath the form to prevent puddles. In the meantime, prepare the new concrete by pouring it into a plastic bag and setting it in a sheltered location. After a day or two, you can remove the form and begin repairing the steps. Once the concrete is dry, the foam will allow the sidewalk to rise. You should carefully measure the height of the step before you start the steps.
To complete the concrete step repair, you should use a circular saw to cut the steps. A large blade may be too heavy and may cause the cement to dry and crumble. Before mixing the cement, make sure the surface is clean and level. It should be flat and be level. Then, you can apply the concrete patch to the holes. Then, cover the entire surface with masking tape. Once you’ve finished applying the concrete patch, you should apply the patch and use the wooden forms to hold the concrete in place.
After the concrete step repair, you can refinish it to restore its original look. A new concrete cap should be used, which will be more durable than a patch. Using a wire brush to remove loose debris will also help you avoid the high cost of tearing out the whole step. Then, you should allow the new patch to dry before making the steps accessible to traffic. A fresh layer of concrete on the steps will improve the appearance of your home, and you can also apply a new layer of coloured paint on the steps to make them look better.