Concrete steps are known for their durability. However, as time goes by, it will become worn-out especially when it is usually passed and stepped on. The corners and edges will usually start to chip away and gets worse when used excessively such as heavy objects being hauled up and down the steps.
To increase its longevity and make it appealing once again, it is essential to repair it at once. If you’re worried that it may be hard to repair, well it’s not. Below are some tips to help you repair your concrete steps.
Repairing Basics
Repairing your concrete steps is easy. First, make sure to give it a visual inspection on what part of it you think needs special attention to repair. If your concrete steps have chipped noses and corners, they can be repaired by cleaning the area. You can then begin to sculpt a replacement section using a margin trowel and concrete
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Meanwhile, if your concrete just needs a minor repair, you won’t need to form it. The keys to a successful repair without using a form are preparation and rapid sculpting. To do this, you need to clean the area making sure that it is free from any debris, dirt, dust, etc. Next, make sure to work as quickly as possible because concrete sets quickly. So, before you start mixing, plan the contours that you intend to patch.
Do You Need to Repair It?
Permits and Regulations
If you’re doing only minor repairs, you may not need building permits from our community. Yet, it is essential to adhere to the building code pertaining to steps whether or not you need to have a building permit for the repairs.
The Right Time
To prevent any hazards and accidents, it is important to repair them once you notice it. Also, make sure to consider the temperature of the concrete product you’re going to use. This is because concrete that is applied below 45 F or above 90 F temperature tends to not cure or will cure exceedingly slow.
Safety Precautions
Take extra caution when you work with concrete. Avoid breathing or inhaling any concrete products since exposure to it may irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs. Use a protective mask that is approved by NIOSH/MSHA such as HEPA N95 mask or a P100 mask. Lastly, ensure that your hands and eyes are protected as well. Use latex or latex-substitute gloves
Materials You’ll Need
- Masonry chisel
- Shop vacuum
- 5-gallon bucket
- Spray bottle and water
- Wire brush
- Margin trowel
- Hammer
- Quick-setting concrete
- Acrylic fortifier
- Liquid concrete and asphalt cleaner
Instructions to Repair your Concrete
1. Clean the area
It is essential to remove any unwanted particles in the area you’ll be working on. Make sure to clean and rid off all dust, dirt, and grime that may be present in your concrete steps. You can use a broom, power washer, bleach, or any materials that will be suitable for cleaning the area.
2. Prepare and mix the concrete
Prepare the materials you’ll need for mixing. To mix, combine it in a 5-gallon bucket along with the required amount of water. Then, add the concrete fortifier and mix until it turns into a peanut-butter-like consistency.
3. Wet the Area
Spray the area you’ll repair with water.
4. Fill it in
For broken sections, build up the section into layers. To do this, press concrete mix in the broken area with the margin trowel. This way you’ll ve adding mass instead of form into the broken section.
5. Start sculping
Using a margin trowel, place more concrete and pat it in while the area is still wet. Start sculpting the corner or the edge by using a trowel. If there’s an excess, put it back in the bucket. Finally, smooth out the concrete so that it levels the same as the rest of the original step.
6. Allow the Concrete to Cure
Keep the concrete lightly wet for 24 hours by spraying it down with water using a spray bottle. Make sure not to let anyone pass or go through until the concrete is completely cured.