Making A Repair To A Cracked Or Crumbled Concrete Step
Posted on: 9 August 2016
If you have front stairs made of concrete, and you noticed the edge of one of the steps has become crumbled or cracked, you will want to take the necessary steps in repairing it quickly so no one becomes injured when utilizing the area. Making a repair to a concrete step is usually done by a contractor, but with the right tools and supplies you may be able to make an effective fix on your own. Here are some steps you can follow in repairing a concrete step yourself.
Materials You Will Need
- Mild detergent
- Sponge
- Pressure washer
- Two pieces of plywood
- Vegetable oil
- Paintbrush
- Cinder blocks
- Ready-to-mix concrete
- Portable concrete mixer
- Trowel
Clean The Area To Ensure Successful Concrete Adhesion
It is best to clean the area you will be repairing so the newly poured concrete will adhere to the existing concrete without obstructions in the way. Use a mild detergent to cleanse away any debris from the step you will be repairing. This cleanser can be applied with a sponge to wipe away grime. Afterward, use a pressure washer to remove the detergent in its entirety. Allow the step to dry completely before starting the concrete repair process.
Prepare The Mold To Reconstruct The New Step
Your step will need a mold constructed to make sure the edges are straight after you pour new concrete in the area. This can be done by using pieces of plywood to place up against the edges of the front and side of the broken step. Before you set the plywood in place, use a paintbrush to apply vegetable oil to the boards on the sides that will face the staircase. This application will help in the removal of the boards after the concrete cures as the slick surface will allow them to be pulled away without sticking to the step. Position the boards and use concrete blocks to keep them from shifting.
Add The Concrete And Allow It To Settle Into Place
Use a portable concrete mixer to do the job in blending ready-to-mix concrete and water until it is the proper consistency for pouring. Dump the contents of the mixer over the broken area of the step. Use a trowel to smooth the concrete along the top of the existing concrete step so it appears uniform. The concrete will need to cure for several hours before the plywood boards can be removed. Make sure no one walks on the steps during this time so the concrete does not become altered in stability or appearance.
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