Can I repair my cement steps?
Question:We have a brick house that has brick walls surrounding cement steps that lead to our front door. The brick walls need work - one of them seems like its bulging a bit? But for sure, the cement steps need help. The bottom step has a few big chunks missing now. Can I patch it, or do i need to replace the whole thing? There are about 6 steps, each about 3 feet wide. Any idea how much this project would cost if I hired it out?
Answers:
I would estimate the cost at 1800 to 3000
I would not recomend trying to redo them yourself as what you will end up with is either unsafe steps or a few wasted days and you will end up useing a contractor anyway
The one guy is right, concrete does not adhere to itself well. If you do decide to patch it, you MUST power wash it clean first.
then there is a product made by quickcrete (homedepot or lowes 12 bucks) that helps new concrete bond better. Follow the directions on that, you paint it on and wait for it to dry.
Make sure all the spots you are filling are a half in deep atleast. If not use a hammer to smash out sme of the thin spots. Make sure to remore all cracked and loose concrete.
use a vinyl patching compound (made by quickcrete 15 bucks at homedepot)
Again follow the direction on this but try to get it all on in one coat. I would wait for a hot day so the concrete is more firm.
Email me if you want a detailed description of how to try to do it yourself
Here im just giving you an idea of where to start and how much work is involved
figure on 1 hour at home depot
1 hour prep
4 hours waiting for the adhesion stuff to dry
1 hour application
mininum
if there are large chunks missing...then you may need to look into getting them or the whole thing replaced...check into your local hardware store or home depot for estimates on the cost
Cement does not adhere to itself well. You will probably have to replace the entire stairway. The wall will need to be taken down and rebuilt. The materials are fairly inexpensive, but it is a labor intensive job. If you hire it out get at least three estimates and check out the reliability of the businesses with the Better Business Bureau in your area.
well its time to get rid of those old steps. it can be repaired but if you have buldging sides i would say they arent worth the expence of repairing. what you need is some friends,beer,and a big sledge hammer! bust up the concrete and haul it to the dump in a truck. now you can build your own forms for new steps or call a contractor to do it for you. it is going to be expensive but new steps will add value to your home. i would also consider having an eve put on over the steps. this will help shelter that new concrete from some of natures wrath!
the answer you want to hear is yes, and you can but as wet cement does not form a very good bond to dry cement and these are stairs the patch might break off VERY EASILY. You don't want to create a more dangerous situation than already exists. I would suggest you call a local cement contractor in your yellow pages or newspaper and have them come out for an estimate. Most will give free estimates. Given the time of year call now and get put on their schedule small jobs can be done cheaper if you let the contractor do your job the same day he has another job in the area.
the brick or bricks that are bulging, is a condition known as spalling they will need replacing, cut the affected bricks out and replace with another. the steps need a 3-1 mix of mortar , brush the missing chunks with a mixture of water and bonding( you get cement bonding tubs at your diy stores) then smooth over ,maybe a couple of coats, then when after a couple of hours , when its feels hard to touch ( it takes 8 hours to set) smooth over with a wet sponge. you dont need to replace all the wall or all the steps
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