How to Fix Concrete Stairs
Cracked or crumbling concrete stairs can be a safety issue. Not only does this look ugly, it can create unstable steps. Small cracks can lead to bigger issues. Since you don't want people injuring themselves on your concrete stairs, repairing cracks is vital. It's a simple process and only calls for a few materials.
Fixing small cracks in concrete stairs when you first notice them is easy. It will prevent further damage and keep everyone in your household safe.
What You'll Need:
- Wire brush
- Silicon caulk
- Chisel
- Concrete bonding agent
- Ready mix concrete
- Old paint brush
- Plastic sheeting
- Clean out the crack with a small, round wire brush. These will get down in the crack and pull out any debris.
- Use silicon caulk on smaller cracks. This will protect the crack from water and other elements that can seep down into the crack and make it worse.
- Chisel larger cracks to make them slightly bigger. This is going to give you better access and will allow for a more stable fix. Remove all of the debris you create with the wire brush.
- Use the concrete bonding agent on the inside of the crack. This will help the new layer of concrete you're going to add to actually adhere to the existing concrete stairs.
- Prepare the concrete mix according to the directions. The concrete will need to set up for a certain amount of time before you can use it.
- Pack the concrete mix into the crack in the stairs. You want to make sure it's packed in well so it will have the same strength as the rest of the stairs.
- Sweep the top of the concrete with an old paintbrush about 30 minutes after you apply the patch. This will rough the surface up making it safer later.
- Cover the repaired area with plastic sheeting. You want to leave the patch alone to set for a few days. Spray the patch once a day with a slight mist of water. This helps create a slower drying process, increasing the strength.
- The patch will be ready to walk on again after about a week.