How to Fix Cement Stairs
At times cement stairs need slight repairs. For minor repairs, the following instructions can be used. For major repairs, it may be better to call in a professional. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Broom
- Pressure washer
- Two buckets
- Paintbrush
- Coarse sand
- Cement
- Strips of lumber the length of your stairs
- Metal or wooden stakes
- Plastic sheet
Instructions
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How to fix cement stairs
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1
Sweep the stairs thoroughly to determine where any loose cement might be located.
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2
With a chisel and hammer, remove all of the loose cement from the stairs.
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3
Using the pressure washer, wash the stairs with a 10-inch spray to remove all the dirt, dust and debris. The stairs must be completely clean before continuing.
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4
To properly repair cement stairs, you will need to apply an overlay. Three quarters of an inch is a good choice of thickness.
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5
Using the pieces of lumber, lay them next to your stairs so that the concrete will not pour over the edges of the stairs. The top of the wood should be level with the final height of your overlay.
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6
To avoid attaching the wooden or metal stakes to your cement, drive them into the ground next to your stairs, pressing them against the lumber. This will help eliminate seepage of the concrete over the edge of the stairs.
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7
Purchase coarse grade sand and cement mix from a building supplier.
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8
Combine two parts of sand with one part of cement in your bucket to make a rich mixture for your overlay.
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9
Add enough water to the sand and cement mixture to make it flow easily out of the bucket.
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10
Prepare cement paint by mixing cement and water in a second bucket until it is the consistency of paint. This will allow the overlay to adhere to the stairs.
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11
Apply a layer of the cement paint to the stairs using a paintbrush.
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12
Before the cement paint is dry, pour your overlay mixture onto the stairs. Remember, the overlay mixture should flow easily out of the bucket.
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13
Allow the cement to dry somewhat until it is slightly firm. It should take about one hour.
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14
Tightly cover the cement with the plastic sheet so that it can cure slowly over a period of several days.
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15
Remove the plastic from the stairs.
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16
Make another batch of cement paint, mixing the water with the cement until it is the consistency of paint.
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17
Apply another layer of cement paint to the stairs to even out the texture of the stairs and allow it to dry completely.
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18
Remove the stakes and the lumber from the sides of the stairs.
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