How to Fix Concrete Stairs

Well-maintained concrete stairs age gracefully.

Concrete stairs, found on homes of all ages, are not difficult to maintain. Well-maintained concrete stairs can make your home look beautiful, while poorly-maintained stairs can cause even a new home to appear older and in disrepair. Happily, even if you have not cared correctly for your concrete stairs in the past, they are also simply mended. Fix your concrete stairs for a fresh start, and maintain them as you should to keep them looking their best.

Things You'll Need

• Cold chisel
• Sledgehammer
• Siliconized latex caulk
• Putty knife
• Vinyl concrete patch
• Metal trowel

Instructions

1. Chisel away large, broken pieces of concrete, using a cold chisel and small sledgehammer.

2. Fill small to medium cracks with siliconized latex caulk. Use a small putty knife to smooth the surface of the caulk after you squeeze it into each crack.

3. Apply vinyl concrete patch to large cracks, divots, or holes. Trowel on a first coat of patch, making it 3/8 inch thick. Allow this to set, then apply a second coat that fills the damaged areas until they are level with the unblemished concrete around them. With the flat face of the metal trowel, smooth each patched area. Let the caulk and concrete patch dry 24 to 48 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Before starting, ask a contractor or home inspector to examine the concrete damage. Proceed only after being told that there are no major structural issues that compromise the integrity of your home.

• Wear protective gear and clothing for this project.

References

• On the House: Repairing Concrete Steps