How to Repair the Concrete Stairs to a House

Concrete steps are durable but may be damaged if a heavy object is dropped on top of them.

After dropping a heavy object onto your concrete steps, you notice a large chunk of the step has come away. Concrete is supposed to be durable and able to withstand lots of abuse. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it's invulnerable. Concrete step repairs are possible as long as the correct methods are used. Always make sure to work on the steps when no rain is forecast and the temperature is within the optimal range for the concrete to dry.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Soap
• Water
• Vacuum
• 1-by-6 wood
• Screws
• Duct tape
• Cooking oil spray
• Latex bonding liquid
• Quick-set cement
• Trowel

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Instructions

1. Clean the step with soap and water and vacuum away any dust so that the area is as clean as possible. Use a wire brush to break away loose pieces.

2. Screw two 1-by-6 pieces of wood together to make an L-shaped brace.

3. Attach several long pieces of duct tape to the 1-by-6 brace and attach the brace to the step, aligning the top of the brace with the top of the step.

4. Spray the inside of the brace with cooking oil spray to prevent the cement from sticking to the wood.

5. Brush the damaged area with a latex bonding liquid.

6. Mix a batch of quick-drying cement according to the label and apply it to the cracked area using a trowel. Overfill the damaged area and scrape off the excess using the end of the trowel so that the surface is smooth. Allow the patch to dry overnight then remove the brace.

References

• This Old House: Fix Chipped Concrete Steps
• Ask the Builder: Concrete Repairs 101
• Popular Mechanics: Repair Concrete Cracks, and Prevent More From Starting