Concrete path, stairs and porch repair

Leann Krenicki
by Leann Krenicki
We have concrete stairs, path, and front porch from the driveway right up against the side of our house to the front door. It needs work. A lot of work. We cannot afford to have it all removed and rebuilt. One big section is actually loose. I am afraid that someone will get hurt. It is such an eyesore, it's embarrassing. HELP!
  6 answers
  • Dfm Dfm on Jan 03, 2016
    okay what happened..is it on a slope? a pipe break and wash out a hole? can it be mud jacked? can you build wood stairs over the existing concrete? and a wood deck over the front porch? photos would be good.....
    • Leann Krenicki Leann Krenicki on Jan 03, 2016
      @Dfm It is on a slope. The part that is the worst, started because of a leaky gutter. That is no longer a problem because we have since gotten a new roof and gutters, but it is getting worse since it is exposed to the elements.. Building stairs and a deck over it might be a good option. Thanks!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 03, 2016
    Heres two sites to get you started. www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-repair/ and www.diynetwork.com/how-to-skillsandknow-how/masonary-and-tiling/how-to-repair-concrete
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 03, 2016
    If you are worried about someone getting hurt on it, I don't think you have a choice about repairing, removing or covering it. We had old wooden steps in the front for years and I was pleasantly surprised that after getting a bid for replacement steps, how reasonable it was. We used precast and did all the footer, demo etc. ourselves. We spent almost as much on the railings as the steps themselves. Our next project is the crumbling basement steps, next spring. Keep in mind your insurance company might give you a hard time about the steps, if they are indicating a) a safety hazard and b) something that has the potential to cause damage to your house.
  • Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell on Jan 03, 2016
    If the existing is sound but just cracked, you might be able to pour concrete over what is there. Or as suggested above - wood. Remember though that wood is slick when wet (if you are concerned about falling). Sand based products can be applied - do homework and get more than one opinion.
    • Leann Krenicki Leann Krenicki on Jan 03, 2016
      @Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell I think it is sound except for that one spot. I will check it out. Thanks!
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Jan 03, 2016
    There are different colors and types of recycled decking such as Trex. They last forever without needing to be stained and really require very little maintenance once installed. Depending on your capabilities, you could install it on your risers and landing. You can also try a skim coating of concrete on places that just need to be freshed up or even consider laying pavers for the walkway.
  • Kincaid99 Kincaid99 on Jan 03, 2016
    Since we cannot see what is the problem, maybe you could take out the worst parts yourself and lay a paver path, we did this and it is a vast improvement, and if one breaks we can replace it easily, wood over the top is an option, but I would paint it with a sand added element.