@My cement steps
by
Betty
My cement steps are falling apart on edges of the steps and the sides. Can I repair this or Do I have to replace the whole thing? @
1 answer
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Betty repairing the edges of a cement step can be a bit difficult. As cement does not adhere well to itself. While there are chemicals that you can purchase to increase this adhesion, its really only designed to be used to patch holes. When the edge of the step cracks and falls off the fix depends upon just how much cement is broken off. If its simply a tiny amount you can paint the edges with the adhesion chemicals sold at the big box stores, and then using mortar, not cement or sand mix as there is a difference. trowel the cement to form the corner and let dry. If the crack is much larger, a form of wood will need to be placed against the corner to hold the cement from falling or slumping. Much larger project. Once regardless of what method you choose to use is done, you need to seal and paint the surface as the area between the new and old will allow moisture to enter and by the end of the next winter the patch will be gone. Just like the pot holes in the road, once it appears, all the patching does little to keep it from coming back, But by sealing and preventing the water from getting in between the old and new, you will lower that risk. Another method of repair is to have a stone mason install slate steps on top of the stairs and around the top landing. These stones are cut to fit the entire step and are used as a cap to cover and protect the old surface below. Once in place any gaps around the bottom edges are filled with patching material to make the steps look new again. On the landing they go all the way around the edges with the stone and then simply fill the center with cement. They would need to remove the railings and then re-install them once the stone has set and can be walked on again. About one or two days. But that is really the only method of sound repair that will last other then complete removal and replacement.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Mar 09, 2014
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