I am hoping for DIY front porch repair

Mindy
by Mindy
The structure seems sturdy, but the missing bricks allow animals inside and look a mess.
Help the decrepit steps
  7 answers
  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Feb 05, 2018

    Could you just replace the missing bricks? You may not need to do more than put back the bricks that have fallen out. They may not need to be mortared in, perhaps just stable enough to stand up on there own to block the hole.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 05, 2018

    Is that porch tilted toward the yard? it sure looks like it must be sinking. Here is how to repair the steps, but you would have to pull the cap off that lower step. So I would get a mason to do this project...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k08fZLCJSrg

    • Mindy Mindy on Feb 05, 2018

      It is not tilted; I think I probably made it appear that way cropping the photo, but I agree a mason might be the way to go. Thank you!

  • Eco.cambra Eco.cambra on Feb 05, 2018

    could add a 1x4 infront of the gap, or if you want something easier to trim to size and decorative, possibly metal wall backsplash material used in kitchens. would need to clean up the entire area with scouring pad and soapy water, for an adhesive to properly stick to the brick.

  • Eco.cambra Eco.cambra on Feb 05, 2018

    i myself would paint the entire thing in a garage floor paint for masonry as well

  • Steve Steve on Feb 05, 2018

    I have a similar issue with concrete blocks decaying. My plan is to dig out access, one corner at a time, and use a cardboard footing tube to put a footer beneath the corner. Then I plan to add an adjustable footing jack. Once that corner is complete, I'll do the other. THEN I'm thinking I'll break out the useless blocks, use ground contact wood to frame corners, install heavy duty wire mesh, and add faux stone paneling to look like stone masonry work beneath.

    • Steve Steve on Feb 05, 2018

      Cardboard footer tube filled with quickcrete to create permanent footing. sorry

  • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Feb 05, 2018

    I would tear it down and use the concrete slab on top as a base for a treated wood deck of the same size. I would enclose the whole base with treated wood to keep critters out and I would put railings on the top and down the steps. You need a sturdy foundation as it is your entrance and exit from your house and crumbling bricks just don't do it. It is a safety issue. Just my humble opinion.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 07, 2018

    Even though the stoop is not very high, I would encourage you to install railings, and an outdoor light (if there isn't one already).Persons of all ages can easily step over the edges, or slip especially in the winter time or after dark, and a fall even this far can result in injuries.