Project Difficulty:
Easy Estimated
Project Time: 1 day, not including final curing time
Tools and Materials:
Chisel
Small sledgehammer
Wire brush
Formboards (section of 3/4-inch-thick plywood)
Hammer
Concrete nails
Bonding agent, as needed
Bucket
Mortar mix
Safety goggles
Work gloves
Dust mask
Trowel
Wooden float
Broom, as needed
Concrete steps receive a lot of wear and tear, and can eventually develop cracks or broken edges or corners, which can pose a hazard. Make repairs as soon as possible to avoid any mishaps. Below shows you how to replace a corner that has broken away.
1.
Remove Loose Debris
Using a small sledgehammer and chisel, remove all damaged concrete at the corner of the step. Use a wire brush to remove loose debris. (Fig. 1)
2.
Build a Form
Build a plywood form to square the step repair. (Fig. 2)
3.
Set Some Nails
To help a patch adhere, coat the area with a bonding agent or set a few concrete nails to reinforce the repair. (Fig. 3)
4.
Spread the Mortar
Prepare the mortar mix in a bucket. Use a trowel to spread fresh mortar over the area, covering any nails you have driven halfway into the old step in Step 3. Smooth out the mortar to be level with the form. (Fig. 4)
Let the patch sit for about one hour; then use a wooden float to smooth the surface to match the surrounding area. If your steps have been broomed to make them slip-resistant, perform that step to the patch as well.
Carefully remove the formboards after a few hours or so; do not pry or hammer against the patch itself.
For the next week, keep the area moist by sprinkling it with water daily, and avoid heavy use for another three weeks.
