How to Repair Concrete Steps

Instructions

• 1

  Use a wire brush with stiff bristles to get rid of loose gravel, sand and cement from the damaged part of the concrete steps.
• 2

  Attach two pieces of 1-inch by 6-inch (2.54 cm by 15.24 cm) lumber to each other using screws. The angle between the lumber pieces should be 90 degrees so that they form an ‘L’ shape. Use duct tape to hold the pieces together, if required.
• 3

  Position the wooden form, from the previous step, in such a way that it is flush with the top of the concrete step you are repairing. This will help you maintain the shape of the step when you repair it. Use pieces of duct tape to secure the wood form to the step being repaired.
• 4

  Apply a thin coat of cooking oil onto the wooden form. This will prevent new cement you use to repair the concrete step from sticking to the wood.
• 5

  Apply a heavy coat of latex bonding liquid to the damaged section of the concrete step. Use a paint brush for this purpose.
• 6

  Read instruction on the bag of quick setting cement and accordingly prepare the mixture in a large plastic bucket.
• 7

  Heavily moisten the area you will be repairing with water. This will prevent old concrete from drawing moisture out of the new cement you apply.
• 8

  Stuff quick setting concrete you prepared just a short while ago into the wood form. Use a pointed trowel for this purpose. Be sure to use a little more cement than necessary.
• 9

  Smooth out the fresh cement surface until it is just similar in texture to the old cement. Use the pointed trowel’s flat side for this purpose.
• 10

  Allow time for cement to dry completely and then remove duct tape pieces holding the wooden form in place.
• 11

  Heavily moisten the freshly set concrete for the initial couple of days, about 2 to 3 times a day. For the next week or so, lightly moisten the fresh cement at least twice a day. This will help the cement cure and harden properly.