Hello all
I own a 40 year old home in the Northeast with poured concrete front
steps. Previous owner put carpet on the concrete steps and porch,
which has resulted in crumbling and breaking off of some of the
steps. I have read about different ways of repairing it, but many say
that applying concrete to repair won't last, even when drilling and
putting metal pins to help retain the concrete patches in place. I
would just like to repair it with concrete, apply a good sealer and
paint on it, and be done with it. If that won't work, I would
consider having a contractor cover it with interlocking or flagstones,
or even build a wood porch on top of the concrete.
Any ideas on how to do a solid and lasting repair to the damaged steps
would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thank you.

On Aug 23, 9:42 am, wrote:
Hello all
I own a 40 year old home in the Northeast with poured concrete front
steps. Previous owner put carpet on the concrete steps and porch,
which has resulted in crumbling and breaking off of some of the
steps. I have read about different ways of repairing it, but many say
that applying concrete to repair won't last, even when drilling and
putting metal pins to help retain the concrete patches in place. I
would just like to repair it with concrete, apply a good sealer and
paint on it, and be done with it. If that won't work, I would
consider having a contractor cover it with interlocking or flagstones,
or even build a wood porch on top of the concrete.
Any ideas on how to do a solid and lasting repair to the damaged steps
would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thank you.

As someone else in the northeast who loves all things stone, I have to
agree.
Any repair involving mortar or concrete is likely to suffer from
freeze/thaw
and break up in fairy short order. You can try hammering out enough
concrete
to get bricks or concrete pavers (preferred; bricks get SLIPPERY in
winter) on,
but again the mortar that holds them together will be a challenge to
keep
intact for long.

For short term, try breaking some concrete off and putting a fresh
coat
on with sealer. It may last at least a while. Long term, jackhammer
the
whole thing up and start again with what you want. I used granite
slabs
resting on compacted earth. My grandkids will be able to visit them.

As someone else in the northeast who loves all things stone, I have to
agree.
Any repair involving mortar or concrete is likely to suffer from
freeze/thaw
and break up in fairy short order. You can try hammering out enough
concrete
to get bricks or concrete pavers (preferred; bricks get SLIPPERY in
winter) on,
but again the mortar that holds them together will be a challenge to
keep
intact for long.

For short term, try breaking some concrete off and putting a fresh
coat
on with sealer. It may last at least a while. Long term, jackhammer
the
whole thing up and start again with what you want. I used granite
slabs
resting on compacted earth. My grandkids will be able to visit them.

Thanks. Sounds indeed like freeze/thaw cycle is working against me!
Many other houses in my project still have the original steps intact
(no carpet). I believe my carpet retained moisture (it was always
wet) and ended up causing the concrete underneath to crumble and break
off on the steps. Unfortunately, jackhammer and start from scratch is
not a (cheap, anyway) option: the steps are poured and form the upper
walls and ceiling of the cold-storage room underneath, extending out
from the foundation. If the steps were the cheap pre-cast variety,
jackhammer would work, but not in my case alas.

A couple of people have recommended building wooden steps and porch on
top of the ailing concrete, either using pressure treated or cedar
($). Not sure wooden steps would match the front of the house (all
red brick), maybe if painted with a reddish stain. Might be the way
to go, though I may try to put some patches on and see how long they
last...

Cheers.

On Aug 24, 9:19 am, wrote:

snip

Many other houses in my project still have the original steps intact

snip

Seems to me that would indicate that the concrete quality might have
been fairly decent if all of the houses were done in a similar time
frame, etc. So before doing anything rash, talk to a serious concrete
professional about salvaging what you have or a partial rebuild. With
concrete saws, tools, and clever forming much could be done. Some of
the concrete we have today is much more durable than in the past. It
probably won't be cheap, but you may be qute pleased with the outcome.
Good luck.

Joe

On Aug 24, 6:52 pm, Joe wrote:
On Aug 24, 9:19 am, wrote:

snip
Many other houses in my project still have the original steps intact
snip

Seems to me that would indicate that the concrete quality might have
been fairly decent if all of the houses were done in a similar time
frame, etc. So before doing anything rash, talk to a serious concrete
professional about salvaging what you have or a partial rebuild. With
concrete saws, tools, and clever forming much could be done. Some of
the concrete we have today is much more durable than in the past. It
probably won't be cheap, but you may be qute pleased with the outcome.
Good luck.

Joe

Hi Joe,
I was going to try to put some forms and repair myself, with quick
setting cement and latex-based concrete adhesive (that you mix into
the concrete to promote better bonding with the existing concrete).
But as you suggest, I may want to see what a concrete pro may
recommend or offer, as a more long-lasting solution.
Cheers,
--Robert