Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/11/2009

Question
Hi Mr. Johnson,

One of my concrete porch steps crumbled and I don't have a clue on how to fix it. Is there a cheap and easy way to do it? Or is there a quick fix until I can save enough money to get it done professionally? Thank you for any help that you can give me. Have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,
Victoria

Answer
Hi Victoria, without being able to see it, it's hard to give you a fix.  And without knowing your skills in working with cement I can't say how easy a repair may be.  That being said, there are several concrete restoration mixes available at your local Home Depot or Lowes.  Any Concrete Patch material will work.  Using a putty knife or trowel you can mix the patching compound into a stiff consistency by adding small amounts of water until it is the stiffness of heavy frosting.  Using the same trowel you begin applying the material to the steps much like frosting on a cake buttering up the sides and putting a topping on.  That's about it. Try to remove most of the loose rubble prior to doing the work, however you can pile the rubble in the most distressed areas and then work the "frosting" into the rubble to build the sunken spots up.  Put some of the mix down and then press the rubble into the mix and then add topping.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com