Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 8/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: The front steps on my parent's house are crumbling. They appear to be cinder block with a skim-coat finish. There are 3 steps that lead up to the porch landing. The landing, while having some cracks, essentially appears to be structurally sound.

Several masons provided estimates, but they all want to completely remove the steps and landing and rebuild with concrete block and limestone treads - to the tune of about $4500. My parent's can not afford this.

I have looked at the steps, and I am wondering if it might be possible to just remove the broken sections of steps and replace them with either concrete block or concrete patch.  

Since there are only 3 steps, it theoretically shouldn't be that involved. What would you advise? They don't particularly care about the appearance, they just want the steps to be safe.

Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Marc, 4500 dollars for three steps?  Unless they go half way around the house that sounds a little outrageous.  Sure, you can pull the bad stuff out and stick new pieces back in, especially if there are budget concerns.  You can get masonry blocks, Sacrete mortar and concrete mixes at your local Home Depot or Lowes or other building supply stores.  Just add water and you have whatever cement product you need.  If you would like to send me a couple of photos of the steps I might be able to walk you through a good do-it-yourself project that will cost little money and may be be a good family thing.  Mom can make lunch while you and Dad mess around with the steps.  Anyhow, anything I can do to help just let me know.  Sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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QUESTION: Please excuse the delay in responding, but I do not live near my parents and had to get someone else to take the pictures. I don't know if this system will allow me to send multiple pictures, but I will attempt it. There is one head on, a couple from the side/diagonal and some close-ups.

As you can see, these are not sprawling steps. They are about 53" long. Although not shown in the pictures, the upper landing (about 7-8' long) appears to be in relatively decent condition.

Again, any assistance is appreciated.

Answer
Hi again Marc, these steps can be patched but it may require a touch up every couple of years.  First of all you would have to clean out all the big cracks down to the thickness of the concrete.  Next you will have to etch and clean the concrete.  This requires muriatic acid or other etching acids available at local hardware stores.  Follow the instructions for Etching Concrete.  Basically it involves mixing the etching acid with water and then, using a stiff brush, scrubbing the steps with the solution.  It will bubble and smell kind of funky..rinse well with water and let dry for several hours until it is just slightly damp.  For this project I would use a good patching cement, Pavecrete or patchcrete, mix it to the consistency of frosting and trowel it onto the surfaces as smoothly as possible.  Once the steps have been covered with the patching cement and almost completely dried, take a light broom and broom the steps to give them a little traction.  Let me know if you need any further assistance.  Be sure to follow manufacturers requirements for all materials and wear protective gloves and clothing especially when doing the etching.  Sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com