If you live in an older house in Cicero, Illinois, there’s a good chance that you have concrete steps somewhere on your property — possibly in the garden, or perhaps in the basement. It is also possible that these steps may be slightly damaged. Not only do damaged concrete steps look unsightly, but they can also be very dangerous for children and elderly people.

Concrete is a strong material, but the elements can start to take a toll after a while, especially if the steps are outside of your Cicero house. The good news is that, as long as the damage is not too bad, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. We’re going to explain the process below.

How Long Does It Take?

Fixing your concrete steps should not take more than a few days. The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure you have the right tools and materials before starting the project.

The Necessary Tools

If you do repair work regularly, then you will probably have most of these already. You will need some goggles, a chisel, a sledgehammer, a standard hammer, and a wheelbarrow. The following will also be useful: a concrete float, a trowel, a shovel, and a paintbrush.

The Necessary Materials

You will also need sufficient concrete mix and some bricks, boards, nails, and bonding agents. A few two-by-four boards will also be very handy for the work you are about to start.

Time for Action

Use your chisel to remove the crumbling concrete, then use the sledgehammer to chisel the gap widely down to the solid concrete. Try to cut a V shape between the step and the riser, then clean the debris away with a broom. After this, you can use a garden hose to flush the indentation thoroughly with water.

Recast Preparation

Use the boards to form the shape around your target step and hold these in place using the bricks you have ready for use. Nail a piece of two-by-four across each of the boards to hold the form in place correctly.

Prepare to Pour

Read the instructions before mixing your concrete and prepare the wheelbarrow for the mixing stage. You will need to add the correct amount of water and use a shovel to thoroughly mix the concrete. Before the pour, you will need to apply the bonding agent to the edges using a paintbrush.

Ready to Pour

Fill in the edge’s cavity with the concrete mix, then spread it along using your trowel. You should then pack the concrete into the edge with the trowel again. Level the top of the new concrete to the same height as the old concrete. You can repeat this process for every corroded step. The concrete float should be used to smooth the edge for level finish.

How to Tell When It’s Complete

You will know when the concrete has set because the film of water on the surface will have been absorbed. Use a plastic sheet to cover the steps and wait a week before using them as steps again. Also, leave the wooden boards in place until the concrete has set fully — you can now enjoy your steps once more!

To avoid any accidents, it is important to repair your concrete steps as soon as possible. Or, if you would rather leave it to a professional, you can search for an experienced contractor who specializes in concrete repair in Cicero.

Are You Looking for a Concrete Contractor in Cicero, Illinois?

Are you looking for professional concrete or cement repair services in Cicero, Illinois? If so, then Via Galante Cement Contractors is here to help. For over three decades, we have been delivering the highest quality of concrete services throughout the Chicagoland area. 

Contact us at (773) 589-9893 or email us at [email protected] to get in touch with one of our concrete specialists today!