How To Fix Chipped Concrete Steps

Concrete steps are durable, but they’re not immune to wear and tear. Over time, they become vulnerable to chipping and breakage, creating both an eyesore and a potential safety hazard.

Fortunately, repairing your concrete steps is a manageable do-it-yourself (DIY) project that can be completed in less than a day, even by inexperienced homeowners. We’ll walk you through how to fix chipped concrete steps below.

Assessing Concrete Step Damage

The extent of the damage will dictate the repair approach and materials needed. We’ll explain the correct approach for each of the following categories.

• Minor chips: Less than half an inch deep
• Larger chips or broken corners: Deeper than half an inch but not affecting structural integrity
• Major damage: Crumbling steps or large missing chunks that may compromise stability

Essential Tools and Materials for Concrete Repair

Here are the tools and safety materials you’ll need for the project.

If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend keeping the newly repaired area moist for 24-48 hours. To do this, you’ll need an additional plastic drop cloth. Wet the area down and place the cloth over the patch to keep the moisture in.

Preparing Damaged Concrete Steps

Proper preparation helps your repair adhere well and last a long time. This step is crucial regardless of the size of the chip or damage.

Cleaning the Surface

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area. Use a wire brush or stiff-bristle brush to remove any loose debris, dirt, or old cement. For stubborn dirt, consider using a pressure washer, but be careful not to cause further damage. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.

Removing Loose Debris

After cleaning, make sure to remove all loose material. Tap around the damaged area with a hammer to identify and remove any loose concrete. For larger repairs, use a chisel to carefully remove cracked or unstable sections. Vacuum or brush away all dust and small particles.

Repairing Minor Chips in Concrete Steps

For small chips less than half an inch deep, the repair process is relatively straightforward and quick. You essentially use quick-setting cement to patch up the damage.

Applying Bonding Adhesive

While not always necessary for minor repairs, we recommend using a bonding adhesive to improve the durability of your patch. Use a paintbrush to apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the adhesive to become tacky before proceeding to the next step.

Applying Quick-Setting Cement

Quick-drying cement forms the patch. Here’s how to apply it.

1. In a plastic bucket, mix a small amount of quick-setting cement according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Using a margin trowel, apply the cement mixture to the chipped area with firm pressure. Overfill the area slightly.
3. Once the patch is thumb-print dry (about 5-10 minutes), use the edge of the trowel to smooth it level with the surrounding concrete.
4. Use a damp sponge to blend the edges and texture the surface to match the existing step.

Fixing Broken Corners of Concrete Steps

Broken corners require a more involved repair process to ensure stability and seamlessness. 

First, you’ll need to create to achieve the right shape.

1. Cut two pieces of 1-by-6 board to create an L-shaped form.
2. Screw the pieces together to form a sturdy mold.
3. Spray inside the mold with cooking oil to prevent sticking. We recommend using a drop cloth to prevent cooking oil from staining your concrete.

Next, you’ll need to fill the mold with quick-drying cement. We recommend the following method to achieve a strong, well-shaped repair:

1. Apply concrete bonding adhesive to the damaged area and allow it to become tacky.
2. Position the mold against the corner, ensuring it’s flush with the top of the step.
3. Secure the mold with duct tape or brace it with concrete blocks.
4. Mix quick-setting cement and press it firmly into the mold, eliminating air bubbles. Slightly overfill the mold.
5. Once the patch is thumb dry (about 5-10 minutes), smooth the cement flush with the top of the step.
6. After the cement sets (about 20-40 minutes), remove the mold and fill any recesses.
7. Use a steel trowel to smooth the surface and a damp sponge to feather the edges and texture the repair to match the existing concrete.

Addressing Major Concrete Step Damage

When dealing with crumbling steps or large missing chunks, more extensive repair is necessary to restore appearance and structural integrity. For severe crumbling, you may need to replace your concrete steps entirely. If you do decide to repair your steps, we recommend the following process.

Prepare the Area

Before starting, make sure the area is prepared for repairs.

1. Use a hand chisel and hammer or a hammer drill to remove unstable, cracked, or loose cement.
2. Use a tapcon or hammer drill to drill holes into the remaining concrete, then drive in screws. You’ll want the screws to sit slightly lower than the step is going to be. These are essentially working as rebars for the new concrete, giving it more to adhere to and making the repair more stable.
3. Remove debris with a brush or shop vacuum, or wash the area with water.

Making the Repairs

Follow these steps to make the needed repairs:

1. Using a paintbrush, paint concrete bonding adhesive onto the damaged area and let dry.
2. Mix the cement according to the directions.
3. Place the form against the step, with concrete blocks or bricks against it for stability. Use a pointed or margin trowel to fill in the missing parts of the step with cement. Use a steel trowel to smooth out the top surface between the new and the old cement.
4. Make sure the step is level. Add or remove cement as needed.
5. Pull the form away, and you’ll see areas that may need to be filled in along the rise of the step. Using your margin trowel and steel trowel, add cement along the front, pushing it into the voids, and smooth it out.

Finishing Off

Once you’ve removed the form, we recommend taking steps to polish and clean up your work:

1. Check the work with your level — you can even use the edge of the level like a screed to make sure the step is plumb.
2. Remove any new cement that has fallen or been scraped off, and discard it to prevent it from drying and adhering to the old concrete.
3. If the steps have a special edge (rounded, for example), run a concrete edging tool along the top of the repaired step to make it look like the others.
4. Once the cement is thumb dry, smooth the surface with a moist sponge. Here again, you can add a texture to the new cement.

Preventing Future Concrete Step Damage

Concrete step damage can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of the most common.

• Freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates
• Impact from heavy objects
• Natural foundation settling
• Salt and chemical exposure
• Poor initial installation or concrete mix

Some of these are out of your control, like the climate in your area. However, taking proactive measures can help extend the life of your concrete steps and prevent future damage.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Follow these steps to protect your concrete steps from future damage.

• Inspect your steps regularly for signs of wear or new damage.
• Clean concrete steps thoroughly at least once a year, removing dirt and debris.
• Address small chips or cracks promptly to prevent them from worsening.
• In winter, use sand or kitty litter instead of salt for traction to reduce chemical damage.

Protective Coatings and Sealants

Applying a protective coating can significantly extend the life of your concrete steps. We recommend choosing a high-quality concrete sealer appropriate for outdoor use. Make sure to clean and dry the steps thoroughly before you apply the sealer, and reapply it every few years.

When Concrete Steps Are Separating from Your House

Sometimes, concrete steps begin to pull away from your house, creating a dangerous gap. This issue requires prompt attention to ensure safety and prevent further damage.

Techniques for Reattachment

For minor separation:

1. Clean the gap thoroughly.
2. Apply a concrete bonding adhesive to both surfaces.
3. Fill the gap with an expandable concrete caulk or hydraulic cement.
4. Apply sealant as appropriate.

For significant separation, you may need to:

1. Jack up the steps to realign them with the house.
2. Install metal brackets or rebar to secure the steps.
3. Fill any gaps with concrete and reinforce the connection.
4. Smooth and apply sealant as needed.

In severe cases, it may be necessary to rebuild the steps entirely. 

Safety Considerations During Concrete Repair

Make safety your top priority when undertaking any concrete repair project. Always wear appropriate safety equipment:

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Dust mask or respirator
• Work gloves
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

Also take care to stay safe while handling cement and chemicals: 

• Read and follow all manufacturer safety instructions.
• Mix cement in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid skin contact with cement and bonding agents.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area and wet cement.

Fixing Concrete Steps: Our Conclusion

Repairing chipped concrete steps is a manageable DIY project that can significantly improve the appearance and safety of your home’s exterior. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can address a range of concrete step damage, from minor chips to major structural issues. Remember to assess the damage carefully, prepare the area thoroughly, and use the appropriate techniques and materials for your specific repair needs.