Repair concrete steps

550Doug · Jul 13, 2011

The concrete & flagstone steps at the back door separate from the house every year over the winter & frost. The crack is about 3/4" wide and at least 2" deep (of what can be seen). Ive tried several concrete patch mixes but they all eventually crack and disintegrate. I think I need a waterproof expanding epoxy type of material. Any such products around?
Thanks

Ken-Pa · Jul 13, 2011

I"ve always had good luck with QUICK CRETE for cracks & missing chunks . I just did an area at my back door . Maybe try filling the bad area & then spreading it over the whole section so its like one piece . HTH ! God bless

Billy NY · Jul 13, 2011

It sounds like its turned into an expansion joint, could you clean up the edges, make it straight, clean thoroughly, place backer rod or similar material and caulk with an appropriate sealant for concrete sidewalks, you definitely need something "elastomeric" and that will bond to the concrete/backer material etc.

Ron Grother · Jul 13, 2011

you will never stop them from cracking. you don't have a good bace. it needs to be 4' deep. I would tear them out and put in granite

omahagreg · Jul 13, 2011

I would recommend Vulkem caulk. Comes in caulk size, or glue size-depending on which gun(s) you have available. Also comes in different colors, and gun grade (non sagging) or self leveling!

Frankmn · Jul 13, 2011

I agree with using vulkem caulk. You can stuff a foam backer rod in first and caulk over it. It sticks well, dries on top, and remains flexible forever.

Ultradog MN · Jul 13, 2011

Ron Grother has it right. You don't have deep enough footings under your steps. You can use any kind of pucky you like but the frost will continue to move them and the pucky will eventually let loose.
Around here it's 42" for footings. Deeper in areas where it gets cold.

MPK · Jul 13, 2011

You can seal and caulk all you want but you will never stop it from moving by doing this alone.

sws55 · Jul 14, 2011

If it's an expansion joint that is unsightly but causes no damage, try stuffing an old garden hose into the crack. The hose expands to fill the gap to keep it looking better and it keeps most of the rain out of the crack. Those black drip hoses made from recycled tires work very well and look good for ten years.
Good luck.

Repair concrete steps

550Doug

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Ken-Pa

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Billy NY

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Ron Grother

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omahagreg

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Frankmn

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Ultradog MN

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MPK

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sws55

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