How Hard Is It To Remove Concrete Steps?
How Hard Is It To Remove Concrete Steps?
Concrete stairs are often installed on their base rather than on the same slab as the building foundation.
If they are, they are simple to remove. If they are part of the original slab of the home, they will be more difficult to remove, but not impossible.
The steps could be anything from an old porch or patio, a pathway, or the front stairs to your house. If they’re decaying and crumbling, you’ll need to replace them.
You can’t just pick up all the pieces of concrete and throw them in a dumpster — there’s more work involved than that!
You’ll have to do some research about finding the right type of concrete that will match your existing steps for outdoor use.
The first thing you should do is find out where nearby contractors get their material from so that you can get samples and make sure it’s what you want.
Read the labels carefully, and avoid any concrete mixed with other materials, such as stones or aggregates.
Don’t forget about local building codes when it comes to concrete for outdoor steps. Depending on where you live, some areas may restrict the type of concrete you can use.
You should also do your due diligence to ensure you’re using a product that will withstand a long time in an outdoor environment.
Your steps must remain weatherproof and stand up to any temperature fluctuations without cracking or showing signs of weakness.
Once you know what kind of mortar you want to use for your repair, it’s time to pick a suitable material for the job.
How Do You Expand Concrete To Existing Concrete Steps?
Small outdoor concrete stairs extending from a patio or straight from a residence can be altered.
For example, if concrete steps are not the proper size, are too tiny, or are of different sizes, you can pour fresh concrete over them rather than reconstructing the entire construction.
The only issue is that freshly poured concrete does not dry and connect to old concrete. Fortunately, there is a workable option.
Step 1
Measure the area where you will be putting extra cement with a tape measure.
Step 2
Put on safety glasses and then use a circular saw to measure, mark, and cut 2-by-4-inch timber to build forms for the fresh concrete pour.
Step 3
Use a drill with a masonry bit to drill pilot holes into the concrete. Using a screw gun, secure the forms to the existing concrete.
Step 4
In a wheelbarrow, combine 3 parts sand with 1 part mortar and moisten the dry components with water. Combine with a hoe.
Step 5
Apply bonding agent to the set cement before pouring the freshly prepared mortar. This will “join” the two concrete pours. Allow the fresh cement to dry for at least 24 hours after smoothing it with a trowel.
Step 6
Using a screwdriver, remove the concrete screws that hold the forms in place, and then hammer away from the fresh cement.
