Concrete steps get worn out by use over time. Cracks and pits can appear in it, which can be inconvenient and unsightly. That’s why you should resurface your concrete steps to restore it to its former beautiful state. But how do you resurface the concrete steps? This guide will help you do so!
Here are the things you need to do to restore it to its former glory:
1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the steps
You begin resurfacing the concrete steps by cleaning it first. Begin preparing the surface by sweeping off dust and other foreign materials. If there are weeds at the pits, pull it out. Algae or mildew in the concrete steps? Spray a mix of water and vinegar or bleach to kill it.
2. Pressure wash the dead mold and remaining dirt
After the preliminary cleaning, pressure wash the entire surface to blast off the dead mold and the remaining dirt from the steps. The direction of the pressure wash should be away from you, and do so in one direction. By pressure washing in one direction, it will prevent the removed dirt from returning to the surface.
3. Let the surface dry
After pressure washing the concrete surface, let it dry completely first. Do not resurface while it is wet. Otherwise, the strength of the concrete coating will be compromised. Wait until the concrete surface has thoroughly dried. A good indication is that it is dry to the touch.
4. Prepare the concrete coating
If you see that the washed concrete steps are about to dry, then you should prepare the concrete mixture that you’ll use as a coating. If you want to mix your own concrete, it must have at least a strength of 3000 psi. To achieve it, you must use a ratio of 1 part cement, 3 parts gravel, and 3 parts sand. Otherwise, it’s much better to just buy a concrete resurfacer. Using a cement mixer, mix the concrete of your choice with water until it has a lump-free, smooth peanut butter consistency.
Only mix the right amount you’ll use within 20 to 30 minutes, and mix another batch if necessary.
5. Use weatherstripping to cover up gaps.
Use weatherstripping on edges and expansion gaps where you don’t want concrete to flow. Apply the weather stripping by placing it on the entire length of each joint, which will prevent the concrete mixture from spilling.
6. Fill the gaps and apply the concrete mixture thoroughly
Once the concrete steps have dried up completely, time to apply the concrete mixture! Begin at the top part, then work your way to the bottom step. Fill the cracks and pits first, and then cover all the steps thoroughly. You must use a flat trowel or a squeegee to level the applied concrete mixture evenly.
7. Sweep the still-wet concrete with a concrete finishing brush
Using one gives the concrete coating a non-skid surface, which prevents you and others from slipping off the steps during wet weather. Stroke the concrete finishing brush in one direction only, along the length of the steps.
8. Let it dry and cure
Once you have swept the newly-coated concrete steps, Wait for at least 30 minutes, then remove the weather stripping from the gaps so that it will not be stuck after the concrete dries. Wait for it to dry for at least one day.
And with that, you now have a restored and improved concrete steps in your house! If you think these guides have helped you to fix and restore your concrete steps, do not hesitate to share this with others!
