Repair minor damage on concrete stairs

[nattugglan11]

How should I reinforce a concrete repair at the edge of some steps in the easiest way? Drill in a couple of long, roughened/sanded screws? I don't have a saw to shorten reinforcement with, and it becomes too bulky, I can imagine a more delicate reinforcement solution.

(In reality, for larger constructions, you drill holes, then insert reinforcement that you glue with HILTI "superglue")

 

[jawen]

Hello Night Owl,

It depends a bit on how the stairs are situated, if they are exposed to rain and storms it's one thing, and if they are sheltered it’s a bit easier.

If salt has seeped into the concrete, it is downright impossible to get it completely right unless you chip away everything containing salt.

But in general, it’s difficult to properly repair stair nosings sustainably. I would probably plaster a new stair nosing with, for example, building plaster, and then when the stair is dry, paint it with good/right paint.

You need to scrape off everything that is loose, and if it seems very loose, possibly bind the concrete with water glass beforehand.

Then stairs on larger constructions usually have embedded L-profiles in the nosing, precisely for durability.

Best regards,
Jawen

 

[nattugglan11]

Hello Nattugla

It depends a bit on the location of the staircase, if it's exposed to rain & bad weather it's one thing, and if it's protected, it's a bit easier.

If salt has penetrated the concrete, it is absolutely impossible to fully repair it unless you remove all the salt-infused material.

But in general, it's difficult to repair stair treads very durably. I would probably use construction filler to build a new tread, and then paint it with a good/correct paint once the stair is dry.

You need to scrape off everything that is loose, and if it seems very loose, possibly bind the concrete with water glass first.

Additionally, larger constructions often have embedded L-profiles in the tread for durability.

Regards,
Jawen

Thanks, good answer.
It's a concrete staircase down to the cellar indoors. So that might make it easier, meaning no salt in the concrete. L-profiles are a smart solution; it might be relevant to glue on/encase such profiles during the renovation. Could it be enough to shape and cast the damaged tread? The damages on some of the steps are about the size of 2 whole eggs.

 

[Jan-Å]

Indoors? We had damage on the stair nosings in the basement stairs outdoors, but there is now a roof and wall over the stairs, so they are not exposed to direct weather, although cold/heat and a bit of rainwater and snow can blow in.
I placed a regular concrete slab in front as support for the concrete and then filled in the holes with regular concrete, without using any reinforcement either. Of course, I removed all loose parts first and wet it with water, but no other complexities. It's held up for 2 years.