omg. i cant believe all the arm chair critics 😂 the perfect amount of talking and easy to follow instructions! im going to tackle my back step this weekend. thanks!
Please note she was doing this with it coldish out, if you use this product on a hot day you will have to work faster. It sets up very fast when hot out, however they have additives that make the product slower to set and also one to allow it to flow more easily. with those additives this can used with molds to make very strong garden orniments such as lions etc.
The overnight rwmp is what matters. ...and most patch products say to not use additives and to use a high speed mixer. The bonding agent on the surface is it. Metal(screws) would make it better too. ...eh, mortar is not it
@@aaronfagerstrom34 the additives mentioned are made by Rapid Set (she is using Rapid Set mortar mix) specifically for their products to give you more work time. You can find them at Home Depot with the Rapid Set products.
Your video made me decide to have my daughter help me fix ours and to give her a lesson on masonry. Love to see girls in the trades. Thanks for the great video.
Hi Em, nice to see the workings. Too bad the music was so quiet(actually I jumped due to the loudness). Either way thnx & say Hi to Mum.@@YouCanDIYHome
If you give your daughter lessons on masonry based on this video you will regret it. This is a poor attempt and should be titled "How NOT To Fix Steps". You can see the poor work(wo)manship on the first 2 steps.
Great Video. I poured a concrete pad 20 years ago for the base of wood entry steps. I was running out of material during the pour and ended up using a couple of different left over bags to finish pouring. The temperatures were near freezing just before winter and the pad slowing degraded over time. Now is the time to re-form and re-pour. I will post the results. This is the best video I have seen on doing such a repair.
I have spalling areas on my patio. I will do all you suggestions. You did an awesome job explaining. You encouraged me to do the work myself. I'm 78 yrs old and I can do this. The quotes I received were way over the top. Keep up the good work! Yup, I am a subscriber as well. By the way, I have several of your red tub in different sizes and colors. They are great to use, not heavy. Smart mom!
You'll do great- you for sure can do it! the biggest thing to keep in mind now that its Summer is this product will set much quicker. When I did this video, it was the minimum temp you could apply in because it was still the end of Winter. So have everything ready to go before you start :)
👌👍 But wrap the wood form with clingfilm, or a wide parcel tape, sellotape. The mortar will then not adhere to the wood and should come away cleanly when you remove it.
Well done, you've got an endearing presence on the screen. I've never seen people remove forms while the concrete is wet, that's an interesting strategy.
A pleasure to watch from England trade bloke, builder roofer, what stood out to me was your enthusiasm and passion wich we do in trades,putting heart and soul in, face change work wich hives you pride,
Great Job emily. I am a former Carpenter. I would have drilled holes and placed a couple of steel dowels to strengthen the patched area due to the traffic on that part of the step, Also, to avoid the concrete sticking to the wood. you could use plywood, specifically for shuttering and brush the plywood with a specific oil to prevent the concrete sticking to the plywood. Your builders yard would help you the type of plywood and oil to use. This way you can leave the concrete to cure completely.
Hey Harley - this is a specific quick set up structural mortar mix, not a normal concrete product. I did one yesterday in August and it set WAY fast. I wouldn't recommend leaving the form because you get a weird texture and you want to pull the form to smooth the face before it dries with this product.
I got a quote to do my front step, and it was outrageously exspensive. I have decided to do it myself, and this video helped me a ton, I feel confident that I can get the job done after watching this, thank you very much. All the tools and concrete here in canada will only set me back about 120$.
I just got a quote for $2500 to fix about 5 steps. I like this guy. He is a good contractor, but I am struggling yo justify that price. He said the material will cost him 1000, so 15000 gor his labor.
Great job!! AND now I have a tip for you....Take some Portland cement and mix it with water to make like a paint solution and paint the whole stairway with it. The resukt will be that the color of the whole stairway will match and look like you poured a whole new stairway. Try it!!
@@valeriemiller7747 Well...If you are going to paint them there is no need to use the Portland. The Portland method is to give you an even natural concrete look.
LOVE how you are straight to the point and informative! There are Too many videos of people talking and talking and not getting to the important parts. I subscribed! Thank you!!! ❤
You could have probably put some blue masonry screws in there sticking out about an inch or so so that the concrete had something to grab around so it didn't crack all off at one time it helps a lot
Oh for sure- sort of to work as mini re-bar. I have actually had to several of these over the years and it hasn't been necessary. But it certainly would help your bond.
@@frankrounding9905 I'm definitely not a pro on concrete! Ultimately, a re-pour would be the prettiest/best option. I just wanted to primarily not have someone wipe out and sue me, but also save some money til I have to ultimately re-do the whole thing down the road :)
@@YouCanDIYHomethat is all true by far... plis concrete is although difficult sincen ot really able to be as easily repaired vs asphaltic conrete and is more costly if it is done properly it will last about 40 years for as far as driveway or road public used.. vs about 10 for asphaltic concrete for it is cheaoer but repairable etc fwiw.. so yeah definetly a trade off... thus I am alas also no pro at concrete heck I just quoted research but yeah that was even then from mere memory so hehe yeah take this with a grain of salt.
For "parging" a new shape, design, repair or topcoat onto old and damaged masonry use S-type mortar mix. Clean and vacuum the repair area. Use a water spray bottle to mist the area to be fixed with water. Fill in the damaged area with S-type mortar mix. After filling in repairs use a damp sponge to blend and smooth the repair into surrounding concrete.
pro tip from a non-pro: Whenever Im adding new concrete to old concrete, I like to anchor it using tapcons into the existing but leave the head about 1.5" sticking out. For added strength, using rebar wire and tie the heads together. For even more strength, cut lengths of rebar and tie to the screw heads
You got it! The only thing to remember is if its warm, this product sets up quicker than it did here since this was in winter. Just remember that and you'll be good to go!
Hi! Good job! Few tips: 1) It makes sense to add armature to enforce concrete and ensure that edge can take heavy load. Just drill two holes close to left and right ends, put two pieces of armature, bend them to meet each other in the center and connect this two ends using steel wire. Ensure that armature is protected from corrosion. 2) Frost will eventually ruin the concrete, first one to go would be the new layer. Protect your concrete from water, it will prolong it's life. There are special chemicals that will make concrete water resistant. Alternative is to use paint
Wow this came at the right time as I have a huge set of steps to repair. They are two flights high and poured freestanding on a large freestanding poured landing. The landing is 14 feet high and is in pretty good condition with just minimal repairs. The poured steps however are in dire need of repairs with lots of crumbling on the exterior edges below steel handrails. I’ve been dreading tackling them but this spring I’ve got to just do it. I think I will drill and tapcon the edges as they are on a commercial building in the back, so not a main entrance. Thank you for this video.
Just a video I was looking for my steps look just like that and I just don’t have the money to have the report now but this I can do. Thank you so much great job.!
Couple tips, take a quart of motor oil or even some burnt motor oil and an old paint brush just brush some on one side of your form keeps concrete from sticking. When removing your form slide it up and down rather than pulling directly toward you, that also helps keep the concrete in place. Nice job anyway ;)
Nice job ! You can definitely save alot of money learning the tricks of concrete diy. I've got a smaller set of steps not half as bad as these i called 3 concrete contractors and they all want to knock them out and a new pour for $3000. Its ridiculous you can diy for $60
Good JOB! yup the Minnesota winter this year destroyed my steps from ice etc. Yes they are very old steps. That on my list today since its in the upper 60'sF great time to do cement work
Hi Emily, I've seen old concrete steps in this shape before, but until seeing your video I had no idea how to fix them. Good video and explanation of tools, method and temperature conditions. Thanks, and I did subscribe.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! Ultimately in the long-term, they’ll need replaced. But I have done this several times and had it hold up for many years!
Wanted to say way to go on the big views on this video and thanks for sharing your knowledge! I watched your video along with about a dozen other step repair videos before repairing my own steps, and am also going to be posting a video doing this job. Keep up the good work. Love seeing women tackle projects like this on their own. Best of luck with your channel, Emily!
Thank you! If you use this product, make sure to factor in the temperature difference. It was pretty cold when I did this. I did another step a week or so ago and it set up WAY faster :)
Thank you for the video. Exactly what I was looking for with regard to concrete stairs. My bottom stair tends to collect water. I just need to level it off and or slope it ever so slightly. Thank you again. Aloha from Hawaii...t
Wow it’s so nice to see a movie star is a real person. I mean I know they’re real persons but this is incredible video. Thank you. I have to do my steps and I live by myself. There’s no one to help me. I don’t have extra money so thank you.
1. Get rid of lose. Use a chisel or wire brush. 2. Do one step at a time cause using fast set concrete. 3. She uses high speed mixer. 4. Use a sponge for smoothing. 5. Make sure area clean 6. Bonding primer. 7. Put wood down and hold in place with blocks. 8. Before mixing have everything cause using rapid set. Have a hose ready. Read the instructions for ratio and consistency. (She puts water in bottom) 8. Wear a mask. 9. If using a trowel do small batches. 10. 7:32 consistency 11. Drive it in to get rid of air bubbles and hallow spots. 12. Dump what you have in bucket if not using it. 13. Hit frame to get rid of air bubbles. 14. Treat it right and don’t touch it to much 15. Don’t leave board for long. You don’t want suction. 16. Create separation. Smooth it up against wood so as not to gouge into concrete. 17. Smooth out to make it smooth. 18. Leave it until strongly. Let it get strong 19. If slumping forward slowly work it up. 20. 5 mins later. 21. Use a sponge 🧽
Great tutorial video! Thank you. The music break-ins are much louder though, so I had to keep turning it down during the music stuff, just so you know.
Great job specially, with the snow on the ground. That’s what I needed. My steps are all falling apart and it’s all mostly sand and behind a brick I suppose I could try and do it myself or I’m handicap but I’ll try. I love the way you did it and I just got a find a board, broken brick and pale trawl and get my daughter to pick up some quick drinks, and maybe I can get it done quick I’ll let
good video, Only one thing I would change. Make sure when you are editing that you music is equal to or lower than you voice volume. It will save your views from being blasted with music when we have to turn the volume up to hear you. However I am still giving you a thumbs up for the content.
Thanks for your comment Jason. I have very little video/tech knowledge and am doing the best I can. Unfortunately my skills are more in the construction area than the video editing arena.
@@YouCanDIYHome Thank you for the video. Appreciate your effort. But you just blew my ear drums out with the loud music three times since I had head phones on. Please, no music. Other people do it but it is a distraction too.
Wow. Good decision to make this video. UA-cam suggested this on same day I was doing my own small resurface repair work. Now I subscribe to the channel, otherwise may have never known. Really nice work, beyond "diyer" concrete in the blood.
@@YouCanDIYHome Appreciate you too. Your channel looks like a nice change of pace of the usual stuff I follow...with a nice mix of interesting looking content.
My experience is that type of damage isn't surface damage but from within the pour pushing water to the surface and degrading from the inside, out. The water already found a way so usually the same areas will just degrade within a year or so depending on the weather in your area.
I agree this isn't a forever solution. However the last one I did has lasted for 6 or 7 years so far and still going strong. Definitely not the prettiest solution. But it makes the steps safe while you can budget for a full re-do down the road :)
Thanks for watching! Keep in mind there was still snow on the ground when I did this so it was quite cool. I didi another one of these a few days ago in summer and it set up MUCH faster :)
Working on my bilco exterior foundation as we speak. Just set-up the forms and getting ready to go to HD and get the cement. Thanks for the tips as this is my first attempt. Wish me luck
Emily, you have inspired me more than the guys doing these videos. Great insights with filling the air pockets, I can’t wait to try it! And your work looks very good too!
Be cheaper an easier to drive concrete nails than tapcons. I did some of mine and just did it in multiple layers and used double head 8s and some finish nails. Leaving them in last layer and then before continuing, wrapped wire around all the nails all directions. Mixed up little crete and worked great.
Added tips. Using a sealer. Brushing the top with a broom with one nice eustatically pleasing motion to add a slight traction layer on top of the concrete, once mostly cured. (to prevent people from slipping on it when it's wet)
I wasn't even googling this and it shows up on my feed. Google get out of my head. Also, nice work Emily! Nice info. Hopefully my wife won't bother me about the crumbling steps anymore after I get this done.
If you are using a board/fame/mould, make sure it is smooth as possible. You can also coat the surface with a mould-release agent - any light oil will help keep water from the mix from seaping into the wood (esp. soft wood - i.e. pine, etc.) and sticking if you, like me, loose track of time and let things set-up too long :)
The first step was done with oil on the board and it did not make a difference. This is a quick set up product. So it doesn't perform the same way that normal concrete does.
@@YouCanDIYHome Cool. I haven't used any of the newer cement/concrete products with any forms. Used to do a lot of sculpture with portland cement and various aggregates. So many new(ish) admixes, etc. now. Thanks for the heads up. I've got some 100+ y/o steps to fix that are going to require some moulds. Gotta love that winter/salt damage.
@@stringlarson1247 Someone on instagram recommend this specific product to me after I did one with more traditional concrete. This is nice because it sets up quick and can be walked on the same day.
What I learned from a mason is that a runny mix of Portland cement and water works great as a bonding agent. Can also use it to 'paint' the entire stair to give it a uniform color.
Great Job Emily!!! Just what I was looking for to help me fix my steps without feeling afraid to get started!! I just subscribed and hit the like button 😊
Great Job, Great tips n pointers. :) ill be doing something with mortar mix then, and see how it works. My particular steps have a nice textured 1/4 or 3/8 terra cotta tile on top and sides of the poured concrete walk up which now have several of them coming off as the crumbling is happening. We have the loose tiles but i do need a stable walkway with out spending too much. So may just seal up as you have done. Realtors can offer suggestions later. I'll be needing to re-anchor the railings to deep fresh Mix so i better pay attention to that. Still great Job. :)
@@achelseastar1 thanks! This was done in the winter so even though it’s a quick set product I had several minutes (sorry it’s been so long I can’t remember). But I used the same product in the summer and it sets up almost immediately and you have very little working time.
For a lot of products, you wet the concrete until it's saturated, but no standing water. Or it should look flat rather than any shine/gloss. After than, it can help to just mix a bit of slurry in your pail and just using your gloved hand, rub it on in a thin layer. The biggest problem is a patch is put on, the concrete sucks the water out of patch, leaving the bonding surface too dry where it'll crack later. And always use a product with a polymer in it.
Emily I like your presentations and the way you work , also your honest comments on what you're working on. One thing through, your music is too loud, and your video clips take away from the project. becarefull carefull and be safe . I'll be tuning in and viewing your work. Robert
This is great! Loved it! Perfect easy to follow instructions. Hahaha I love the humor too! The Ole Dirty Bastard song was on point! Too bad not many people watching would appreciate it. Your mom was funny too. Friggin moms! That being said, I’m a mom myself so that would be me. LOL. I bet she and Aunt Debbie are super proud of you! Great job! Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs, from a new fan. P.S. I have so much sh*t I need to fix so I’m gonna start watching more of your videos. I hope you have one on bathroom remodeling. Old house and everything is falling apart. I hope I can fix things myself before I fall apart! LOL
Thanks for watching and for commenting! Lots of bathroom stuff up and more coming. I'm wrapping up a house I'm renovating for my mom and then have an upcoming apartment that we gutted the bathroom on so there will be even more bathroom stuff :)
This is what I'm talking about. I had a man do a job for me. I clearly said I wanted mortar and he used spray foam and a piece of wood. Which now I'm going to have to remove. I will try this by myself. Can't get any worse spray foam is not stronger than mortar or concrete
Great job on repairing the steps. If you mix a batch of rapid set cement wet, really wet(like thin chocolate shake, you can wet the concrete, pour the paint like cement, quickly spread, and brush and sponge a light coat over the entire step, that will make a new finish on the entire step making it look like a new pour. You are easy to listen to and a good teacher. Thanks for not making a sex video.
Hey Emily, not a bad job, and I admire a woman that will work with concrete. The bags are heavy ( 50 lbs) and very dusty fine powder you breathe in. A mask is the way to go. I have worked with it before, basically to repoint a chimney, way up high on a roof. One tip I got from a stucco guy, was to use a product like Weldbond, which is a glue these stucco guys mix in, to do their scratch coat with concrete. I've used it many times, and I dissolve it in water, then add the concrete mix. Works good, and it sticks better. I have some back steps that look like the ones your repairing in this video before you started your job. As much as I don't like working with concrete, I hate looking at these ugly steps even more, so I'll fix them. I would say you did a decent job here, but that second step look like about 2 1/4 inch deep of concrete at the top, without any support ? Like you said at the beginning of the video, you could have used some concrete Tapcon scews to give it more strength, because that's where people step, and put weight on. I'd be surprised if it holds up, but then again the last one you did, is going on 6 years, and that's pretty damn good. I did wonder why you didn't put a topcoat on the rest of the stairs, so that all the stairs match, and look the same ? Maybe it was time you didn't have, and or it was "function" over fashion ? as you wanted to walk on them the same day. Good luck building your channel Emily :) -- from Canada
You just earned yourself a subscriber my dear:) I’m going for it with my step coming up from the shop to the house,,, very nice job btw, you are awesome
I’m sitting in my garage watching this and when you pulled out the red bucket I was like ‘HEY!’.. I have one exactly like that sitting infront if me! Lol make that two! They do come in handy!
The best part - at 9:55 - "if you mess it up, anything can be fixed." It's what makes a fearless DIY-er fearless. Thank you!
People get so nervous to try. Everything is fixable! Now, some things cost more to to fix than others- but anything can be fixed :)
omg. i cant believe all the arm chair critics 😂 the perfect amount of talking and easy to follow instructions! im going to tackle my back step this weekend. thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind comment
I came to UA-cam to gain confidence to learn how to DIY fix my patio step and this video gave me exactly that! 😊
@@SkyeBAlloway I’m so glad! Thank you for your kind comment ❤️
Please note she was doing this with it coldish out, if you use this product on a hot day you will have to work faster. It sets up very fast when hot out, however they have additives that make the product slower to set and also one to allow it to flow more easily. with those additives this can used with molds to make very strong garden orniments such as lions etc.
Yes! It was definitely still cold (note the snow in the background) We were at the minimum temperature recommended for use on this product.
The overnight rwmp is what matters. ...and most patch products say to not use additives and to use a high speed mixer. The bonding agent on the surface is it. Metal(screws) would make it better too.
...eh, mortar is not it
What gave it away that it was cold? Haha
@@aaronfagerstrom34 the additives mentioned are made by Rapid Set (she is using Rapid Set mortar mix) specifically for their products to give you more work time. You can find them at Home Depot with the Rapid Set products.
Good job!
Your video made me decide to have my daughter help me fix ours and to give her a lesson on masonry. Love to see girls in the trades. Thanks for the great video.
That's awesome! Have fun on your project with your daughter!!
Hi Em, nice to see the workings. Too bad the music was so quiet(actually I jumped due to the loudness). Either way thnx & say Hi to Mum.@@YouCanDIYHome
If you give your daughter lessons on masonry based on this video you will regret it. This is a poor attempt and should be titled "How NOT To Fix Steps". You can see the poor work(wo)manship on the first 2 steps.
Ditto 4 the other people's vids; I just plain like Her though.@@CB-xr1eg
@@CB-xr1egShe did address that she isn’t proficient at concrete work, so take the video with a grain of salt around 3:21.
For some reason I just like watching concrete work. 🤣. Thanks for sharing.
Where can I find a handy woman like you? I am getting tired of doing all the handy work by my self LOL. Great JOB!
You and me both! I wish I could find some help to do some of these projects!
Great Video. I poured a concrete pad 20 years ago for the base of wood entry steps. I was running out of material during the pour and ended up using a couple of different left over bags to finish pouring. The temperatures were near freezing just before winter and the pad slowing degraded over time. Now is the time to re-form and re-pour. I will post the results. This is the best video I have seen on doing such a repair.
Thank you! I hope it goes well!
I have spalling areas on my patio. I will do all you suggestions. You did an awesome job explaining. You encouraged me to do the work myself. I'm 78 yrs old and I can do this. The quotes I received were way over the top. Keep up the good work! Yup, I am a subscriber as well. By the way, I have several of your red tub in different sizes and colors. They are great to use, not heavy. Smart mom!
You'll do great- you for sure can do it! the biggest thing to keep in mind now that its Summer is this product will set much quicker. When I did this video, it was the minimum temp you could apply in because it was still the end of Winter. So have everything ready to go before you start :)
👌👍 But wrap the wood form with clingfilm, or a wide parcel tape, sellotape. The mortar will then not adhere to the wood and should come away cleanly when you remove it.
You oil it.
Well done, you've got an endearing presence on the screen. I've never seen people remove forms while the concrete is wet, that's an interesting strategy.
Thank you! Keep in mind this is a quick set up product, if I did that with normal concrete we’d have a problem :)
A pleasure to watch from England trade bloke, builder roofer, what stood out to me was your enthusiasm and passion wich we do in trades,putting heart and soul in, face change work wich hives you pride,
Great Job emily. I am a former Carpenter. I would have drilled holes and placed a couple of steel dowels to strengthen the patched area due to the traffic on that part of the step, Also, to avoid the concrete sticking to the wood. you could use plywood, specifically for shuttering and brush the plywood with a specific oil to prevent the concrete sticking to the plywood. Your builders yard would help you the type of plywood and oil to use. This way you can leave the concrete to cure completely.
Hey Harley - this is a specific quick set up structural mortar mix, not a normal concrete product. I did one yesterday in August and it set WAY fast. I wouldn't recommend leaving the form because you get a weird texture and you want to pull the form to smooth the face before it dries with this product.
@@YouCanDIYHome❤❤❤❤❤
I got a quote to do my front step, and it was outrageously exspensive. I have decided to do it myself, and this video helped me a ton, I feel confident that I can get the job done after watching this, thank you very much. All the tools and concrete here in canada will only set me back about 120$.
I'm so glad to hear that! Good luck with your project!!
I just got a quote for $2500 to fix about 5 steps. I like this guy. He is a good contractor, but I am struggling yo justify that price.
He said the material will cost him 1000, so 15000 gor his labor.
@@chriB265 Is he just repairing or replacing? For a replacement that sounds reasonable but seems high for a patch.
@emilyalopez he is repair. He said skimcoat. No demo, no removal.
@@chriB265 Try it yourself!
Did not expect the ODB Insert 🤦🏿♂️🤣🤣 Extra Kool Points. Great Concrete work too!🏆
Thanks! It just fit, it had to go in!
Great job!! AND now I have a tip for you....Take some Portland cement and mix it with water to make like a paint solution and paint the whole stairway with it. The resukt will be that the color of the whole stairway will match and look like you poured a whole new stairway. Try it!!
Hey John.. did you add paint to this for a color?? I want them to be burgundy..
@@valeriemiller7747 Well...If you are going to paint them there is no need to use the Portland. The Portland method is to give you an even natural concrete look.
Thank you! What kind of paint brush/roller would you recommend? Does it matter?
@@NosyHausfrau I would imagine that what ever concrete paint you select will have that in the instructions
LOVE how you are straight to the point and informative! There are Too many videos of people talking and talking and not getting to the important parts. I subscribed! Thank you!!! ❤
Thank you!!
I was looking for instructions from a DIYer. you explained it well and will be starting my landing repair tomorrow
Good luck!!
You could have probably put some blue masonry screws in there sticking out about an inch or so so that the concrete had something to grab around so it didn't crack all off at one time it helps a lot
Oh for sure- sort of to work as mini re-bar. I have actually had to several of these over the years and it hasn't been necessary. But it certainly would help your bond.
She addressed that in the video.
@@frankrounding9905 I'm definitely not a pro on concrete! Ultimately, a re-pour would be the prettiest/best option. I just wanted to primarily not have someone wipe out and sue me, but also save some money til I have to ultimately re-do the whole thing down the road :)
@@YouCanDIYHomethat is all true by far... plis concrete is although difficult sincen ot really able to be as easily repaired vs asphaltic conrete and is more costly if it is done properly it will last about 40 years for as far as driveway or road public used.. vs about 10 for asphaltic concrete for it is cheaoer but repairable etc fwiw.. so yeah definetly a trade off... thus I am alas also no pro at concrete heck I just quoted research but yeah that was even then from mere memory so hehe yeah take this with a grain of salt.
For "parging" a new shape, design, repair or topcoat onto old and damaged masonry use S-type mortar mix. Clean and vacuum the repair area. Use a water spray bottle to mist the area to be fixed with water. Fill in the damaged area with S-type mortar mix. After filling in repairs use a damp sponge to blend and smooth the repair into surrounding concrete.
pro tip from a non-pro: Whenever Im adding new concrete to old concrete, I like to anchor it using tapcons into the existing but leave the head about 1.5" sticking out. For added strength, using rebar wire and tie the heads together. For even more strength, cut lengths of rebar and tie to the screw heads
This is so helpful. I feel like i can do this to mine and if i mess it up...everything can be fixed! Love it. Thank you!
You got it! The only thing to remember is if its warm, this product sets up quicker than it did here since this was in winter. Just remember that and you'll be good to go!
Hi! Good job!
Few tips:
1) It makes sense to add armature to enforce concrete and ensure that edge can take heavy load. Just drill two holes close to left and right ends, put two pieces of armature, bend them to meet each other in the center and connect this two ends using steel wire. Ensure that armature is protected from corrosion.
2) Frost will eventually ruin the concrete, first one to go would be the new layer. Protect your concrete from water, it will prolong it's life. There are special chemicals that will make concrete water resistant. Alternative is to use paint
Paint can also make it very slippery, so use with caution.
@@embracethesuck1041 that's why concrete stain is available
Wow this came at the right time as I have a huge set of steps to repair. They are two flights high and poured freestanding on a large freestanding poured landing. The landing is 14 feet high and is in pretty good condition with just minimal repairs. The poured steps however are in dire need of repairs with lots of crumbling on the exterior edges below steel handrails. I’ve been dreading tackling them but this spring I’ve got to just do it. I think I will drill and tapcon the edges as they are on a commercial building in the back, so not a main entrance. Thank you for this video.
Happy to help! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video. I have some concrete steps with a bullnose on the front. I was thinking of cutting a piece of PVC to use as a form for that radius.
Thats a great idea!
It's good to see more women in the these work areas able to do this 👋🫡💖☺️
@@JohnyBravo_kxng 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Just a video I was looking for my steps look just like that and I just don’t have the money to have the report now but this I can do. Thank you so much great job.!
Awesome! Buys you a little bit of time :)
Couple tips, take a quart of motor oil or even some burnt motor oil and an old paint brush just brush some on one side of your form keeps concrete from sticking. When removing your form slide it up and down rather than pulling directly toward you, that also helps keep the concrete in place. Nice job anyway ;)
That’s why she had Pam cooking spray at the bottom of the steps. Works
I love your can do attitude. It's obvious you were raised right. Good job on the stairs. I like the fact you mentioned the bonding agent. 👍
😀😀
I will be fixing my steps this weekend, now that I’ve watched your video! Thank you!
I'm so glad!! Good luck!
You’ve given me hope that I can fix my steps by myself. Thanks!
Good luck!!
Nice job ! You can definitely save alot of money learning the tricks of concrete diy. I've got a smaller set of steps not half as bad as these i called 3 concrete contractors and they all want to knock them out and a new pour for $3000. Its ridiculous you can diy for $60
@@Danny-ju2ip it won’t last forever but it should buy you a few years! These are still going strong
UA-cam professional mason Mike Haduck would be proud, I think. He's a knowledgeable, old-school guy and you approach it a lot like he does!
I’ll have to check him out!
Good JOB! yup the Minnesota winter this year destroyed my steps from ice etc. Yes they are very old steps. That on my list today since its in the upper 60'sF great time to do cement work
Hope it goes great!
Gut erklärt und gut ausgeführt :-) .... Vielen Dank
Hi Emily, I've seen old concrete steps in this shape before, but until seeing your video I had no idea how to fix them. Good video and explanation of tools, method and temperature conditions. Thanks, and I did subscribe.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! Ultimately in the long-term, they’ll need replaced. But I have done this several times and had it hold up for many years!
Wanted to say way to go on the big views on this video and thanks for sharing your knowledge! I watched your video along with about a dozen other step repair videos before repairing my own steps, and am also going to be posting a video doing this job. Keep up the good work. Love seeing women tackle projects like this on their own. Best of luck with your channel, Emily!
Thank you! If you use this product, make sure to factor in the temperature difference. It was pretty cold when I did this. I did another step a week or so ago and it set up WAY faster :)
Thank you for the video. Exactly what I was looking for with regard to concrete stairs. My bottom stair tends to collect water. I just need to level it off and or slope it ever so slightly. Thank you again. Aloha from Hawaii...t
Thank you for watching and commenting! Good luck on your project!
Wow it’s so nice to see a movie star is a real person. I mean I know they’re real persons but this is incredible video. Thank you. I have to do my steps and I live by myself. There’s no one to help me. I don’t have extra money so thank you.
1. Get rid of lose. Use a chisel or wire brush.
2. Do one step at a time cause using fast set concrete.
3. She uses high speed mixer.
4. Use a sponge for smoothing.
5. Make sure area clean
6. Bonding primer.
7. Put wood down and hold in place with blocks.
8. Before mixing have everything cause using rapid set. Have a hose ready. Read the instructions for ratio and consistency. (She puts water in bottom)
8. Wear a mask.
9. If using a trowel do small batches.
10. 7:32 consistency
11. Drive it in to get rid of air bubbles and hallow spots.
12. Dump what you have in bucket if not using it.
13. Hit frame to get rid of air bubbles.
14. Treat it right and don’t touch it to much
15. Don’t leave board for long. You don’t want suction.
16. Create separation. Smooth it up against wood so as not to gouge into concrete.
17. Smooth out to make it smooth.
18. Leave it until strongly. Let it get strong
19. If slumping forward slowly work it up.
20. 5 mins later.
21. Use a sponge 🧽
Thanks for the break down!!
Thanks for the informative video. I now feel better prepared to fix my concrete stairs.👍🏾
Great tutorial video! Thank you. The music break-ins are much louder though, so I had to keep turning it down during the music stuff, just so you know.
I learned how to fix the sound thing and have on newer videos :) learning a little bit more of the tech side with each one I edit.
Great educational video. With a nice music edit to keep me on my toes. 10/10
Thank you!
I’ll be trying this for our step repair! Thank you for the video 😊
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Good luck on your project!
Nice job Emily. I love your positive, can do attitude!
Thanks!
She's definitely an Irish girl. Their dads always make them learn the trade 😅 This is great !
Great job specially, with the snow on the ground. That’s what I needed. My steps are all falling apart and it’s all mostly sand and behind a brick I suppose I could try and do it myself or I’m handicap but I’ll try. I love the way you did it and I just got a find a board, broken brick and pale trawl and get my daughter to pick up some quick drinks, and maybe I can get it done quick I’ll let
It’s not a forever fix but it will certainly get you through winter!
good video, Only one thing I would change. Make sure when you are editing that you music is equal to or lower than you voice volume. It will save your views from being blasted with music when we have to turn the volume up to hear you. However I am still giving you a thumbs up for the content.
Thanks for your comment Jason. I have very little video/tech knowledge and am doing the best I can. Unfortunately my skills are more in the construction area than the video editing arena.
@@YouCanDIYHome Thank you for the video. Appreciate your effort. But you just blew my ear drums out with the loud music three times since I had head phones on. Please, no music. Other people do it but it is a distraction too.
@@YouCanDIYHome Maybe a family member or friend can assist you with the tech stuff
Why any music? If I want to listen to music while watching videos I can supply it myself.
@@roseymalino9855because it was kinda funny
You are a great teacher. Thank you very much!
@@justinfrisbie2706 thank you for watching and for leaving a kind comment!
@@YouCanDIYHome For sure!
You did an awesome job..I'm going to tackle mine this afternoon..Thank you!
Hope your project went awesome!!
GREAT JOB EMILY! That repair looks great!
Thank you!!
BEST VIDEO on this topic by far! ❤ Thank you so much.
Thank you!
very good video! I like how you showed the difference between concrete and mortar. I now know about bonding adhesive for concrete.
Thank you! And thanks for commenting!
Very well done you have covered the process well. Thank you from Canada
Thank you for watching!
Very good Emily, I found the video helpful and informative.
Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Wow. Good decision to make this video. UA-cam suggested this on same day I was doing my own small resurface repair work. Now I subscribe to the channel, otherwise may have never known. Really nice work, beyond "diyer" concrete in the blood.
Thank you! and thanks so much for subscribing, I appreciate you!
@@YouCanDIYHome
Appreciate you too. Your channel looks like a nice change of pace of the usual stuff I follow...with a nice mix of interesting looking content.
My experience is that type of damage isn't surface damage but from within the pour pushing water to the surface and degrading from the inside, out.
The water already found a way so usually the same areas will just degrade within a year or so depending on the weather in your area.
I agree this isn't a forever solution. However the last one I did has lasted for 6 or 7 years so far and still going strong. Definitely not the prettiest solution. But it makes the steps safe while you can budget for a full re-do down the road :)
You made me feel like I could take on our stairs, mess up and be ok. Thank you! 💝
Yes! You can always make it work :)
Thank you for this. I am about to do this to a concrete stoop at a house I bought in Cheyenne. Great video and very helpful
Thanks for watching! Keep in mind there was still snow on the ground when I did this so it was quite cool. I didi another one of these a few days ago in summer and it set up MUCH faster :)
Yes I did it Sunday and it worked out great. Very helpful video. Thank you@@YouCanDIYHome
@@BenDalrymple-t1w Woohoo! Awesome!
It was a great help for my DYI project today.
@@JosephCortez-e3x thank you! Hope your project went great!
@@YouCanDIYHome it did and that rapidset is fast
@@JosephCortez-e3x much faster in the warm weather for sure!
Great Job. I have a rental that I want to apply this stuff to. I really appreciate the video.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Looking to make my own repair I came across this, well done. My repair isn't as extensive but very helpful for this DYI'er
Good luck on your repair!
Thank you this video helps me on what to use to fix my concrete steps.
You're welcome!! Thank you for commenting :)
Working on my bilco exterior foundation as we speak. Just set-up the forms and getting ready to go to HD and get the cement. Thanks for the tips as this is my first attempt. Wish me luck
You'll do great! Good luck!
Emily, you have inspired me more than the guys doing these videos. Great insights with filling the air pockets, I can’t wait to try it! And your work looks very good too!
Thank you for your kind comment! I appreciate you! I hope your project goes great :)
You have some great tips here young lady.
Thanks!
Fantastic just what I was looking for I have two steps that need doing but didn't know where to start 😁😁😁🙏🙏🙏🙏
I hope it goes great! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Be cheaper an easier to drive concrete nails than tapcons. I did some of mine and just did it in multiple layers and used double head 8s and some finish nails. Leaving them in last layer and then before continuing, wrapped wire around all the nails all directions. Mixed up little crete and worked great.
I can now fix a chipped step without much and little stress . I don't have to pay a contractor. Thank you so much
You're so welcome! Good luck with your project!
Added tips. Using a sealer. Brushing the top with a broom with one nice eustatically pleasing motion to add a slight traction layer on top of the concrete, once mostly cured. (to prevent people from slipping on it when it's wet)
I wasn't even googling this and it shows up on my feed. Google get out of my head. Also, nice work Emily! Nice info. Hopefully my wife won't bother me about the crumbling steps anymore after I get this done.
I swear our phones are listening to our conversations! Good luck on your project!!
That yellow spongebob is the key to smoothness. Great Job.
Awesome. I need to do this to the vertical spot and I will try it out. Thanks
If you are using a board/fame/mould, make sure it is smooth as possible. You can also coat the surface with a mould-release agent - any light oil will help keep water from the mix from seaping into the wood (esp. soft wood - i.e. pine, etc.) and sticking if you, like me, loose track of time and let things set-up too long :)
The first step was done with oil on the board and it did not make a difference. This is a quick set up product. So it doesn't perform the same way that normal concrete does.
@@YouCanDIYHome Cool. I haven't used any of the newer cement/concrete products with any forms. Used to do a lot of sculpture with portland cement and various aggregates. So many new(ish) admixes, etc. now. Thanks for the heads up. I've got some 100+ y/o steps to fix that are going to require some moulds. Gotta love that winter/salt damage.
@@stringlarson1247 Someone on instagram recommend this specific product to me after I did one with more traditional concrete. This is nice because it sets up quick and can be walked on the same day.
Great video. Great DIY job also!!! I am going to do the same too, I got some broken steps to fix.
Thank you! I hope your repair goes well!
Instead of salt you could use magnesium chloride. It is a little more expensive BUT it melts ice much better, pet safe, and cement safe.
I have found a few products that would be great options but I can't get them in my area unfortunately.
I'm going to attempt to fix my front steps. I've never done concrete. Wish me luck! ☘️
Good luck!!!
What I learned from a mason is that a runny mix of Portland cement and water works great as a bonding agent. Can also use it to 'paint' the entire stair to give it a uniform color.
Nice
Great job! Impressive. Excellent attitude, awesome approach, boom finish. Keep it up!
Thank you!!
Fix it and flip it. Love your videos!
Thank you so much!
Great Job Emily!!! Just what I was looking for to help me fix my steps without feeling afraid to get started!! I just subscribed and hit the like button 😊
Thank you so much!!
Best diy video! Ill try it myself, thanks!!!
Thank you!!
Great Job, Great tips n pointers. :) ill be doing something with mortar mix then, and see how it works. My particular steps have a nice textured 1/4 or 3/8 terra cotta tile on top and sides of the poured concrete walk up which now have several of them coming off as the crumbling is happening. We have the loose tiles but i do need a stable walkway with out spending too much. So may just seal up as you have done. Realtors can offer suggestions later. I'll be needing to re-anchor the railings to deep fresh Mix so i better pay attention to that. Still great Job. :)
how many minutes did concrete set before you moved the frame? love this tutorial!
@@achelseastar1 thanks! This was done in the winter so even though it’s a quick set product I had several minutes (sorry it’s been so long I can’t remember). But I used the same product in the summer and it sets up almost immediately and you have very little working time.
@@YouCanDIYHome thank you!!!!!
Thanks I'm following your tutorial to do my steps!! Wish me luck.
Good luck with your project! You got this!
For a lot of products, you wet the concrete until it's saturated, but no standing water. Or it should look flat rather than any shine/gloss. After than, it can help to just mix a bit of slurry in your pail and just using your gloved hand, rub it on in a thin layer. The biggest problem is a patch is put on, the concrete sucks the water out of patch, leaving the bonding surface too dry where it'll crack later. And always use a product with a polymer in it.
Thank you so much!!!!! This has helped me tremendously and you did an amazing job 🤩
Thank you for your kind comment! Happy to help!
Great video thank you for posting. You have me the push I needed to try this myself
You got this!!!
Emily
I like your presentations and the way you work , also your honest comments on what you're working on. One thing through, your music is too loud, and your video clips take away from the project.
becarefull carefull and be safe . I'll be tuning in and viewing your work.
Robert
This is great! Loved it! Perfect easy to follow instructions. Hahaha I love the humor too! The Ole Dirty Bastard song was on point! Too bad not many people watching would appreciate it. Your mom was funny too. Friggin moms! That being said, I’m a mom myself so that would be me. LOL. I bet she and Aunt Debbie are super proud of you! Great job! Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs, from a new fan.
P.S. I have so much sh*t I need to fix so I’m gonna start watching more of your videos. I hope you have one on bathroom remodeling. Old house and everything is falling apart. I hope I can fix things myself before I fall apart! LOL
Thanks for watching and for commenting! Lots of bathroom stuff up and more coming. I'm wrapping up a house I'm renovating for my mom and then have an upcoming apartment that we gutted the bathroom on so there will be even more bathroom stuff :)
Thanks for your help! I feel less apprehensive 🙌🥰
You got this! Just keep in mind now that it’s summer, this product sets up way faster in the heat.
I think you did a awesome job I would love to have you do it yourself
Thanks!
@@YouCanDIYHome your very welcome
Fixing my concrete steps. This was helpful.
I'm so glad! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment :)
This is what I'm talking about. I had a man do a job for me. I clearly said I wanted mortar and he used spray foam and a piece of wood. Which now I'm going to have to remove. I will try this by myself. Can't get any worse spray foam is not stronger than mortar or concrete
Great job on repairing the steps. If you mix a batch of rapid set cement wet, really wet(like thin chocolate shake, you can wet the concrete, pour the paint like cement, quickly spread, and brush and sponge a light coat over the entire step, that will make a new finish on the entire step making it look like a new pour.
You are easy to listen to and a good teacher. Thanks for not making a sex video.
How does it hold up being a thinner top coat?
I think that it is so thin that it's like paint, just to unify aspect, that the bonding should not be a problem.
Hey Emily, not a bad job, and I admire a woman that will work with concrete. The bags
are heavy ( 50 lbs) and very dusty fine powder you breathe in. A mask is the way to go.
I have worked with it before, basically to repoint a chimney, way up high on a roof. One
tip I got from a stucco guy, was to use a product like Weldbond, which is a glue these
stucco guys mix in, to do their scratch coat with concrete. I've used it many times, and I
dissolve it in water, then add the concrete mix. Works good, and it sticks better.
I have some back steps that look like the ones your repairing in this video before you
started your job. As much as I don't like working with concrete, I hate looking at these
ugly steps even more, so I'll fix them. I would say you did a decent job here, but that second
step look like about 2 1/4 inch deep of concrete at the top, without any support ? Like
you said at the beginning of the video, you could have used some concrete Tapcon scews
to give it more strength, because that's where people step, and put weight on. I'd be
surprised if it holds up, but then again the last one you did, is going on 6 years, and that's
pretty damn good. I did wonder why you didn't put a topcoat on the rest of the stairs, so
that all the stairs match, and look the same ? Maybe it was time you didn't have, and or
it was "function" over fashion ? as you wanted to walk on them the same day.
Good luck building your channel Emily :) -- from Canada
You just earned yourself a subscriber my dear:) I’m going for it with my step coming up from the shop to the house,,, very nice job btw, you are awesome
You got this! and thanks for subscribing!!
Installing a few tapcons protruding might help as a mechanical bond.
Nice overalls and good job!
Thank you!!
I’m sitting in my garage watching this and when you pulled out the red bucket I was like ‘HEY!’.. I have one exactly like that sitting infront if me! Lol make that two! They do come in handy!
I think somehow I ended up with this from my mom. The flexibility is really handy!