The front stairs to my house are made from concrete. This year, concrete on the actual tread began cracking.?

Question

I have five stairs leading up to my front door. The rise is about 9" and the step is about 6". The platform at the top of the stairs is also concrete. On the right hand side of two (2) of the treads (at the very end), the area has started to crumble. When this began to happen, I noticed that red bricks were used (I guess as part of the building material) to make the stairs (I know this because on one of the treads, due to the cement cracking, a red brick has fallen off from the very end of the tread). In any event, I would like to attempt a patch job this week----to wit" repairing the right side of two of the treads --that have crumbled----and filling in the cracks that have appeard on top of several of the other treads. Any suggestions as to the best way to complete this project, most durable materials, etc.. would be appreciated.

Answer 1

They actually make stuff to patch concrete. You should be able to find it at Lowe's or Home Depot.  

Answer 2

The deterioration of the concrete may just be appearing on the outside but may be more extensive on the inside. If you can bust off all the old loose materials then you can take a hose and wash off all the dust and debris let dry.

Get a liquid bonding agent like "Thorobond" or any concrete bonding agent. Brush on all surfaces you are going to patch on to. Get some concrete patching material and a small pointed trowel. Start reconstructing the steps by pointing up these bad areas. Don't overwork it once you place it. Deep areas may need a layer and then let it set up a little 1/2 hour or so, then keep adding until you have filled the area. Once dry 24 hrs. apply a good concrete sealer to all of the steps. Use any good cement based patching material not just regular concrete mix or mortar mix. These special patching materials have additives that also help it stick and have hardeners to keep it strong.