Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris

What happens in this clip

The first step in the repair process is to thoroughly clean out all loose and unstable concrete from the damaged areas. Use a hammer and a cold chisel (ensure it's not a wood chisel) to chip away any pieces that are not firmly attached. Remove all sand, small fragments, and debris, ensuring that any remaining concrete is solid enough to bond with the new material. A wire brush can help remove smaller loose particles and dust.

Goal: Remove unstable concrete and prepare a clean, solid base for repair

What's used

Tools

• Cold Chisel
• Dustpan and Brush
• Leaf blower
• Hammer
• Wire Brush

About the full video

This project guides you through repairing damaged concrete stairs, focusing on crumbling edges and corners. It involves removing loose debris, reinforcing the structure with concrete screws, applying a bonding adhesive, and then patching the area with quick-setting cement that can be molded and shaped.

Step 2 of 6: Undercut the Edge (if necessary)

If the chip has sharp, feather-edged concrete, use a chisel and hammer to slightly undercut the edges of the damaged area. This creates a small 'keyway' or 'dovetail' shape that helps to lock the repair material in place. Aim for an undercut of about 1/4 inch deep. Brush away any dust created by this process.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Repair a Chipped Concrete Step Edge

1. Step 1: Clean the Chipped Area

   • 0:12–0:55 Clean and Prepare the Damaged Area
   • 0:46–1:13 Clean Out Debris and Loose Chunks
   • 1:36–3:50 Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris

2. Step 2: Undercut the Edge (if necessary)

   • 0:46–1:13 Clean Out Debris and Loose Chunks
   • 1:36–3:50 Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris (this video)
   • 0:43–1:02 Prepare Damaged Concrete and Install Forms

3. Step 3: Mix the Concrete Repair Compound

   • 0:39–0:49 Mix Patching Cement
   • 1:41–1:54 Mix Concrete Patching Compound
   • 1:03–2:18 Mix the Concrete Patcher

4. Step 4: Apply the Repair Compound

   • 1:55–2:11 Apply Concrete Patch to Chips
   • 1:15–4:04 Apply Two-Part Epoxy Filler
   • 1:32–1:46 Fill Damaged Areas

5. Step 5: Shape and Finish the Surface

   • 3:40–5:58 Smooth and Finish Concrete Step Repair
   • 0:52–1:02 Smooth and Finish Concrete Patch
   • 3:15–5:02 Shape and Texture the Patch

6. Step 6: Cure the Repair

   • 0:37–0:46 Cure and Protect the Repaired Area
   • 0:28–0:29 Allow Compound to Cure
   • 11:58–12:06 Cure and Protect Repaired Steps