Concrete + Brick Porch Steps w/ Photos Need Repair Advice

Hey guys, please be gentle, I am very new to home improvement esp. the exterior side of it.

Basically, I have recently bought a house and the steps on the porch are having cave-in's. I need some advice on how to repair/patch it.

You can see from the photos below:



Photo #1: Front Side of the Steps



As you can see, there are many many long cracks. Especially the top step which I have detailed photos below.




Photo #2: Detail shots of the hole on top step



I have taken measurements on the cracks and hole.





Photo #3: Close-up shot of the crack



I have taken measurements on the cracks and hole.



Photo #4: Side shot of the steps



All the repairs/patching were not done by me but by previous owner. I have another close-up shot below.




Photo #5: Close-up shot of the crack on the side





Photo #6: Under the porch and right behind the steps:



As you can see, the porch seems to be heled up by cinder blocks while the steps are made of cement. Not 100% certain about the latter.





So, what do you think? I appreciate any input. Thanks so much!!!!

 

most of that looks like water damage over the years with quick fixes and paint.i recently had a one step out for the back porch i have been pulling weeds out of for 20 years with wabbaly roth iron railings...that was it i pulled all the greenery powerwashed all the loose stones and concrete chips for the fix.went to HD and got 2 bags of SAKRETE quick setting mix used for setting post and rail fencing.i took a piece of window screen and screened the rocks out to get the finer mix...then mixed it to just like peanut butter consistancy and poured it in ever crack and let it just work its way in and set in the sun.then added 1" of the mix staight out of the bag with the stone for a sealing over the cracks and thats what stage i'am at now.the final pour will be to raise the 2 steps 1"-2" with a pour of SAKRETE mix with a fiber in it....that side i would hammer off all the loose patches after the steps are done.after all the concrete is settled a good sealer to keep water and ice getting inside the steps and then pick a color.

 

Judging from the photos the steps are well beyond repairs and need replacement especially since you have a new mortgage hanging over you.

Repairs might give you 1 or 2 years, a decent appearance, but that is it. There is nothing under it to work with.

Make it look good and pretend you are "flipper" and do the cheapest you can do and plan ahead for rebuilding.

Dick

 

Gotta agree with Dick. A patch is only as good as the underlying concrete, and this concrete is past it's useful life. As you can see, it's been patched and repatched so many times that it's hard to see the original work.
As he said, if you patch it again it will look ok for a couple of years, but you really do need to consider replacement.
My compliments on the photos though. They really show the problems in great detail. It would be easier to answer questions if all photos were this good.

 

here is my step and a half project waitnig on a long hot August to arrive to do the fiber mixed pour that left railing was rocking and rolling for years that base form along with other where the rail goes into the concrete locked it up...on the main section it was slanted and puddled with water and ice and fed the weeds....$4.69 a bag and free labor can't beat it.you have a nice project ahead of you and time is free..think about it before sledge hammering it and backing in a cement truck$$$$$$$$Beer 4U2

 

thanks guys for all the input. I might consider doing repair first to hold me over for 1-2 years till economy is better and all.

Regarding replacing the steps, do you think the porch would hold up fine with the cracks on those cinder blocks? I ask because I might consider replacing the entire porch instead of just the steps.

 

I'm no home improvement guru either, but for the sake of my safety and my families I would replace them.