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    Cubit's Avatar
    Cubit Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 27, 2008, 06:25 PM
    Front concrete steps
    I have a big space under my front concrete step that is attached to the house (the mud has settled over time, I believe) and its actually suspended over the ground. Roughly a six inch space at the front that gradually slopes downward toward the house (about 18 inches) Should I add more mud to raise it up to the bottom of my step or not?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
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    #2

    Jul 27, 2008, 07:43 PM
    Fill cavity with concrete.

    Fill to above bottom edge of step. Use a length of 2x4 to joggle the concrete, just poke it with the 2x4, to cause the concrete to run under the step and settle up against the bottom of the step. Place a 1x4 or 1x5 board flat against the step and push and work it down into the concrete. Allow concrete to firm slightly, remove excess concrete down to bottom edge of board or to with in 1". Allow concrete to dry or almost dry. Remove board, cover concrete with dirt up to bottom edge of step. Might have to prop board if the concrete has not firmed up enough when you remove the excess.
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    #3

    Jul 27, 2008, 09:05 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud
    Fill cavity with concrete.

    Fill to above bottom edge of step. Use a length of 2x4 to joggle the concrete, just poke it with the 2x4, to cause the concrete to run under the step and settle up against the bottom of the step. Place a 1x4 or 1x5 board flat against the step and push and work it down into the concrete. Allow concrete to firm slightly, remove excess concrete down to bottom edge of board or to with in 1". Allow concrete to dry or almost dry. Remove board, cover concrete with dirt up to bottom edge of step. Might have to prop board if the concrete has not firmed up enough when you remove the excess.

    OK Great, is that saying I should fill with concrete and let it flow up against the house, and enough of it to put concrete into the upper cavity of the steps a little bit?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
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    #4

    Jul 28, 2008, 04:55 AM
    Yes, you want the concrete to support the step, else eventually the step will break away from the house.
    Cubit's Avatar
    Cubit Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jul 28, 2008, 02:44 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud
    Yes, you want the concrete to support the step, else eventually the step will break away from the house.

    Thank you very kindly, and thanks for the quick response.
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