A concrete answer (front stoop)?

Question

Our 20-year-old front stoop is surrounded by brick (like the
crust in a pie). The concrete center of the stoop (5'x5') has
gradually settled front to back by about 1 1/2" to 2." Can
fresh cement bring the stoop up to snuff? If not, is there
a concrete-like material loaded with plasticisers that would
grip the surface of the old concrete and look attractive? In
the end, will the old cement have to be broken up and be
carried away only to be replaced entirely? I do not intend this
to be a DIY project.

Answer 1

I would recommend a contractor that deals specifically in 'mud jacking'.

A contractor that does this type of concrete repair will come to your home, and pump a cement slurry under your existing concrete, to bring it up to the proper level.

This method is used to repair foundations, or slabs.

You can probably find someone in your area that does this type of work, it has become quite common.

Good Luck

Answer 2

It sounds like you want to level the concrete that has settled, is that correct? If so, you can try the self leveling concrete solution they have at HOME DEPOT or LOWE'S. Since water finds its own level, you just mix and pour over the area you want to fix and let it dry. Should be good as new. I believe it is recommended that you chip away some of the old concrete surface before pouring to give the new stuff something to grab on to. Otherwise, that's all there is to it.

Answer 3

i reiterate what rob said. dont use thinset for the walkway because it binds the pavers to the concrete and if the concrete cracks and or shifts later on the pavers will move with the concrete. if you put a inch to two inch layer of sand down first and tap the pavers down with a rubber mallet and sand the joints instead of grouting, then the pavers will not move with the concrete. keep in mind that the paver joints and maybe even the pavers themselves are porous and will let water down underneath. however if you use sand under the pavers you need a curb or border to keep the pavers on the walkway. using thinset may be less time consuming but sand will give you less movement. also if the walkway is longer than ten or twelve feet i will gaurantee you it has cracks in it, though they may not have reached the surface of the concrete. as for the steps, the pavers should be set in thinset, same with stoop.

Answer 4

pouring cement on top will not solve the problem, only forestall the inevitable - replacement.

If you are in an area that freezes during Winter, then leveling concrete will not last very long at all. Consider it a cheap temporary solution.