How to Repair Flagstone Steps | Ask This Old House #howto
#howto
In this video, This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner bring a faulty flagstone entryway back to safe and stable.
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Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner fix their flagstone entryway. With a few broken joints, several of the stones in the entryway are starting to come loose, so Mark chips out of the old joints and lays the stone back in new mortar beds before showing the homeowner how to blend the repair in with a sponge. Then, Mark finishes the job by installing a soft joint.
Difficulty: ⅖
Time: 1 day
Cost: Under $50
Where to find it?
Mark makes repairs to a 1960s flagstone entryway to ensure it’s safe and long-lasting. To address the
loose stone at the top of the basement stairs, Mark recommends gently removing any loose stone pieces and mortar with your hands. Follow-up by using a chisel [] and hammer [] to break away the old mortar to free the larger flagstone pieces. Use a masonry brush [] to clear any dirt or debris. For indoor masonry projects Mark recommends using a Type S mortar premix [] that only requires adding water. For smaller repair jobs, mortar batches can be mixed in a rubber mixing tub [] in small quantities as needed. After applying a bed of mortar using a trowel [], add construction adhesive [] to the bottom side of the stone before setting it in place. The adhesive will strengthen the bond as the mortar sets.
To address a gaps between flagstone floors and stair risers use a silicone caulking []. Mark recommends dipping your finger in blue dish liquid [] before smoothing out the caulk seam. This tip will help create a seamless finish.
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Materials:
Concrete bonding agent []
Mortar mix []
Water
Painter’s tape []
Construction adhesive []
Paintable caulk []
Masonry sealer []
Blue dish liquid []
Tools:
Masonry hammer []
Cold chisel []
Stiff bristle brush []
Paint brush []
Mortar trough []
Masonry trowels []
Large sponge []
Caulking gun []
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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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How to Repair Flagstone Steps | Ask This Old House
