Filling a gap in stone for pointing.

[grim_d]

The good wife has decreed that I must paint the steps to our front door.

So I have removed all of the loose paint and I would like to re-point all the gaps between the stairs, however, between the top 2 steps there is some major gaps, obviously mortar will just fall through here.

I can't move the step up or back to close the gap else I will end up with the same problem further down. I can't get in behind it either.

So im looking for any clever suggestions on what to do here?

 

[gaz1]

widen your pointing a little that looks like you will need an inch pointing to cover it

 

[fixerupper]

I think I would just keep flicking in the mortar until it's full then trowel it of smooth... can you see or work out how big the void is?....jeff

 

[brightspark]

ns above just keep shoving it in till it goes tight a dry ish mix not too sloppy

 

[slimjim]

Expanding foam,

Let harden, then trim back, then point.

 

[grim_d]

I think I would just keep flicking in the mortar until it's full then trowel it of smooth... can you see or work out how big the void is?....jeff

Is hollow behind it, I would need about a cubic metre of mortar to fill it up!

Expanding foam,

Let harden, then trim back, then point.

I thought about this and might give it a go, I always make such a horrific mess with the stuff though that I do try and avoid it.

 

[slimjim]

Is hollow behind it, I would need about a cubic metre of mortar to fill it up!



I thought about this and might give it a go, I always make such a horrific mess with the stuff though that I do try and avoid it.

Trick is to only squirt in a bit at a time, leaving for half an hour then adding more if needed, because it keeps expanding, upright the can and press the trigger to clean out the pipe after use

 

[brightspark]

Is hollow behind it, I would need about a cubic metre of mortar to fill it up!



I thought about this and might give it a go, I always make such a horrific mess with the stuff.

its getting painted. get it pressed in and after a few hours gently rub over it sideways with a soft sweeping brush job done no snotts and no slurry marks

 

[arther dailey]

chicken mesh jammed in with wire to pull it back towards step,partly fill using SRBP in mortar,plus I would suggest some lime added to mix to allow for movement, let dry,then fill and tidy,the suggestion of foam filler is good to stop it all falling back in.....,other than that a piece of galvanised angle stuck in with grip fill and painted

 

[Pete.]

Crazy foam no good for a step it'll collapse under the repeated treading. What you want is called dry-packing. Sharp sand and cement in 3 or 4:1 ratio mixed just damp enough so that when you squeeze it in your fist it holds it's shape without falling apart. Ram that in with an appropriate wooden tool.

What I'd do if you want a really nice looking job is buy a 5" diamond disc and run a small cut along the back of the step to create a rebate. You could do it vertically and horizontally if you want. Then when you pack it you won't have that raggedy edge to look at, plus you'll have better access for your dry-packing operation.

 

[grim_d]

I can't ram anything in, theres nothing to ram it against, it just falls straight through!

I dont mind the raggedy edge, its a very old house so it suits. Id like to be rid of the gap because its only a matter of time before someone loses their keys down there!

 

[pedrobedro]

I can't ram anything in, theres nothing to ram it against, it just falls straight through!

I dont mind the raggedy edge, its a very old house so it suits. Id like to be rid of the gap because its only a matter of time before someone loses their keys down there!

Or something takes up residence I'd go with the foam, it shouldn't squash if the step doesn't sag when you step on it.

 

[wookie]

Can you move the top step out enough to cover the gap ?

 

[MattF]

Definitely use foam, unless the step is wobbling around like a drunkard. It provides a perfect backing for mortar. Use a hacksaw blade to trim off any excess and gouge it back a bit to give the mortar somewhere to go.

 

[grim_d]

Can you move the top step out enough to cover the gap ?

Not something id like to mess about with, the top step seems to go under the door. Im not entirely sure how big it is.

Definitely use foam, unless the step is wobbling around like a drunkard. It provides a perfect backing for mortar. Use a hacksaw blade to trim off any excess and gouge it back a bit to give the mortar somewhere to go.

The steps are solid. 2nd one had a bit of a wobble but ive re-seated it. Bloody thing must weigh 100kg!

Ill grab some foam in the morning then.

 

[gaz1]

sorry guys there is nothing to support it at back of those steps as they was built hollow behind them

as i said the first time widen your pointing up as if you dont those holes are going to look silly so they need covering by a wider pointing

done with a wider pointing


garden pic view of house pointing



garden view

 

[arther dailey]

Gaz 1, ha, thought those are v.nice tiles on the yard, then realised its the railings shadow!

 

[grim_d]

The foam worked a treat gents, and as a bonus I didn't make a huge mess!

 

[slim_boy_fat]

The foam worked a treat gents, and as a bonus I didn't make a huge mess!

Pics!!

 

[grim_d]

Maybe tomorrow after ive fixed the bit the rain washed away.