How to repair external paved step?

[jcaustralia]

We have 4 or 5 paved steps outside our home, not large, but going up a small incline next to a driveway. The structure of the top step seems to have given way at the side, with the side/substrate crumbling and falling away, and the step is now not stable. Not quite sure what the crumbling material is exactly: the side portion appears to be solid material like cement, and underneath seems to be a mixture of the solid cement-like material and sand/dirt. As you can see from the photos, there are a couple of minor roots under the paver, but these don't appear to be extensive.

The other steps seem solid and no signs of damage or structural issues.

Seeking some advice, please, on best approach and materials to repair and reinstate this top step. Two photos attached to illustrate: first is a side shot showing the visible damage (vs the other steps), and the second is a shot of underneath the paver, showing the crumbling surface underneath. Let me know if more info is needed to assist.

 

[EricL]

Hello @jcaustralia 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your paved steps.

If you are only aiming for a quick repair job. I propose digging out the damaged portions along with a bit of the soil and dirt to a depth of 50mm just on the side of the paver. I then suggest putting the paver back into its original position and patching the gap at the side with mortar. Make sure to mix the mortar into a thick paste so that it will not slump or flow out of the side. If the lower side cover of the paver step is giving way as well, I recommend patching that portion as well using the same repair method.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @jcaustralia 

I would agree with @EricL and would be removing all the pavers on the top step. Then digging to establish the source of the root and cutting it out a fair way back from the landing. Then as per @EricL instruction reinstate the landing pavers. 

A local landscaper could do this work fairly economically if it's going to be a challenge. 

Regards Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @jcaustralia 

Welcome to the community There are lots of step issues/paving issues amongst the pages in here

It kind of looks like the pavers were laid on compacted soil to start with. And either pressure from someone reversing or weight plus the roots helping shift it has caused it to move.

I agree with both @EricL and @Nailbag that the top step pavers need to be lifted and the soil removed plus roots chooped back to line with the pavers. I would replaced the soil with roadbase tho, compact it and then relay the pavers. If the other steps show issues down the track then I would redo them at that point of time. Pavers over soil isnt an issue I do it all the time. pavers plus roots... welll yeah trees win every time, rightfully so

I do like the suggestion of @EricL about patching the side of the pavers exposed with mortar. It will be inline with how your steps look. You will end up with a fresh set of steps

Dave

[jcaustralia]

@EricL @Nailbag @Dave-1 thanks so much for your advice and suggestions. I'll have a crack, and I will update once complete. Thanks!