lining under stoop
The underneath of our stoop has peeling paint & in the worst spots spalling/crumbling surface probably from damp. We plan to get rid of the paint & loose stone & then we want to resurface (DIY). Has anyone done this/had it done? Any pointers? Given we want the stone to breath we were thinking to…
The underneath of our stoop has peeling paint & in the worst spots spalling/crumbling surface probably from damp. We plan to get rid of the paint & loose stone & then we want to resurface (DIY). Has anyone done this/had it done? Any pointers? Given we want the stone to breath we were thinking to cement render & not paint. Does this makes sense? What prep work do we need to do to make sure the cement sticks? Incidentally, we have 2 types of surface – in the main walking area, the stone is lined with large pieces of what looks like bluestone / slate whereas under the steps is just brownstone…
Several years ago I had done what Gary wrote about, plus what he plans (resurfacing our steps).Since then we’ve had a usable, dry, storage area. The bicycles and other stuff stored there have not rusted.
OP: thanks Gary – very helpful.
Yes, you need the stone to breathe therefore use a cement mixture that is soft and porous, for instance a type N mortar mixed 1:3 with a 1:2 mixture of powdered lime and fine sand will do the job. Clean the surface well with a stiff brush, but never use a steel brush because it will leave steel in the stone which will rust. If the surface is very smooth, rough it up with some light surface chipping.
I just went through this and have seen the moisture come right through. The next thing we will do is resurface the stoop with a waterproof cement to try and prevent moisture from entering.
Good luck.