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Stone Steps Repair With Fieldstones and Bluestone Stone rescue workers Derek and Dean perform emergency resuscitation on some badly damaged stone steps. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-304

(Continued from page 2)

	Figure O
	Figure P

Setting Returns and Jointing

• With the flashing in place, pack mud in the open gaps and finish setting stones along the returns (the sides of the steps). The size of the stones does not matter as much for the returns (figure O).

• Once the returns are set, you are ready to joint. Use a jointer and fill in the joints with mortar (figure P). Dean and Derek recommend filling in the joints about three quarters of the way full. Rake out the excess mortar using the jointer. With a cheap paintbrush, brush the joints to give them a polished, clean look.
  

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• Add mud to the top platform area, spreading about 1/2 inch of mortar (figure Q).

• Set the large bluestone piece on top, making sure it covers the flashing. The platform should be centered and have a one inch overhang on three sides (figure R). Also check the level. The platform should be level side to side and pitch away from the house slightly (a quarter bubble pitch). You may need to use a rubber mallet to adjust the levels.

  Figure Q

  Figure R

  
  

• With the platform in place, pack and joint the mortar underneath the stone and along the back edges (figures S and T). This is important to keep out moisture.

  Figure S

  Figure T

  
  

  	Figure U
  	The finished stairs

• Repeat the process for the two bluestone treads. Add 1/2 inch of mortar to the base, set the bluestone with a one inch overhang and make sure you're level side to side and pitching slightly front to back. With the treads in place, check the height of the risers. You may need to add or remove mortar, or use a rubber mallet to adjust the height. With the treads in place, pack and joint the mortar underneath the stone and along the back edges. Brush the mortar for a clean look (figure U).

• As a final step for waterproofing protection, use caulking to seal the joint up against the house. Cut a line in the mortar along the back edge next to the house using a jointer, and fill the hole with caulking.

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