1. In many instances the worn parts of stone steps can be made good with silicon treads. In executing such a job, the first thing is to centre the step: if economy has to be practised, make the centre where the stone is worn deepest, which will be near the side on which the handrail, if there is one, is fastened. If the cost is immaterial and a well-finished appearance is required, centre the step so that there is the same width of margin on each side. The middle point can be made the centre of a tread (the treads are Gin. square) or it may be at a. joint, according to the number of treads. Six or seven treads are generally sufficient to replace the worn part of one step. Cut out sufficient to take an exact number of whole treads, and do not allow for a bed deeper than 1/4in. The treads should be tried in position in order that no cutting may have to be done after the bed is spread. Wash the sand through a fine sieve, and gauge 2 parts of it to 1 part of Portland cement. Wet the steps if they are too dry, but do not wet the treads, as they are almost impervious to moisture, and the addition of water makes them too slippery.
Having spread the bed, hold a straightedge on the face of the riser to keep the treads from slipping forward, and with another straightedge tap the treads to their proper level. This tapping will cause the cement to come up between the heads and thus form a solid cross-joint, which should not be more than ,',; in. wide. Cover with boards, which must be kept clear of the treads, and in twelve hours'time wet the steps, and keep them under water for four days. After this they will not require further protection.
2. By one method of repairing worn stone steps, the worn part is marked out with a dovetail, to which the stone is then hewn out from 2 in. to 3 in. deep, according to the amount of wear. A piece of stone is then prepared and fixed in the step with good lime or cement, and the job is then complete.
3. One way to repair worn stone steps when they are built in the wall is to cut the old tread away to a depth of 3 in., and then bed a 3-in. slab of hard York stone in sand and cement. If not built into the wall, and nut too badly worn, the steps may be taken up, the treads reworked, and bedded and pointed in sand and cement, with a thin slab of stone bedded under as a riser to make up the original height.
4. This is a simple method of repairing stone steps which are worn more or less right across the tread. Take a plan of the staircase, and have new treads sawn, 1 3/4 in. thick; also fix new risers, 1 3/4 in. thick, with proper cramps to the old tread, and allow the new tread to project 5/8in., so that the pointing can be neatly finished. The tread will be greatly improved by the additional 5/8in. The difference in the first riser is obviated by always keeping a stout mat in position.
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