Bogota is compact, residential and older than many of the postwar suburbs around it. The borough sits across the river from Hackensack, and much of its housing dates from the early and middle twentieth century: colonials, foursquares, capes and a fair number of two-family homes, many with brick or block foundations and front steps that have been patched more than once. The land rises from the riverbank toward Teaneck, so a lot of houses sit a few feet above the sidewalk.
Steps on a slope
When a house sits above the street, the front steps carry more weight and see more water. Runoff from the yard flows across them, and frost works into every crack. Patching tends to fail because the problem is often the footing, not the surface.
We rebuild front steps on new footings, with even risers, solid railings and a landing where the grade allows one. Brick with bluestone treads suits the older houses in town, and stone veneer is a good fit for colonials.
Foundations near the river
Homes in low areas close to the Hackensack can see higher groundwater, and older foundations were not built with modern drainage. Signs worth watching:
- Efflorescence, the white powder that forms on basement walls
- Cracks that are wider at one end
- Water at the floor joint after heavy rain
- Musty smells that never fully clear
Our foundation repair and waterproofing work starts with finding the source, which is often grading or downspouts as much as the wall itself.
Brick that needs attention
Chimneys, front walls and brick steps on older homes lose mortar over time. Once joints are open, water gets behind the brick and freezes. Tuckpointing restores the joints with a mortar matched to the original.
Small yards, sloped backs
Where a backyard drops toward the river side, a low block wall can turn a slope into a flat area for a patio or garden. Walls over a certain height may need approval, which we confirm with the borough building department.
Bogota is part of our Bergen County coverage, close to Ridgefield Park and Hackensack. Request a free estimate for your Bogota home and we will take a look.
