Garfield sits along the Passaic River on the western edge of Bergen County, across the water from Passaic County. It is one of the more densely built cities in Bergen, with long blocks of two-families, older single-family homes and small apartment buildings set close together on narrow lots. Many of these houses were built in the first half of the twentieth century, and the brick, stucco and concrete on them show their age. Garfield is also home to our main office, so this is work we see up close every week.
Front stoops and side entrances
On a typical Garfield two-family there is a front stoop, a side or rear entrance for the second unit, and a narrow walk connecting them. All of it takes a beating from salt and freeze-thaw. Concrete steps crack and separate from the house, brick stoops lose mortar and treads come loose. We rebuild concrete steps and stoops on proper footings, with brick or stone veneer finishes, bluestone treads and new railings, and pour new walks to tie everything together.
Brick and stucco exteriors
Brick fronts on older Garfield homes often need repointing. When the mortar joints wear back, rain soaks into the wall and freezes, which loosens brick over time. Repointing with the right mortar fixes the joints without harming the old brick.
Stucco is just as common here, on full walls, foundations and porch bases. Cracks let water in behind the finish, and the damage spreads quietly until pieces fall off. Our stucco services cover patching, refinishing and new stucco, matched to the existing texture as closely as possible.
Foundations and basements
Neighborhoods closer to the river have dealt with high water in the past, and damp basements are a regular complaint throughout the city. Foundation cracks are often the entry point. Targeted crack repair seals those paths, and when seepage is more widespread we recommend waterproofing based on what we find on site.
Small yards, smart layouts
Backyards behind Garfield homes are usually narrow. A paver patio or side yard walk with a solid base and a good pitch turns a muddy strip into usable space and moves water away from the foundation at the same time. For more on layouts and materials, see our patios and walkways page.
When the yard is shared between two units, we can split the space with a walkway or border so each household has its own area without a fence.
Before the crew arrives
- Talk to the other unit. On a two-family, let tenants know about the schedule so entrances can be planned.
- City approvals. Steps, stoops and work at the sidewalk may need a permit. We check with the building department.
- Parking on the block. Street parking can be tight. We plan deliveries to keep the street clear.
Garfield is one of the Bergen County cities we serve, along with nearby Hackensack and Fair Lawn. Request a free estimate and we will come see the house.
