Hackensack is the county seat of Bergen County and one of its busiest cities. The Hackensack River runs along its eastern side, the downtown is full of offices and courthouses, and the residential neighborhoods around it hold a mix of older single-family houses, two-families and garden apartments. Much of the housing is decades old, so the masonry and concrete around it is often due for repair or replacement.
Steps, stoops and sidewalks
Front steps on older Hackensack homes and small buildings see heavy foot traffic and plenty of road salt. Common problems include cracked treads, crumbling edges, loose railings and steps that have dropped away from the door. We rebuild concrete steps on a new footing and finish them in concrete, brick or stone veneer with bluestone treads.
Sidewalks are just as important. Street trees and age lift and crack slabs, creating trip hazards that the city may ask owners to fix. We cut out the damaged sections, set forms to the right grade and pour new concrete that ties into the neighboring walk.
When concrete can be saved
Not every worn slab has to come out. If a walkway, patio or set of steps is structurally sound but scaled or pitted on top, concrete resurfacing can restore a clean surface at a fraction of the disruption. We are straightforward about when that makes sense and when a full replacement is the better investment.
Driveways follow the same logic. Sunken aprons, deep cracks and broken edges usually mean replacement, which we do in concrete, asphalt or pavers with a properly compacted base.
Rear steps and landings deserve the same attention as the front. On many older homes they were built with less care, and they are often the set that fails first. We rebuild them to safe, even riser heights and add railings where they are missing.
Brick walls and foundations
Brick on older Hackensack buildings often has eroded mortar joints, cracked lintels and loose brick around windows. Repointing the joints keeps water from getting into the wall, and where brick has failed we rebuild the section with matching units. Below grade, damp basements are common in lower parts of the city near the river. We look at the outside first, from gutters to grading, and then at the foundation itself before recommending waterproofing.
Things to sort out early
- Who owns the sidewalk. In many cases the owner is responsible for the walk in front of the property. We confirm the city’s rules before scheduling.
- Building approvals. Step rebuilds and structural masonry may require a permit from the city building department.
- Access for residents. On multi-unit buildings we stage the work so one entrance stays open.
- Parking. Some blocks have limited street parking, so we plan deliveries and equipment around it.
Hackensack is one of many Bergen County towns we cover, along with Paramus, Garfield and Fort Lee. To have us look at your steps, sidewalk or brick, schedule a free estimate.
