Bloomfield is a large, mostly built-out township between Montclair and Belleville. Most of its housing went up between the early 1900s and the years after World War II: brick and frame colonials, Cape Cods, and plenty of two-family homes on lots that are deeper than they are wide. The land is fairly gentle, rising slightly toward the west, so the challenges here tend to come from age rather than terrain.
Brick that has seen a century of winters
A lot of Bloomfield masonry is original. Chimneys, foundation walls and stoops built with softer brick and lime mortar slowly lose their joints to rain and frost. Once the mortar recedes, water gets into the wall and the brick faces start to pop. We rake out the failing joints and repoint with a compatible mix, or carry out larger masonry repair when brick needs to be replaced.
Stoops on colonials and capes
The classic Bloomfield entry is a small brick stoop with a bluestone or concrete cap. Over time the base settles, the cap cracks and the railing posts loosen. We rebuild these on a proper footing and can keep the traditional look with brick risers and stone treads. For simpler houses, poured concrete steps with a broom finish are a durable choice.
Making the most of a deep, narrow yard
Backyards in Bloomfield are rarely huge, but they are often long. That shape suits a patio near the back door with a walkway leading further into the yard. A few ideas that work well here:
- a paver patio sized for a table, with a border that frames it
- a side walkway so the trash cans and mower have a clean path
- a low seating wall where the yard steps up
- a slight pitch so runoff heads to the lawn, not the neighbor
Our paver patios are built on compacted stone with edge restraint, so they stay flat for years.
Permits and timing
The township building department may require permits for new steps, walls or structural repairs. We check what applies before scheduling. Mortar work is best done from spring to fall when temperatures are mild.
We also work next door in Glen Ridge and across Essex County. When you are ready, request a free estimate and we will look at the job in person.
