East Orange is one of the most densely built cities in North Jersey. Its housing is a mix of large older single family homes, two and three family houses and brick apartment buildings, most of them built well before the middle of the twentieth century. Lots are narrow, many homes sit up off the street on high foundations, and a large share of the masonry has been there since the day the building went up.
Tall stoops on high foundations
Because so many East Orange houses have raised first floors, the front stoop is often tall, with a long run of steps and a landing at the door. Decades of foot traffic, salt and freezing water break down the treads and push the masonry away from the house. We rebuild stoops and steps on a solid footing, in brick, block with veneer or poured concrete, and install railings that are firmly anchored.
Sidewalks, walks and short driveways
Lifted and cracked sidewalk slabs are a common complaint in older cities, often caused by street trees. We replace sidewalks and front walks, set new forms to the right grade and finish them with a broom texture for grip. Short driveways and side walks between houses get the same treatment.
Brick walls and stucco fronts
Apartment buildings and older houses here often show:
- open mortar joints high on the walls
- cracked or bulging stucco on the front facade
- damaged parapets and coping at the roofline
- water stains where gutters overflow onto brick
Tuckpointing seals the joints and slows the damage. We also patch and refinish stucco so it sheds water instead of soaking it up.
Working in a city setting
Most blocks have street parking only and steady foot traffic. We keep the sidewalk passable, fence off open work at the end of the day and plan deliveries around neighbors. City permits may be needed for stoops, sidewalks and structural repairs, and we look into what applies before the job starts.
East Orange borders Orange, Newark and several other towns, and we work throughout Essex County. For a stoop, sidewalk or facade that needs work, ask for a free estimate.
