Montclair is known for its tree lined streets and its range of older homes: large Victorians with deep porches, Tudors with brick and stone detailing, and colonials of every size. The western side of town climbs up the First Watchung Mountain, so many lots are sloped, while the eastern neighborhoods are flatter and more tightly built. Across all of them, the masonry is often original, and that calls for a careful approach.
Restoring brick and stone the right way
Older Montclair homes were usually built with softer brick and lime based mortar. That combination flexes with the seasons and lets moisture escape. Repairing it with modern hard mortar can trap water and crack the brick faces. Our historic masonry restoration work starts by matching the original materials, then raking out failed joints by hand and repointing with a compatible mix.
Stone foundations, garden walls and porch piers get the same attention. Where stones have shifted or fallen out, we reset them and repoint so the wall looks like it always has.
Chimneys on tall, older houses
Tall chimneys on Victorians and Tudors are some of the most exposed masonry on any house. Common problems include cracked crowns, open joints near the top and loose flashing. We repair crowns, repoint, and rebuild from the roofline when needed through our chimney and fireplace masonry service.
Entries, walls and outdoor space
Front steps on older homes often combine brick risers with bluestone treads. When they settle or the treads crack, we rebuild them to fit the house, matching brick and resetting or replacing the stone. On the hillside streets, steps may be long with landings, and a retaining wall beside them keeps the slope in place.
In back, a bluestone or paver patio sized for the yard gives a quiet place to sit under mature trees. We lay it out to protect major roots where possible.
Porches and foundations
Many older Montclair houses have porches resting on brick or stone piers, and foundations of fieldstone or early block. Piers can lean as their footings shift, and foundation mortar slowly washes out below grade. We reset and rebuild piers, repoint exposed foundation stone and patch parging so the base of the house stays sound and dry.
Things to know first
- Historic review. If your home is in a district or is a landmark, plan time for review before work begins.
- Material lead times. Matching brick and natural stone can take longer to source than standard products.
- Mortar weather. Lime mortars cure best in mild temperatures, so restoration is best scheduled from spring through fall.
We work throughout Essex County, including neighboring West Orange. When you are ready to talk about your house, request a free estimate and we will see it in person.
