Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, and much of its housing was built close together on narrow lots: brick row houses, frame two and three family homes, small apartment buildings and corner storefronts with apartments above. Front entries sit right on the sidewalk, so the stoop, the walk and the face of the building take a lot of wear. We serve owners and landlords throughout the city who want that work done properly, with permits in place and the block kept passable.
Stoops and sidewalks that face the street
A city stoop gets more traffic than almost any suburban step. Concrete stoops crack at the nose of the tread, brick stoops lose joints and loosen, and railings rust where they are anchored. When the base has shifted, we tear out and rebuild on a new footing. Our concrete steps can be finished in poured concrete, brick or stone veneer with new code-height railings.
Sidewalks are the other half of the entry. Tree roots and frost lift slabs, and a trip hazard in front of a rental is a liability. We remove and pour new sections, match the joints to the neighboring slabs, and tie the walk into the stoop and curb. For slabs that are worn but still level, concrete repair and resurfacing can be a sensible first step.
Brick, block and stucco on older buildings
Many Newark buildings have brick that has been patched several times over the years with whatever mortar was on hand. Hard cement patches trap water and crack the brick around them. Tuckpointing and repointing with a suitable mortar seals the joints again. We also rebuild parapets, lintels and loose sections of wall where the damage goes deeper.
Stucco is common here too, both on frame houses and over older masonry. Cracked or bulging stucco lets water behind it. We cut out failed areas, repair the base and apply new stucco in a smooth or textured finish.
Wet basements near the river
Low areas of the city near the Passaic River and the older stone and block foundations found under many homes both make wet basements a common complaint. We check grading at the front and rear, downspouts, cracks and the condition of the walls before recommending basement waterproofing.
Before you start
- City permits. Work on stoops, sidewalks and building walls often needs approval from the city. We find out what your address requires.
- Street parking. Many blocks have no driveway space, so we plan deliveries and debris removal around parking rules.
- Tenants. In occupied buildings, give tenants notice of work dates and which entrance will be open.
Newark is one of many cities and towns we cover in Essex County, along with nearby Nutley. If your stoop, sidewalk or brick needs work, schedule a free estimate and we will come look at the building.
