Kearny is a town in western Hudson County, bounded by the Passaic River on one side and the Hackensack River and the Meadowlands on the other. Most of its housing sits on the western side of town near the Passaic, where streets are lined with older single-family houses and two-families, many in brick or with brick fronts and stoops. Lots are narrow, driveways often run between houses, and the lower areas closer to the rivers and marshland deal with water.
Front steps and stoops
On a Kearny house, the front steps are usually concrete or brick, and many are original. Cracks across the treads, crumbling mortar and steps that have pulled away from the house are typical after decades of winters. We rebuild concrete steps on new footings and finish them in concrete, brick or stone veneer with bluestone treads and fresh railings. A new walk from the sidewalk to the steps ties the entry together.
Brick and mortar
Brick fronts, chimneys and garage walls on older homes need repointing every few decades. Once joints erode, water soaks into the brick and freezes, loosening the face. Repointing with a mortar suited to the existing brick restores the wall, and we rebuild any sections that have gone too far.
Chimneys deserve a look at the same time. The crown and the top courses of brick take the worst of the weather, and a cracked crown lets water run straight down inside the chimney. Repairing the top of the chimney while the crew is already working on the brick is simpler than scheduling it later.
Driveways and backyards
Narrow side driveways are a Kearny staple. They carry cars between two foundations, so cracks and settling can send water toward both houses. We replace them in concrete or asphalt with a compacted base and a pitch that carries runoff to the street. Out back, a modest paver patio on a proper base makes a small yard far more useful.
Basements and foundations
Damp basements are a common issue, especially in lower sections of town near the rivers and the Meadowlands. We start by checking gutters, downspouts and grading, then the foundation walls. Isolated leaks can often be stopped with crack repair, while broader seepage calls for basement waterproofing matched to the house.
Before you get started
- Town approvals. Steps, driveway aprons and structural masonry may need a permit. We check with the building department.
- Shared driveways. If your driveway is shared, we coordinate the schedule with the neighbor.
- Fix drainage with the driveway. Replacing a driveway is the best time to correct the grade around the house.
Kearny is one of the Hudson County towns we cover, along with Bayonne and Jersey City. Get a free estimate and we will come see your project.
