Stockton is a tiny borough on the Delaware River in southwestern Hunterdon County, connected by bridge to Centre Bridge, Pennsylvania. The Delaware and Raritan Canal feeder and its towpath run right through town alongside the river, and the historic Prallsville Mills complex sits at the north end. Homes are mostly older stone, brick and frame houses on small lots, many dating to the 1800s, packed between the river, the canal and the hill.
In a village this old and this small, nearly every masonry project is a repair or restoration, and it has to look like it belongs.
Repointing stone and brick
Stone and brick walls in Stockton were built with soft lime mortar that slowly erodes. When joints open, water gets in and faces begin to spall. Our historic masonry restoration work starts by matching the original mortar in strength, color and texture. We rake out failed joints by hand and repoint with a compatible mix, so the wall keeps its age without leaking.
Entries and walkways
Front entries on older homes often have sunken brick walks and tipped stone steps. We rebuild the base and relay brick pavers or bluestone in patterns that suit the house, then reset or replace steps on a proper footing. Reusing old bluestone treads where they are sound keeps the character of the entry.
Foundations near the water
Being on the river means wet ground in spring and after storms. Stone foundations in Stockton can let water through washed out joints. We repoint and repair the wall, fix grading and gutters, and recommend foundation repair where sections have moved. Low lying lots may fall under flood zone rules.
Stockton project notes
- Historic character matters, so we match stone, brick and mortar
- Lots are small and streets narrow, so staging is planned in advance
- Flood zone rules may apply near the river
- Original treads, caps and brick are saved for reuse when possible
Stockton is bordered by Delaware Township, with Lambertville just downriver. We cover the other Hunterdon County towns too. For a repointing or entry project, request a free estimate.
