Allentown is a compact borough surrounded by the farmland of Upper Freehold Township, with Doctors Creek running through it. Its center is made up of homes from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, set close to the sidewalk, with brick walls, fieldstone foundations and chimneys that have seen a lot of winters. Working on houses this old takes patience and the right materials.
Old walls need the right mortar
Older brick is softer than modern brick, and the original mortar was usually lime based. When those joints are filled with a hard cement mortar, the brick can crack and spall instead of the joint. Our repointing work uses a mortar matched to the wall so the joint stays the weaker, replaceable part. Some properties in the center of town may fall under historic district rules, so we check before choosing materials.
Foundations and chimneys
Fieldstone and old brick foundations are common here. Over time the mortar washes out, stones loosen and dampness creeps in. Our foundation repair work resets loose stone, rebuilds failed sections and improves grading so water moves away from the wall.
- Chimney crowns that are cracked or missing let water straight into the stack.
- Loose top courses of brick should be rebuilt before they fall.
- Stained interior walls near a chimney usually mean water is getting in above.
Walks and steps with period character
A cracked concrete walk can look out of place in front of a historic home. Bluestone, brick and natural stone fit these streets better. We lay walkways on a proper base so the stone stays flat, and we rebuild steps in brick with bluestone treads. Lots near the creek can stay wetter, which makes a well drained base even more important.
Around western Monmouth
We also serve Upper Freehold, Millstone Township and Roosevelt, as well as the rest of Monmouth County.
Have an old wall, chimney or step that needs attention? Request a free estimate and we will come take a careful look.
