Mine Hill is a small township in western Morris County, set among Dover, Wharton, Randolph and Roxbury. As the name suggests, the area has an iron mining past, and the land is hilly with rocky soil. Most homes are modest single family houses: capes, ranches, raised ranches and split levels from the middle of the last century, along with some newer construction. Lots are moderate in size, and many houses sit above or below the road, which means front steps, sloped driveways and small walls do a lot of work here.
Steps on a slope
The single most common masonry problem on hilly lots is the front stairs. Steps that climb a bank tend to settle at the bottom, pull away from the house at the top, or develop cracks where the treads meet the risers. We rebuild concrete steps on footings below the frost line, keep the riser heights consistent, and add sturdy railings. Brick or stone veneer can be applied over a poured core for a finished look.
Small walls that hold a lot
A low wall along the driveway or front lawn can stop soil from washing onto the pavement and make mowing much easier. Many older Mine Hill walls are railroad ties or loose stone that have rotted or leaned. We replace them with segmental block retaining walls set on compacted stone, and we can build steps right into the wall so you can reach the yard without a detour.
Driveways and runoff
Sloped driveways move a lot of water during storms. Cracked concrete or broken asphalt lets that water get underneath, which speeds up the damage. We replace driveways with a properly compacted base and plan where the water goes, using pitch, drains or a curb.
Foundations and cracks
Rocky soil and hillside drainage put pressure on basement walls. If you see a crack or damp stains, our crack repair service seals it, and we look at gutters and grading to cut down on the water reaching it.
Quick checklist
- Note where water pools or flows during a heavy rain.
- Take photos of cracks so you can see if they grow.
- Measure how many steps you climb to the front door.
Mine Hill shares borders with Wharton and Roxbury, and it is part of our wider Morris County service area. Ask for a free estimate and we will look at your steps, wall or driveway in person.
