Clifton covers a lot of ground. It is one of the largest municipalities in Passaic County, and its housing runs from prewar two-families on narrow lots to postwar capes, colonials and split-levels on wider streets. Because it borders Hawthorne, Clifton is right next door to our office, and the work homeowners ask for here is as varied as the city itself.
Entry steps that need more than a patch
Concrete and brick stoops on Clifton homes are often several decades old. Salt, plows and freeze-thaw cycles break down the treads and open the joints, and many steps slowly pull away from the front wall. A skim coat might look fine for a year, but if the footing has shifted, the cracks come back. We tear out failing steps and build new concrete steps on a proper base, finished in brick, stone veneer or plain concrete with bluestone treads and new railings.
Patios, walkways and driveways
Clifton backyards tend to be modest, so the layout matters. A paver patio sized for a table and a grill, connected to the back door by a short walk, gets far more use than a bigger slab in the wrong spot. Our paver construction starts with excavation and a compacted stone base, then edge restraint so the pavers stay put.
Driveways are the other frequent request. Many houses were built for one car, and the original concrete or asphalt has heaved, sunk or broken up at the apron. We replace driveways in concrete, asphalt or pavers and grade them so water drains toward the street instead of the garage or basement.
Older brick and damp basements
Two-families and brick capes in the older parts of the city often still have their original mortar. Once the joints wear back, water gets into the wall. Repointing with a mortar that suits the brick restores the joints without damaging the face. If the basement below is damp, we check gutters, grading and foundation cracks first, then recommend basement waterproofing where it will actually solve the problem.
Chimneys deserve a look too. On many older Clifton homes the chimney crown and the top few courses of brick are the first masonry to fail, because they take the most weather. Catching loose brick and cracked crowns early keeps water out of the attic and the flue.
Planning a Clifton project
- Know your lot lines. On narrow lots and shared driveways, it helps to have your survey handy before we design a patio or new driveway.
- Ask about the apron. Work at the curb or sidewalk can fall under city rules. We find out before the schedule is set.
- Book early for spring. Concrete and mortar need warm weather to cure, so the calendar fills quickly once winter ends.
We also serve the rest of Passaic County, including neighboring Paterson and Hawthorne. When you are ready, request a free estimate and we will come out to see the job in person.
