Haledon is a small, densely built borough wedged between Paterson, Prospect Park and North Haledon. The ground climbs as you head away from Paterson, so many streets are on a grade and many houses sit a few feet above the sidewalk. Housing is mostly older: two-families, modest single-family homes and some brick, on lots that leave little space between buildings. That combination of age, slope and tight quarters shapes nearly every masonry job here.
Stoops built for a climb
Because so many Haledon homes are set above the street, front steps tend to be tall, and tall steps show their age quickly. Treads crack, side walls bulge and the whole stoop can lean away from the house. We rebuild front steps on a new footing in poured concrete or brick, often with bluestone treads, and fit railings that run the full height. On a hillside lot we also check that the walk and landing shed water rather than sending it toward the foundation.
Older brick and block
Brick fronts, chimneys and block foundations on older Haledon houses often have mortar that has worn well back from the face. Once that happens, water gets in and winter does the rest. Tuckpointing restores the joints, and we replace spalled brick and patch parging at the same time so the wall is sealed top to bottom.
Small walls and narrow driveways
Sloped front yards often have an old wall of stone or block holding the lawn back from the sidewalk. When those start to tip, we take them down and rebuild with proper drainage behind. Driveways here are usually narrow strips between houses, and we replace them in concrete or asphalt with a pitch that carries water out to the street.
Planning tips for Haledon
- Borough approval. Steps, walls and driveway aprons can require a permit. We check with the building department first.
- Sidewalk work. If the public walk in front is cracked, it is efficient to replace it along with the stoop.
- Access. On narrow lots we plan deliveries and staging so the neighbors still have their driveway.
Haledon is part of our regular Passaic County work, along with neighboring Prospect Park and North Haledon. To get your steps, brick or walk looked at, book a free estimate.
