Pompton Lakes takes its name from the lake at its center, which sits on the Ramapo River, and more rivers run along the edges of the borough. The housing is a comfortable mix of older capes, bungalows and colonials near the downtown, with postwar ranches and split-levels farther out, and some homes climbing the hills on the edges of town. Many neighborhoods sit on low, flat ground close to the water, and the borough has a well-known history of river flooding. That makes drainage the first thing we think about on any job here.
Basements and foundations
A high water table and saturated soil after storms push moisture through foundation walls and floor joints. We start outside: downspout extensions, regrading so soil falls away from the house, and sealing obvious cracks. When water still gets in, basement waterproofing with interior drainage and a sump is often the right step. Cracked or bowing walls get foundation repair before any finish work.
Walkways and patios that shed water
On flat, damp lots, a patio or walk that holds puddles will heave over a few winters. We build patios and walkways on a thicker compacted base, slope them away from the foundation and, where it helps, tie the low point into a drain. Bluestone, pavers and concrete all work here when the base is right.
Front steps on older homes
Concrete stoops on many Pompton Lakes capes have settled and pulled away from the door. We replace them with poured or masonry steps on a footing below the frost line, finished in brick, stone or bluestone.
Quick checklist
- Know your zone. Some lots fall in a flood zone, which can affect what you build.
- Fix gutters first. Clogged or short downspouts cause a lot of wet basements.
- Raise, do not trap. New walks and patios should never block the path water uses to leave the yard.
Pompton Lakes borders Wayne and Bloomingdale, and we work across Passaic County. If water or worn masonry is on your list, get a free estimate.
