Wanaque is a borough in northern Passaic County that takes in two distinct areas. Haskell, the southern section, grew up near the Wanaque River and has older, closer-set homes on fairly level streets. The northern part of the borough climbs into the hills toward the Wanaque Reservoir, with ranches, split-levels and newer colonials on sloping, wooded lots. So a project in Haskell and one farther north can call for very different solutions, and we plan each one for its own ground.
Front steps in both halves of town
Older stoops in Haskell often sit close to the sidewalk and have settled or cracked over the years. Up the hill, front steps tend to be longer runs from a sloped driveway to the door. Either way, we rebuild concrete steps on footings below the frost line, finished in concrete, brick or stone veneer with bluestone treads and code-height railings.
Driveways and walls on the hillside
Sloped driveways in the upper neighborhoods carry a lot of runoff, and a cracked slab lets that water into the base. We replace driveways with a thicker base and a pitch that sends water to the street or a drain. Where a front lawn falls steeply to the road, a low block or stone wall with built-in steps makes the yard easier to mow and safer to walk.
Patios and foundations
Backyard patios in pavers or bluestone work well on Wanaque lots once the grade is set correctly. Older foundations, especially in Haskell, may show cracks or damp spots. We seal and repair cracks and look at the source of any water before suggesting more.
Before work starts
- Borough permits. Walls, steps and aprons may need approval from the building department.
- Low spots near the river. Some Haskell properties sit close to the water, and flood zone rules may apply.
- Winter plowing. We set driveway edges and aprons so plows do not catch them.
Wanaque sits between Ringwood and Pompton Lakes, and we serve every town in Passaic County. Get a free estimate and we will come look at your steps, driveway or wall.
