Manville is a small borough on low, flat ground where the Millstone River runs into the Raritan. Its neighborhoods are made up of modest single family homes, many of them capes, ranches and two story houses from the middle of the twentieth century, set close together on small lots with short driveways. The town grew up around a large factory. The location also means Manville has been hit hard by river flooding in major storms, and that shapes almost everything we recommend here.
Basements and foundations first
In a town this close to two rivers, the foundation is where the most important work happens. Block and poured walls in older Manville homes can crack, seep or shift after repeated wetting. We seal and repair cracks, rebuild damaged block and offer basement waterproofing systems that move water out instead of letting it sit. Where a wall has moved or the footing has been undermined, our foundation repair work restores support.
Concrete that sends water the right way
On flat lots, an inch of settlement is enough to turn a walk into a channel aimed at the basement. We tear out sunken walks, patios and driveways, rebuild the base and pour new concrete pitched away from the foundation. Side walks that wrap the corner of the house are a frequent job, because that is where roof water often lands.
Steps, stoops and porches
Concrete stoops on postwar homes are usually small and close to the sidewalk. When they crack or pull away from the house, we rebuild concrete steps on proper footings and add railings that are solidly anchored. A new porch slab or a brick and bluestone stoop can refresh the front of a small house without a major renovation.
Good questions to ask first
- Is my lot in a flood hazard area? If so, some work may need added borough review.
- Where do my downspouts drain? Extending them is a simple first step.
- Has the basement been checked since the last flood? Hidden cracks are easier to fix early.
Manville borders Hillsborough and Bridgewater, with Franklin Township across the Millstone. We serve the whole of Somerset County. For a basement, foundation or concrete problem, request a free estimate and we will inspect it in person.
