Franklin is a borough with an industrial past. It grew around zinc mining, and it is widely known for its fluorescent minerals and its mineral museum. Many of its houses went up during the mining era for the families who worked there: modest homes on compact lots, often with stone or block foundations and front steps that meet the street. Newer subdivisions fill in around the edges, but the older core sets the tone for the work we see.
Foundations on older homes
Houses from the mining era were built with the materials and methods of their time. Stone foundations with soft mortar, early block and thin parging are common. After a century of frost, typical problems include open joints, cracks running up from the corners, crumbling parge and water seeping in after a thaw. Our foundation repair work rebuilds damaged sections, repoints stone and seals cracks. Where the basement stays wet, we pair repairs with basement waterproofing and better drainage outside.
Covering tired block
Once a foundation is sound, many owners want it to look better too. Stacked stone veneer over exposed block makes a modest house look finished and suits the rocky character of the area. We set veneer on a properly prepared wall so it bonds well and sheds water.
Front steps on sloping streets
Parts of the borough are hilly, so front steps often have one side much taller than the other. That uneven load is hard on old steps, which tend to crack and tip toward the low side. We rebuild concrete steps on footings sized for the grade, then face them in brick or stone with bluestone treads and new railings.
Good to know
- Small lots mean careful staging. We keep sidewalks clear during the work.
- Older homes may hide buried oil tanks or old drains near the foundation. Tell us what you know.
- The borough building department reviews structural steps and foundation work.
Franklin borders Ogdensburg and Hardyston, and we work throughout Sussex County. For a look at your steps or foundation, book a free estimate.
