When people say Sussex, they usually mean the county. This page is about Sussex Borough, the small town in the north of the county that is entirely surrounded by Wantage Township. The borough has a traditional main street with older brick commercial and mixed-use buildings, and residential blocks of older homes on smaller lots just off it. That makes it one of the few places in northern Sussex where brickwork and sidewalk-side steps are the everyday concern.
Old brick needs the right mortar
Older brick buildings were usually laid in softer mortar than what is used today. As those joints wear, rain gets into the wall and freeze-thaw cycles push the brick apart. Tuckpointing and repointing replaces the worn mortar with a mix matched to the original in strength and color, which protects the brick instead of fighting it. On significant facades we follow historic restoration practices and keep original brick whenever it is sound.
Front steps right at the sidewalk
On the older blocks, front steps often rise straight from the sidewalk. They take salt, plows and shoes all winter. When treads crack or the steps pull away from the house, we rebuild on a footing below frost depth, finish in brick with bluestone treads and add railings set solidly into the masonry. Work that touches the public sidewalk may need borough approval, which we confirm first.
Chimneys and parapets
Brick chimneys and parapet walls on older buildings take the worst weather. Cracked crowns, leaning stacks and open joints near the top are common. We repoint, rebuild crowns and take down and relay brick where it has gone soft.
Before you schedule
- Find out if the building has any historic designation.
- Tell us about tenants or businesses that need access during work.
- Note any leaks inside that line up with exterior brick.
- Expect us to protect windows and storefronts while we cut out joints.
Sussex Borough sits near Montague and Vernon as well, and our crews work all over Sussex County. To get your brick or steps looked at, request a free estimate.
