Cranford is a township built around its train station and downtown, with the Rahway River winding through the middle of town. Many streets are lined with Victorians, foursquares, colonials and bungalows from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s, often on narrow, deep lots. Lower areas near the river have flooded in major storms, which makes foundations and drainage as important here as curb appeal.
Porches and front steps
Older Cranford houses tend to have a front porch with brick piers or a raised stoop with several steps. After a century of frost, the mortar wears out and the treads tip toward the walk. We rebuild steps in brick, stone or concrete steps with bluestone treads and add railings that suit the porch.
The goal on a historic-looking home is a repair that does not look new and out of place. We match brick color, joint width and tread thickness to the original details where possible.
Keeping basements dry
Cranford’s river history is well known, and even homes well away from the banks can take on water during heavy rain. Foundations here are often old block, brick or fieldstone. Our approach starts outside: gutters, downspout extensions and the pitch of the soil and walks around the house. Inside, we seal active cracks and offer basement waterproofing where the walls themselves let water through.
Brick and chimneys
Brick chimneys and foundations on older homes lose mortar first at the top and at grade. Tuckpointing replaces those joints before water gets behind the face and loosens the brick.
Planning notes for Cranford
- Flood areas. If your lot is in a mapped flood zone, flood zone rules may apply to new structures and grading.
- Permits. The township building department reviews steps, walls and other structural work.
- Narrow lots. Side yards are tight, so we plan deliveries and staging with your neighbors in mind.
We also serve nearby Garwood, Kenilworth and Westfield, and the rest of Union County. To have a porch, foundation or set of steps looked at, schedule a free estimate.
