New Jersey paving & masonry contractor
Crack repair, block and stone foundation wall restoration and the drainage fixes that stop foundation problems from coming back.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Overview
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry repairs foundations in New Jersey, including leaking and structural cracks, deteriorated mortar in block and stone foundations, bowing or damaged wall sections, and crumbling parging. We also correct the water and drainage problems that usually cause foundation damage in the first place.
Foundations in New Jersey face clay soils that swell and shrink, freeze-thaw cycles and heavy storms. Small cracks are common as houses age, but cracks that widen, leak, or come with sticking doors, sloping floors or bowing walls need attention before the damage grows.
Our crew has decades of masonry experience with poured concrete, concrete block and the fieldstone and brick foundations found in many older New Jersey homes.
Key facts
Problems we solve
Most calls we get start with a problem, not a project. Here are the issues New Jersey homeowners and property managers bring to us most often, what causes them, and how we fix them for good.
What you seeSand and mortar falling from an older fieldstone or brick foundation.
Why it happensOld lime mortar washing out over decades.
How we fix itRepointing with compatible mortar, rebuilding loose areas, and parging where appropriate.
How to prevent itKeep water away and don’t use hard cement mortar on soft historic masonry.
What you seeDamp odors, mildew on stored items, high humidity.
Why it happensMoisture wicking through walls and floors, or minor leaks.
How we fix itFind and fix the water source, add drainage if needed, and recommend a dehumidifier.
How to prevent itKeep humidity below 50–60%.
What you seeThe stucco-like coating on the outside of the foundation is cracking off.
Why it happensAge, freeze-thaw and poor bonding.
How we fix itWe remove the loose parging and reapply on a prepared surface.
How to prevent itKeep soil and mulch below the parging line.
What you seeThe pump cycles nonstop, the pit overflows, or the basement floods when the power goes out.
Why it happensUndersized pump, a failed check valve, discharge too close to the house, or no backup.
How we fix itWe correct the discharge line, upsize or replace the pump and recommend a battery backup.
How to prevent itTest the pump each spring and fall.
What you seeCracked cellar stairs and leaking or crumbling bulkhead walls.
Why it happensWater collecting in the stairwell, missing drains and age.
How we fix itRebuild stairs and walls with a drain at the bottom and a proper cover.
How to prevent itKeep the stairwell drain clear.
What you seeWater pours in through basement windows during storms.
Why it happensWindow wells with no drain, filled with debris or soil.
How we fix itWe install drainage in the well, connect it to the footing drain, and add covers.
How to prevent itKeep wells clear and covered.
Where an issue calls for structural engineering, such as significant bowing or settlement, we recommend an engineer’s evaluation and work to their specifications.
Our process
Tom or a family member walks the property, measures, checks drainage and talks through materials and budget.
You get a clear, itemised quote covering excavation, base depth, materials, finish and clean-up. No pressure.
Our own crew excavates, builds the compacted base and installs the surface using quality materials.
We clean up, walk the finished job with you, explain aftercare and stand behind the work.
| Crack type | What it usually means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Thin vertical crack in poured concrete | Shrinkage; may leak | Low (seal if leaking) |
| Diagonal crack from a window corner | Settlement stress | Monitor; seal and evaluate |
| Stair-step crack in block | Settlement or soil pressure | Evaluate soon |
| Horizontal crack in block | Soil or water pressure pushing the wall | Evaluate promptly |
| Wall bowing inward | Ongoing pressure | Urgent: engineering likely needed |
A repaired crack will crack again if the pressure that caused it remains. We check gutters, downspouts, grading, window wells and nearby paving, because driveways and patios pitched toward the house are a common, overlooked cause, and we fix the water problem along with the wall.
Plan with confidence
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| Spring | Inspect walls after the thaw. |
| Summer | Best season for exterior work. |
| Fall | Fix gutters. |
| Winter | Watch for new cracks and leaks. |
Reviews
★★★★★
Tom, his son, and their crew replaced our front walkway and steps and repaired a foundation wall on our home. They were here on time every morning and cleaned up before they left for the day. The quality of their work is outstanding.
— Kate L., Google review
★★★★★
I couldn't be happier with the work Old Irish Paving did on my driveway! The team was professional, efficient, and the quality of their work is outstanding. They made the whole process stress-free from start to finish.
— Angel G., Google review
★★★★★
Old Irish put in a patio for us and we are extremely happy with the patio and their service. They were very responsive and got the job done very quickly. The patio and concrete pad underneath our hot tub look amazing!
— Alyssa M., Google review
FAQ
Thin vertical shrinkage cracks in poured concrete are common and usually not structural, though they can leak. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block, or cracks that keep widening need professional evaluation.
Water is the main cause: saturated clay soils, poor grading, clogged gutters and freeze-thaw cycles put pressure on foundation walls.
Yes. We repoint and rebuild fieldstone and brick foundations with compatible mortars.
Repairing cracks stops leaks at those points. Managing water around the house with grading, drainage and waterproofing prevents new problems.
Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block, cracks wider than about 1/8 inch, or cracks that are growing should be evaluated promptly.
Not on its own. Paint can’t hold back water pressure. The water needs to be managed with drainage, crack repair and grading.
In New Jersey, yes. Storms that cause flooding often cause power outages too.
Free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your driveway, patio, steps or masonry project. Tom or a member of the family will call you back promptly to book a free on-site visit and a written quote.
Prefer to talk? (908) 992-2345
