Serving Middlesex & Middlesex County
Stoops, steps, retaining walls, brick and stone work, Belgian block and masonry repairs for Middlesex, NJ homes and businesses.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Middlesex, NJ
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry provides masonry services in Middlesex, NJ: front stoops and steps, retaining walls, brick and stone walls, pillars, Belgian block curbing, stucco and parging, and repointing and repairs. We build on proper footings with drainage behind walls, and we match existing materials on repairs.
In Middlesex we rebuild a lot of front stoops and steps, repair foundation walls and parging, and build small retaining walls and planters.
Middlesex is mostly post-war capes, ranches and split-levels on modest lots, where single-width driveways, front stoops and walkways are reaching the end of their life. Masonry in New Jersey has to survive freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salt, so we focus on footings below frost depth, the right mortar for the brick or stone, and details that shed water.
Key facts
Problems we solve
These are the issues we’re called about most in Middlesex and nearby Middlesex County: some are specific to local soils, terrain and housing, others are common across New Jersey.
What you seeWet basements, water against foundations and driveways that hold water after storms.
Why it happensFlat terrain near a flood-prone brook, with high groundwater during heavy storms.
How we fix itRe-pitching driveways and patios away from the house, extending downspouts, and interior drainage with sump pumps and battery backups.
How to prevent itTest sump pumps before storm season and keep drains clear.
What you seeCars parked on the street or lawn, and narrow cracked drives.
Why it happensPost-war lots designed for one car.
How we fix itWidening within borough rules and replacing on a proper base.
How to prevent itAsk us to check the width rules before you plan.
What you seePatches of coating missing from the foundation exterior.
Why it happensAge and moisture on older homes.
How we fix itRemove loose parging and re-parge on a prepared surface, fixing grading so water drains away.
How to prevent itKeep mulch and soil below the parging line.
What you seeBluestone or brick treads rock when stepped on, and caps have popped off.
Why it happensFailed mortar bed, water freezing beneath the tread, and salt damage.
How we fix itWe lift the treads, clean and rebuild the mortar bed, reset them level with a slight forward pitch, and repoint the joints.
How to prevent itRepoint failing joints early and pitch treads so water runs off.
What you seeWhite powdery deposits on brick, block or stone.
Why it happensWater moving through masonry and carrying salts to the surface. It’s a sign of moisture.
How we fix itWe clean it properly and, more importantly, find and stop the water source.
How to prevent itGood caps, flashing and drainage.
What you seeMud stains and soil pouring through the joints after rain.
Why it happensNo filter fabric or drainage aggregate behind the wall.
How we fix itWe rebuild with clean drainage stone wrapped in filter fabric so water passes through and soil stays put.
How to prevent itNever backfill a wall with clay.
Loose caps, a few cracked bricks and worn mortar joints can usually be repaired by repointing and resetting. If a stoop is pulling away from the house, a wall is leaning, or water has gotten inside the structure and is freezing, a rebuild on a proper footing is the lasting fix. We’ll show you what we see and quote both options when it’s close.
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.
Flat terrain and the borough’s history of flooding along the Green Brook make drainage and basement water control especially important here. Retaining walls fail from water pressure behind them, so every wall we build gets a compacted base, a level first course, clean drainage stone behind the wall, a perforated drain at the base and geogrid reinforcement on taller walls. Read why quality wall construction matters.
Plan with confidence
Reviews
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
My sister hired Old Irish for cellar stairs and basement wall work. They arrived early, never left until 5 or after, and always cleaned up. They also told her about leakage inside her foundation and did a great job fixing it.
— Connie B., Google review
★★★★★
Last fall the Old Irish Paving crew repaired our front slate porch and our paver walkway and they did a great job! They came back to complete a minor repair and we are very happy. We are considering using them again for another project.
— Kathleen N., Google review
FAQ
Yes. We repoint mortar joints, replace damaged brick, reset loose caps and stones, and match materials and mortar color as closely as possible.
Many towns, including in Middlesex County, require permits for stoop replacement, railings and retaining walls over a certain height. We’ll check Middlesex’s requirements during your estimate.
Yes. Along with paving, we provide basement waterproofing and drainage corrections such as regrading, downspout extensions and re-pitching driveways and patios away from the house.
Typically 3–6 working days including demolition, footing, masonry and finishing.
Water gets under the tread, freezes and breaks the mortar bed. Resetting on a fresh bed with a slight forward pitch and good joints solves it.
When mortar joints are recessed, sandy or missing. Repointing with compatible mortar protects the brick and stops water getting in.
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
