Masonry Contractor in Washington Heights, Manhattan

What Masonry Work Do Washington Heights Buildings Need?

The work splits between retaining walls on the hillsides, parapets and lintels on pre war apartment buildings, and entrance details on row houses. Each has its own failure pattern, and each needs a different repair. We look at what the wall is doing before we recommend anything.

Washington Heights climbs steeply from the river on both sides, and many lots are held back by walls of brick, stone or concrete block. When those walls lean or bulge, water behind them is usually the cause. The wall moves a little each winter and a little more each spring.

The five and six story buildings carry their own masonry load. Brick parapets, stone sills and steel lintels above windows rust and crack with age, and the damage can pass unnoticed from street level.

Do Retaining Walls and Facade Repairs Need City Approval?

Often. Retaining walls and structural work can need Department of Buildings permits, and buildings taller than six stories fall under Local Law 11 facade inspections. Work on a historic block can need Landmarks review. We never treat a structural job as permit free. Confirm current rules with the city.

Jumel Terrace and Audubon Terrace are historic districts inside this neighborhood. Visible changes there, such as a rebuilt wall or a new entrance surround, can require approval. We raise that with you at the estimate stage.

Where a wall holds up a public sidewalk or sits beside it, the sidewalk above may crack as the wall moves. That is a separate issue with its own rules, and our sidewalk violations guide covers the owner side.

Who inspects a retaining wall?

A licensed engineer does, when a wall shows movement. We repair what the engineer specifies and can work from a drawing.