New York City’s historic buildings are more than just landmarks—they’re a part of the city’s identity. From Brooklyn’s brownstones to Manhattan’s iconic architecture, these structures hold stories and history worth preserving.
But when water damage strikes, it can threaten everything that makes them special.
Treating a building of historical significance for water damage can be daunting, but the right restoration service can reduce your repair costs and ensure your building is returned to its pre-damage condition.
Find out everything you need to know about historic building restoration here.
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Why are historic buildings more vulnerable to water damage?
The age of historic buildings and the availability of materials means they lack modern waterproofing techniques. Common vulnerabilities include:
- Porous Materials: Older buildings use brick, wood, and stone, which are porous materials that absorb and accumulate moisture over time.
- Aging Drainage Systems: Older roofs and drainage systems can struggle to divert water, so excess rainfall can cause water pools and leaks.
- Cracks and Settling: Natural settling and shifting can cause cracks in foundations and walls, providing pathways for water intrusion.
- Outdated Waterproofing: Buildings built in the 1800s and 1900s lack waterproofing features in today’s buildings. They’re more likely to experience damage over time, and this can lead to structural issues.
How does water damage impact historical buildings?
Water damage in New York City occurs for various reasons, including floods, natural disasters, storms, leaks, and sewage backups. While water damage can be devastating, older buildings often require immediate intervention.
Let’s take a look at how water damage can impact historical buildings.
Structural deterioration
Prolonged exposure to water can damage your building’s structural elements. For example, if there are wooden beams and flooring, water might reduce their load-bearing capacity to warping and rot. It’s also important to remember that brick, stone, and other masonry elements can accumulate water over time, which gradually impacts their structural integrity.
Aesthetic damage
The enduring appeal of historical buildings is due to their unique elements and character. Unfortunately, water damage can discolor the walls and increase the risks of mold growth. If not dealt with immediately, these issues will cause long-term damage to the building’s interior and exterior.
Lost value
Many people are willing to pay more for a historic building, whether for residential use or a restoration project. However, when water damage compromises the structure’s unique elements, it becomes less desirable and loses value.
Health hazards
Water damage increases the risks of mildew and mold growth, which can damage the health of occupants. People with current conditions like asthma and allergies might experience worse symptoms, but those without existing conditions can also develop respiratory illnesses.
What are the challenges in treating historic buildings for water damage?
The restoration process can be challenging for historic buildings due to their unique needs. Both property owners and remediation companies must take the following factors into account:
- Preservation Standards: Restoration services have to comply with regulations established by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and the National Register of Historic Places. This means taking steps to preserve the building’s original design.
- Material Matching: It’s also essential to source and use materials that match the building’s original elements. For example, window restoration in a historic building is often more complex than replacing a modern building’s windows due to limited material availability.
- Construction Methods: There’s no doubt that modern construction techniques are less time-consuming, but contractors must combine them with traditional methods for authenticity.
Restoring your NYC historic building
Treating a residential or commercial property of historical significance is often more challenging than treating newer buildings, but an experienced water damage restoration company can reduce your costs and ensure your property makes a full recovery.
Here’s how certified professionals can support your restoration project.
Assessing and documenting damage
Conducting a full inspection is key to identifying the root cause of water damage and preventing further issues. Remediation experts know how to assess damage and accurately document it, ensuring you can make an insurance claim.
Emergency measures
Water damage often has both immediate and long-term effects. Professional water damage restoration services in New York can safely address immediate threats by boarding up the windows and roof or turning off the water supply. They’ll also use specialist equipment to extract standing water.
Mold remediation
Mold and mildew spores thrive in dark and damp places that aren’t visible to the human eye. Mold removal experts specialize in eliminating the spores from your property and ensuring it’s safe for occupants.
Cleaning and sanitizing
Water damage can often cause distinct odors that standard cleaning solutions cannot treat. A dedicated team of restoration professionals has access to advanced sanitizers and deodorizers that freshen the property and eliminate any odors.
Salvaging your personal belongings
Your insurance company should pay for any unsalvageable belongings, but immediate intervention can sometimes salvage them. However, if any soft furnishings experience mold damage, the restoration company might recommend disposing of them.
Rebuilding
While general contractors can work on most buildings, it’s always a good idea to work with a company that has a network of specialists in historical reconstruction. These experts understand the importance of preserving your building’s unique character.
Future-proofing
As part of the water damage restoration process, the professionals will also assess your building for future vulnerabilities and take steps to mitigate them. This will reduce the property’s likelihood of experiencing water damage in the future.
Protect your historic property with Manhattan Flood Restoration
At Manhattan Flood Restoration, we understand how important it is to protect and restore historic buildings. Whether it’s a sudden flood or long-term water issues, we’re here to help preserve NYC’s history and keep these buildings standing strong for years to come.
With years of experience, we handle water damage with care, balancing modern restoration techniques with respect for historical craftsmanship.
With a talented team of professionals, we pride ourselves on offering outstanding services in the Big Apple and throughout New York. We understand the unique challenges associated with historic buildings and go out of our way to return your existing structures to their pre-loss condition.
Please contact our 24/7 emergency line at (800) 874-8146 to access our disaster recovery team or fill in the contact form to arrange a non-urgent on-site visit.
