Lake-effect snowmelt
Huge snow loads melting in March push water against walls across western and central New York.
Interior Drainage SystemsNortheast & Mid-Atlantic · NY
Basement waterproofing in New York
Upstate New York has cold winters, heavy lake-effect snow near Lakes Erie and Ontario and deep frost; downstate has milder winters but intense summer storms. Soils range from heavy glacial clays around Buffalo and Rochester to sandy outwash on Long Island.
Free referral · New York
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What kinds of foundations do homes in New York have?
Upstate cities have many century-old homes on stone and brick and mid-century homes on block. New York City rowhouses and brownstones have brick or stone cellars, and Long Island homes are mostly poured concrete or block on sandy soil.
What basement and foundation problems are most common in New York?
Bowing block in clay soil
Clay soils upstate swell and freeze against block walls, causing horizontal cracks.
Bowing Basement Wall RepairUrban sewer backup
During cloudbursts in older city systems, water can back up through floor drains; backwater valves help.
Sump Pump Installation & RepairWhich New York cities have local guides?
Which parts of New York are covered?
- New York City
- Buffalo
- Rochester
- Yonkers
- Syracuse
- Albany
- Long Island
What do New York homeowners ask most?
Does my contractor need a license in New York?
It depends on where you live. New York City and several downstate counties require a home-improvement license; much of upstate relies on local permits instead. Ask for the license or registration number that applies to your county or city.
Why does water come up my basement floor drain in heavy rain?
In older neighborhoods, storm and sewer flows can share pipes. When the system is overwhelmed, water backs up to the lowest opening, often a basement floor drain. A backwater valve installed by a licensed plumber is the standard fix.
Where can I verify this information about New York?
- 1NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information: U.S. Climate NormalsAverage precipitation, snowfall and temperatures for weather stations near New York.
- 2USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Web Soil SurveyLook up soil drainage class and shrink-swell potential for any lot in New York.
- 3U.S. Census Bureau: QuickFactsHousing and population facts for New York, including the age of local housing stock.
- 4FEMA: Flood Map Service CenterCheck whether a property in New York is in a mapped flood zone before finishing a basement.
- 5Federal Trade Commission: Hiring a ContractorWhat to check before hiring: licensing, insurance, written estimates and payment terms.
Wet basement or cracked foundation in New York?
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent waterproofing contractor, who may call or text you back about your request at the number you call from. Calls may be recorded for quality and routing. Consent is not a condition of any purchase; you can opt out at any time, and message and data rates may apply. Privacy policy.