Above-Grade Waterproofing for New York City Towers, Co-ops, Hospitals & Lofts
Commercial Waterproofing Contractors in New York, NY
Few places push water into a building envelope as hard as New York City. Wind speeds increase with height, so rain hits upper floors of towers sideways and finds every open joint. Nor’easters can soak a facade for days, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the remnants of Ida in 2021 showed how fast storm water can overwhelm buildings, and winter freeze-thaw widens any crack that water already reached. Summer heat and humidity then age the sealants and coatings that are supposed to keep it all out.
Presto Restoration has more than 25 years of experience in above-grade commercial waterproofing. In New York City, our crews reseal expansion joints, window perimeters and curtain walls, coat parapets, setbacks and terraces with silicone and elastomeric systems and protect masonry with breathable repellents on office towers, co-op and condo buildings, hospitals, universities and converted lofts. We also make our own restoration products, including Glass Defender for glass and Leach Stop for precast concrete.
OUR COMMERCIAL WATERPROOFING SERVICES IN NEW YORK CITY
We handle every kind of above-grade waterproofing on New York City buildings, from a leaking terrace door to a full envelope program on a high-rise.
Core Waterproofing Services
Expansion and control joints let tall buildings move with temperature, wind and settlement. As sealant ages, it tears and lets water into the structure. We remove failed joint materials, rebuild damaged edges and install sealants or preformed joint systems sized for the movement, and we rout and seal active cracks.
Window perimeters cause many leaks in New York apartments and offices. Sun, cold and wind-driven rain crack the sealant or pull it from the frame. We replace perimeter seals, reseal mullion joints and fix gaskets, and stained glass can be restored and protected with Glass Defender.
Setbacks, terraces, parapets, balconies and ledges collect rain and snow, and freeze-thaw cracks them open. We apply high-solids silicone coatings that tolerate ponding water, stay flexible in the cold and resist UV.
Many older New York office towers rely on dry glazing gaskets that have shrunk and hardened, letting wind-driven rain into the frame. Wet glazing adds a continuous silicone seal between glass and frame, stopping leaks without replacing the windows.
Concrete, stucco and EIFS walls crack with age and movement, and every crack lets water in. Elastomeric coatings span the cracks and flex as the wall moves, applied at full thickness after larger cracks are repaired.
Brick, brownstone, limestone and precast absorb rain that freezes and breaks them apart. Breathable water repellents cut that absorption while letting moisture escape, applied after cracks and joints are repaired.
Specialized Restoration-Waterproofing
Beyond sealing, Presto restores the glass, metal, stone and concrete beneath, using products we make in-house, so cleaning, repair and waterproofing happen in one project.
Precast panels leach natural salts that leave white streaks as water dries. Leach Stop is our treatment designed to reduce this. We clean deposits, treat the panels and reseal the joints.
Metal panels, Alucobond cladding, coping and curtain wall frames rely on sealant at every joint, and metal moves sharply between seasons. We replace failed sealants with products made for metal movement and reseal every lap and fastener.
Our Commercial Waterproofing Process in New York City
Each New York City waterproofing project follows five steps, and you see our findings and the cost before work begins.
Building Envelope Inspection
We review joints, glazing, coatings, flashings, terraces and penetrations on every elevation.
Diagnostic Testing
Water testing and moisture readings confirm the real entry point before repairs are planned.
Scope & Specification
We choose products rated for the building’s height, exposure and temperature range, and write a clear scope.
Waterproofing Installation
Trained crews install each system to manufacturer requirements in suitable weather.
Project Closeout & Warranty
You receive photos, product data and warranty documents.
Talk to Presto About Waterproofing Your New York City Building
Leaks during storms, damp walls or caulking that is cracking and pulling loose? Call us or request a quote, and our team will respond to discuss your New York City building.
Why New York City Property Managers Choose Presto for Commercial Waterproofing
With more than 25 years of experience across the country, Presto knows how wind-driven rain behaves on tall buildings, which sealants last through New York winters and how to work around residents, tenants and busy sidewalks.
Our Local New York, NY Support Network
Waterproofing lasts longest when the building gets steady care the rest of the year. Presto connects New York owners with a local support network for everyday upkeep.
For routine upkeep and everyday facility support, owners can also contact our sister companies:
Building Restoration New York: Hands-on exterior repairs for New York City buildings.
Building Maintenance New York: Scheduled maintenance that keeps small problems from becoming leaks.
Building Services New York: General commercial building support across the five boroughs.
Recent Waterproofing Projects in New York
NEW YORK PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
Browse Presto’s New York State waterproofing and caulking work.
New York City Commercial Waterproofing FAQs
How often should sealants be replaced on a New York City building?
Most commercial sealants last about 10 to 15 years. Joints on upper floors and sun- or wind-exposed elevations usually fail first, so a check between facade inspections is worthwhile.
What is the difference between waterproofing and water damage repair?
Waterproofing stops water at the exterior. Water damage repair fixes what water has already harmed inside. We focus on stopping the water so interior repairs do not have to be repeated.
Can waterproofing be done while the building is occupied?
Yes. Almost all of our work is done from the outside, so residents and tenants stay in place, and noisy tasks are scheduled around building rules.
What is the difference between elastomeric coatings and water repellents?
Elastomeric coatings form a flexible film that bridges cracks and changes the wall’s look. Water repellents soak into masonry and block water invisibly. Brownstone, limestone and historic brick usually need a breathable repellent.
How do I know if waterproofing can wait another year?
Leaks during storms, damp walls or split caulking are reasons to act now, because each winter refreezes the water already in the wall. If sealants are still flexible and nothing leaks, planned replacement over the next few seasons is usually fine.
Can waterproofing work be done in a New York winter?
Most sealants and coatings need about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to cure, so the main season runs spring through fall, with emergency repairs possible in winter.
Other New York City Building Restoration Services
Keep Water Out of Your New York City Building
A single failed joint on an upper floor can soak several apartments or offices below. Tell us what you are noticing, and we will help you get it sealed.
Call us today at 1-800-785-9927 or click Request A Quote.