Living on an island, you can usually expect to have some type of water damage problems. You would think that a technologically developed island like Manhattan might have some water damage prevention methods to help you avoid flooding in your home, apartment or business, and it does. The city, however, has a population of over eight million and Manhattan Island has a drainage system that doesn't always function the way that you would want it to.

For those of you who are not from Manhattan, the island is separated into about a dozen distinctly different neighborhoods that all have a history and an identity. The development of Manhattan has been a part of American history since it was first purchased from Native American Indians for a handful of shells. They didn't have to worry about water damage. The island was never really developed at that time.

During the American Revolution, Manhattan, and the entire city of New York, was considered a strategic prize by both British and Continental troops. Homes on the island at that point were fairly primitive and water damage would be prevalent after every storm. There were also a number of diseases and fatalities attributed to poor sanitary conditions. Many of these were the result of water damage and poor sewage and waste removal.

During the Civil War, Manhattan was actually bombarded by American warships during a riot that was caused by the Union draft and poor economic conditions inside the city. The shelling left many homes and buildings broken and cracked, vulnerable to water damage. Years later, during the industrial revolution, this led to the need for demolition of most of these structures and the building of new buildings.

Water damage in Manhattan continued to be a problem for the next Century. The waterfront, always a danger spot, takes on pretty significant water damage to this day. The neighborhoods closest to the river and Long Island Sound are constantly fighting a battle with poor sewage and drainage and the gradual destruction of waterfront properties and structures.

Winter in Manhattan also brings its share of water damage problems. Heavy snow and pipes bursting as a result of freezing temperatures cause basements and rooftops to leak and develop mold and mildew. The cracks that emerge in foundations as a result of expanding and contracting let in rodents and insects that seek shelter and food during the long winter season.

Proofing your home against water damage is a simple matter of contacting a water damage professional. There are many on Manhattan and more throughout the rest of the boroughs of New York. Have your home winterized to avoid problems and, with older structures, you may want to look at replacing your plumbing and adding some modern insulation. Many of the buildings in Manhattan were built over one hundred years ago and need some serious refurbishing. Have your property inspected for potential weak spots: roofs, gutters, downspouts, basements. All of these are problem areas and all of them can be repaired or refurbished to prevent water damage.