Client: Boston Properties Inc. Project Date: June 15, 2024 – Ongoing Location: 601 Lexington Ave., New York, NY Malatesta Paladino is currently
Since 1985, Malatesta Paladino has been one of New York City’s most trusted waterproofing contractors, protecting commercial buildings from water infiltration, moisture damage, and surface deterioration. In addition to waterproofing, our team delivers expert caulking and traffic-bearing membrane services — giving building owners a single, reliable contractor for complete building envelope protection.
New York City’s climate puts commercial buildings under constant stress. As a result of heavy rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and groundwater pressure, even well-constructed buildings can develop water infiltration problems over time. Furthermore, when moisture penetrates a building’s structure, it accelerates concrete deterioration, corrodes embedded steel, promotes mold growth, and leads to costly interior damage.
Proactive waterproofing is therefore one of the most cost-effective investments a commercial property owner can make. Rather than waiting for damage to become visible, addressing vulnerabilities in the building envelope early prevents far more expensive repairs down the line.
Many waterproofing problems begin as small, easy-to-overlook issues — and then worsen rapidly without intervention. Watch for these warning signs:
When staining appears after rainfall, it typically indicates active water infiltration through the building envelope or roof.
White mineral deposits on exterior or interior surfaces are a clear sign that water is moving through the structure and depositing minerals as it evaporates.
Around windows, joints, and masonry seams, deteriorated sealant is one of the most direct paths for water to enter a building.
Poor drainage or failed waterproofing membranes allow water to pond, which accelerates surface and structural deterioration below.
These conditions often indicate moisture infiltration that has been occurring for some time, even when the source isn't immediately visible.
Brown streaking on concrete exteriors or parking structures signals that embedded steel is corroding due to moisture exposure — a serious structural concern that requires prompt attention.
We are a trusted waterproofing contractors in Manhattan. Our waterproofing solutions are designed to protect foundations, below-grade structures, plazas, and exposed concrete surfaces from water intrusion. Specifically, we work with a range of proven, high-performance systems, including:
Each system is selected based on the specific conditions, exposure, and performance requirements of your project. Consequently, every installation is built for long-term durability rather than a short-term fix.
Caulking is often the first line of defense against water infiltration in a commercial building. However, sealants degrade over time due to UV exposure, thermal movement, and age — and failed joints are one of the most common entry points for moisture. Our caulking services include:
Because joint failures are often invisible until water damage has already occurred, regular inspection and timely recaulking are essential for any commercial building in New York City.
For high-traffic surfaces such as parking decks, plaza decks, walkways, and rooftop terraces, standard waterproofing alone is not sufficient. Instead, traffic-bearing membrane systems are required — these are reinforced, flexible membrane assemblies engineered to withstand both vehicular or pedestrian loads and continuous exposure to water, chemicals, and UV light. Our traffic-bearing membrane services include:
In addition to protecting the structure below, properly installed traffic-bearing membranes extend the service life of the deck surface and reduce long-term maintenance costs significantly.
Malatesta Paladino provides waterproofing, caulking, and traffic-bearing membrane services across a wide range of commercial building applications:
Protecting underground structures from hydrostatic pressure and groundwater infiltration
Waterproofing occupied and unoccupied spaces beneath elevated concrete decks
Vehicular-grade membrane systems for open and enclosed parking decks
Waterproofing and wearing course systems for accessible rooftop surfaces
Perimeter and movement joint sealing as part of broader facade restoration work
Waterproofing membrane installation over subsurface vault structures
In business since 1985, with deep knowledge of New York City's building stock, climate conditions, and regulatory environment.
Rather than relying on a single product or approach, our team selects the waterproofing system best suited to each specific application and exposure condition.
In addition to waterproofing, our services include facade restoration, structural reinforcing, and caulking — so building owners can address multiple needs with one trusted contractor.
Recognized by the Better Business Bureau for consistent quality and professionalism.
Successfully completed waterproofing and membrane projects at major NYC commercial properties
Because most Manhattan, NYC commercial buildings remain occupied during construction, our team works efficiently and safely to keep impact on tenants and operations to a minimum.
Damp-proofing resists moisture vapor but is not designed to withstand hydrostatic water pressure. Waterproofing, on the other hand, provides a fully continuous barrier against liquid water penetration — even under pressure. For most commercial building applications in Manhattan, NYC, particularly below-grade structures and plaza decks, true waterproofing is required rather than damp-proofing.
The lifespan of caulking depends on the material used, the exposure conditions, and the amount of building movement at the joint. Generally speaking, most exterior caulking on NYC commercial buildings should be inspected every three to five years and replaced as needed. In high-movement joints or areas with significant UV exposure, more frequent replacement may be necessary.
A traffic-bearing membrane is a reinforced waterproofing system specifically engineered to withstand the loads imposed by pedestrian or vehicular traffic. It is typically required on parking decks, plaza decks, rooftop terraces, and any other waterproofed surface that will be subjected to regular foot or vehicle traffic. Standard waterproofing membranes are not rated for traffic and will fail prematurely if used in these applications.
The right system depends on several factors, including the type of structure, the source and direction of water pressure, the exposure conditions, and whether the space below is occupied. As a result, a proper assessment by an experienced waterproofing contractor is essential before specifying a system. Malatesta Paladino conducts thorough on-site evaluations and recommends the most appropriate solution for each project.
Yes. Waterproofing is a critical component of vaulted sidewalk repair and replacement in NYC. In fact, failed waterproofing is one of the primary causes of vault deterioration. Our team installs traffic-bearing membrane systems specifically designed for vaulted sidewalk applications, coordinating this work as part of broader vault repair or replacement projects.
In most cases, yes. Many waterproofing applications — particularly exterior and below-grade work — can be completed while a building remains occupied. However, some applications such as hot-applied membrane systems may require temporary access restrictions due to fumes or equipment. Our team communicates clearly with building management throughout the project to minimize any disruption.
Whether your building has an active leak, a failed parking deck membrane, deteriorated caulking, or a waterproofing project coming up as part of a larger renovation, Malatesta Paladino is ready to help. As experienced waterproofing contractors serving NYC since 1985, we provide on-site assessments with honest recommendations and no obligation.
Call (718) 523-5656 or fill out the contact form to schedule your assessment today.
Client: Boston Properties Inc. Project Date: June 15, 2024 – Ongoing Location: 601 Lexington Ave., New York, NY Malatesta Paladino is currently
Client: Boston Properties Project Date: January 15, 2024 – Ongoing Location: 90 Church St., New York, NY Malatesta Paladino is currently engaged
Project Date: December 15, 2023 Client: CMJ Lynbrook LLCLocation: 368 Ocean Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563 Malatesta Paladino undertook a