Water Damage, Mold and Restoration Companies in the Elmira and Corning, New York Area

What Makes Elmira and Corning, New York Different

Elmira and Corning sit along the Chemung River, and the river has shaped both cities. In June 1972 the flood from Agnes covered large parts of Elmira, Corning and the towns between them. Levees now protect much of the valley, but low neighborhoods and homes near creeks can still flood in heavy rain. Floodwater from outside is always contaminated, and a standard homeowners policy does not cover it.

Winters bring snow, ice and many freeze and thaw cycles. Ice dams form along the eaves of older homes with little attic insulation, and meltwater backs up under the shingles into ceilings and walls. Pipes in exterior walls and unheated basements freeze and split, and the leak usually shows up when things warm up.

Much of the housing is old, built long before 1978. Lead paint is common, and old plaster, boiler pipe wrap and floor tile may contain asbestos, so test before you tear anything out. Old stone and block basements seep in wet seasons, so a sump pump with a battery backup and a dehumidifier prevent a lot of damage.