
Wooden Rooftop Water Tanks: Familiar Fixtures of NYC Skyline
Wooden rooftop water tanks are common features of the New York City skyline. The barrel-like, cone-roofed structures first appeared on city rooftops in the late 19th century, and have been an integral part of New York’s water system ever since.
After the Civil War, New York flourished and tall buildings began to crop up around the city. Because New York is built on shallow bedrock, natural water pressure was too low to raise water to the upper stories of these buildings, so rooftop tanks were introduced. Nowadays, electric pumps that are commonly used in U.S. cities are impractical with New York’s aged infrastructure, and rooftop tanks still provide the ideal solution to the city’s water needs.
The first rooftop water tanks were constructed by barrel makers, and even today about 99% are still made of wood. Steel tanks can cost up to four times more, require far more maintenance, and can impart a metallic taste to the water. Wood has natural insulating properties, keeping water cool in summer and preventing freezing in winter.
There are only two companies that currently build water tanks in New York. These “tankmen”, as they’re known, can construct the body of a tank in as little as two hours, setting boards in place using only a hammer and a rope. Tank walls, made from either cedar or California redwood and held together by cables or “hoops”, leak when first filled. As the wood becomes soaked, it swells and the tank becomes impermeable. No sealant is necessary.
The average rooftop water tank is about 10-12 feet high and stores 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of water. As water is used and levels drop, a pump is triggered and the tank is refilled. Water used for drinking and bathing is siphoned from the top of the water. Water in the lower half, where sediment settles, is reserved to fight fires.
Tank maintenance is a straightforward process that takes about six hours and causes little inconvenience to building residents. Water is drained and the interior is scrubbed with a chlorine solution. The tank is refilled, a second chlorine solution is added, allowed to soak, then flushed out. Switches are lubricated, holes are caulked, and hoops are tightened. The supporting structure also requires maintenance – mostly scraping and painting – on a regular basis. Rooftop water tanks have an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years, and when particularly well-maintained tanks can last as much as 30% longer.
Though rooftop water tank technology was developed more than 150 years ago, New York’s reliance on them is not expected to change any time soon. The method is simple, inexpensive, effective, and well-suited to existing city infrastructure. R. Baker & Son has been involved in a number of renovation and demolition projects in which rooftop water tanks have been relocated or dismantled. Though they look like relics of the past, rooftop tanks will undoubtedly remain a customary fixture of the New York cityscape for many years to come.
About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery..
Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Facebook: facebook.com/Demolition.Rigging
Full News Archive
2022
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- Rigging, Dismantling & Demolition Project Safety
- Baker Performs Multi Heat Exchanger Changeout
- Preconstruction Services
- Asset Recovery: Refurbished Parts and Equipment in High Demand
- Weekend Standby Generator Replacement
- R. Baker & Son: Rigging Project Consultation
- Interior Demolition: Epoxy Floor Removal
- Pilot Plant Demolition Project
- Decommissioning and Dismantling of HVAC Equipment - Pharma
- History of the Versatile Skid Steer Loader
- Qualified Rigging Contractor In Writing
2021
- Organization Mobilization
- Every Demolition Project Needs a Quality Control Plan
- Rigging & Assembly Made Efficient by Color Coding
- Demolition, Asset Recovery, and the Supply Chain
- Innovation in Rigging Helps Preconstruction
- Safe, Successful Demolition Projects Start with Good Planning
- Hurricane Ida Ground Stabilization
- We are a NYC Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise
- Architectural Salvage During Demolition
- Rigging Plan Consulting
- Interior Demo - Making Way For New Manufacturing Facility
- Zero Punch List - Demolition
- R. Baker & Son Process Tank Repair Project
- Selective Demolition in Medical School Building
- R. Baker & Son Provides a Wide Range of Environmental Services
- Emergency Generator Repair at NJ Hospital
- Requirements of Selective Demolition in Healthcare Facilities
- R. Baker & Son Demo Team Completes Partial Plant Demolition
- Rigging and Anchoring Heavy Machinery and Equipment
- Baker Completes Selective Demolition Project on Christmas Eve
- 3D Rigging Using BIM
- Stainless Steel Tank Rigging Project Saved by Plan B
- Taking On Diverse Tasks on Renovation and Construction Projects
2020
- Crane & Rigging Operations and Safety During Winter
- Demolition Safety: Structural Shoring and Bracing
- Emergency Warehouse Demolition
- Rigging & Assembly Teams Install Pharma Fill Line
- Planning A Rigging Project w/ BIM
- Expert in NYC Curtain Wall Dismantling and Demolition
- Interior Demo: Mid-Project Changes Save Time and Money
- Site-Specific Safety Plan
- R. Baker Workers Trained In Heat Related Illness
- Tank Rigging Project
- The Skid Steer Loader, Workhorse of the Demolition Industry
- Baker Handles Pharma Rigging Project with TLC
- Innovative Approach to Clean Air on Demo Project
- Proper Radio Communication on Construction Sites
- Demolition and Closing the Gap
- Rigging and Setting the Final Pieces of Process Equipment
2019
- Quick Mobilization on Interior Demolition Project
- Rigging Prefab in Sequence
- Rigging Team Assists in Green Roof Installation
- Everyone Loves Demolition Day!
- Successful Plant Relocation
- Storing and Rigging Specialized Bio-Equipment for New Laboratory
- Reuse & Value Engineering
- Rigging and Assembly on HVAC Upgrade Project
- Fundamentals of Rigging
- Why CPR and First Aid Training is Critical in Construction
- Hospital Renovation Project
- Demolition Contractor: Earning and Keeping Our Great Reputation
- Rigging Setting the Final Pieces of Process Equipment
- Demolition Project Goes Underground
- Copper Recycling Offsets Dismantling Project Costs
- CUP Multi-Phase Selective Demolition Project: Demo by Color
- Rigging Safety Guidelines
- R. Baker Salvages Fixtures for Reuse on Plant Consolidation
- Safety Planning for Rigging and Demolition Projects
2018
- Rigging Process Equipment Narrow Shaft
- Demolition Equipment Maintenance SOP
- Module Rigging & Installation
- Challenging Duct Demolition
- Counting Cranes to Forecast Construction Growth
- Demo Protection
- Plant Relocation Specialists
- Baker Works w/ MEP Engineers to Accelerate Plant Relocation
- Fire Protection Requirements in Demolition
- Rigging Equipment - Plan of Control
- Confined Space Construction Rule
- Scrap Metal Prices Are On The Rise
- Virtual Reality The Future of Crane & Rigging Training?
- Rigging, Hoisting & Heavy Equipment Careers
- Substantial Cost Savings in Space Repurposing Project
- Demolition: A Little Ingenuity Goes a Long Way
2017
- Substation & Mechanical Selective Demolition: Out With the Old
- Colossal Claw Revolutionizes Rigging of Sunken Oil Rigs
- Kosciusko Bridge Demolition UPDATE
- Innovative Plan in Manhattan High Rise Project
- Cleanroom Demolition
- Tower Crane Luffing Jib
- Coming to a Demolition Site Near You: ZeroG Tool Arm
- Cleanroom Demolition
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Demolition
- Environmental Cleanup
- Dust, Noise, Vibration and Odor
- Demolition by Implosion
- Fortune 100 Selective Demolition
- IRAs Seven Rs for Asset Recovery
- Demolition: What's Your Approach?
- Hazardous Noise in Rigging and Demolition
- NYCs Busy Kosciuszko Bridge to be Imploded Summer 2017
- What is a Critical Lift?
- Rigging Near Overhead Powerlines
2016
- Compact Boom Lifts Fit Through Standard Doorways
- Rigging of Modular Prefab Pharmaceutical Plants
- Dismantling Clean and Green
- Hydraulics: The Force Behind Rigging & Demolition
- Surgical Industrial Dismantling
- 3D Rigging and Routing
- Construction Machinery at NJ's Diggerland
- The Demolition Environment
- Rigging Inspection
- Demolition and Lead-Based Paint: Safe Practices for Cutting Steel
- Fall Protection
- Demo Project Bid Leveling Sheets: What is Included and Excluded Can Make All the
- NYC Demolition a Wellspring of Architectural Salvage
- Calculating Interior Demolition Costs
- Total Demolition, Stadium-Style
- Industrial Rigging A Wind Turbine
- Demolition Teams Critical in Disaster Response
- Demolition Contractors Are Creators
- Construction Drones - Providing Eyes In The Sky
2015
- Preserving Old Buildings For Nostalgia
- Tank Farm Dismantling
- Expert in Transporting Oversize Loads
- BIM on Plant Relocation Projects
- Skilled Trade Workers: The Shortage Continues
- Understanding Basic Structural Physics Key to Safe Demolition
- Building Implosion
- Knowing What is Buried in Concrete an Important Part of Demolition
- Remote Control Demolition Machines
- Demolition Live on Camera
- Costa Concordia
- Rubble Trouble New York Video Game
- The Outrigger - June 2015
- Rigging - R. Baker & Son has the Skill
- Plant Relocation Projects
- Rigging the Great Pyramid
- Warehousing
- CORPORATE NEWS
- Demolition Methods and Types
- Aerial Rigging
- The March 2015 Outrigger - An R. Baker & Son Newsletter
- More States Offering Plant Relocation Incentives
- Selective Demolition: Punch Lists Leave Lasting Impressions
- Metal Recycling
- Excavation of Contaminated Soil
- Sky Cranes What Do You See?
- The Outrigger News - December 2014
- In Need Of Good Riggers
2014
- Electrical Dismantling
- Demolition in a Box
- Utility Safety During Demolition
- Brokk Demo Machines on Pharma Project
- Demolition of Uranium Facility, Once the Largest Building in U.S.
- Crane Load Charts
- Selective Demolition and Preserving History
- Container Cranes and Rigging
- How It Works: BIM in Rigging & Demolition
- September 2014 Issue of "The Outrigger"
- Mold Remediation on Demolition Projects
- Pre-Project Rigging and Demolition Safety Measures
- R. Baker & Son Equipment and Machinery Moving
- Demolition Permit Approvals Showing Steady Increase in New York City
- Qualified Riggers vs. Certified Riggers: What is the Difference?
- Fluorescent Bulb Recycling
- Outrigger Newsletter June 2014
- The Complexities of Plant Relocation
- Brownfield Sites
- Man Baskets in Rigging, Demolition, and Dismantling
- New York City Demolition Waste
- Mobile Crane Safety
- Hard Hats
- R. Baker & Son: Rigging Safety Guidelines
- Check Out - The Outrigger Newsletter, March 2014
- R. Baker & Son Supports Women, Minority, and Veteran-Owned Businesses
- Rigging Services
- R. Baker & Son Partners on Numerous OSHA VPP Star Projects
- R. Baker & Son Top-Rated by ISNetworld
- EPAs Website Simplifies Compliance
- Use of Robotic Equipment Expanding in Demolition Industry
2013
- R. Baker & Son Selected as ENR Top 600 Specialty Contractor
- First Aid Kits & Construction Safety
- Power Plant Decommissioning
- R. Baker & Son: Dust Suppression and Control
- Ruby Baker and the History of R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
- Wooden Rooftop Water Tanks: Familiar Fixtures of NYC Skyline
- Demolition Vibrations Used to Study Earthquakes
- Clean Projects Keep an Eye on the Environment
- Are These Innovative New Techniques the Future of High-Rise Demolition in NYC?
- Riggers and Millwrights
- Plant Relocation: Working with a Multi-Phased Master Plan
- Asset and Investment Recovery in the Modern Market
- Demolition, History and Wrecking Balls
- NYCs Lesson in Preservation: Demolition of the Original Penn Station
- R. Baker & Son the Clear Choice for NYC Demolition
- Clean Construction Projects
- 3D Laser Scanning Excellent Tool for Project Planning
- Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
- Smart Phones and Construction Apps
- 79th Annual Investment Recovery Seminar
- March 2013 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter
- Interior Demolition and the Work Environment
- Crane and Rigging Fundamentals
- OSHA Safeguarding Workers for Over Forty Years
- Air Casters Provide Simple Rigging Solutions
- Statue of Liberty Renovation Project
2012
- Tricky Job With A Very Aggressive Schedule
- BIM Tools
- Borescope Use In Construction
- Hard Hat Safety
- A Tale of Two Projects - Red Bank, NJ
- September 2012 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Now Available
- ENR Magazine Ranked R. Baker #1 Demolition/Wrecking Contractor for 2012
- Clients Expect Total Care in Plant and Equipment Relocation
- Investment Recovery Reduces Project Costs
- Bringing Safety Home
- R. Baker & Son - Handling the Largest of Projects with Total Care
- June 2012 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Now Available
- R. Baker & Son Recognized by Skanska for Safety Commitment
- World Trade Center Transportation Hub Project East H&M Wall Demolition
- Scheduling for Dust, Noise and Vibration on Your Demolition or Rigging Project
- Brownfields Go Green with Renewable Energy
- R. Baker & Son is ISNetworld Rated A
- R. Baker & Son Rigging Services Make Room for Space Shuttle Enterprise
- Join R. Baker & Son at INTERPHEX 2012 May 1 -3 2012 at Javits Center NYC
- Safety a Priority - R. Baker & Son Maintains VPPPA Membership
- R. Baker & Son March 2012 Outrigger Newsletter Available
- R. Baker & Son is a Proud Sponsor of Patty-Joe Goodwin Undefeated Snowboarder
- Scheduling For Dust, Noise and Vibration During a Demolition Project
- R. Baker & Son Proud Members of the SC&RA
2011
- Demolition and Decommissioning Planning Document Available
- An Interview with David S Baker - President of R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son Rigs Russian Space Capsule at Intrepid Video
- R. Baker & Son in ACT Magazine Sept 2011
- Come Visit R. Baker & Son at INTERPHEX 2011 in Puerto Rico
- Photo Slideshow Of Rigging Performed at The National 9 11 Memorial & Museum
- The Rising : Rebuilding Ground Zero - Discovery Channel Video
- 5000 pounds of Babbit Scrap Metal For Sale
- Video of FDNY Ladder 3 Lowered into 911 Museum by R. Baker & Son
- LEED: Maximizing Your Rating Points
- R. Baker & Son Leading Demolition Company in North America 2011
- R. Baker & Son June 2011 Rigging Demolition Newsletter Available
- Water Tower Demolition Experts
- R. Baker and Son Completes Fast Paced Pharmaceutical Rigging Project
- R. Baker & Son Video of Dustboss in Action
- Surplus Used Equipment Sale DC Motor Generators and Electrical Equipment
- R. Baker & Son Renews NJ Public Works Contractor Registration
- March 2011 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Available
- Visit R. Baker & Son Booth at INTERPHEX 2011 March 29 - 31
- R. Baker & Son Renews VPPPA Membership for 2011
- The Missing Work Scope In Mission Critical
2010
- Lock Out Tag Out Safety Practices
- R. Baker & Son Exhibiting at 2010 POWER-GEN International Tradeshow
- R. Baker & Son Dec 2010 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Available
- OSHA New Final Rule on Cranes and Derricks
- Hard Hat News Sept 2010 Article Features R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son in Equipment Today Magazine September 2010
- R. Baker & Son Makes 2010 World Demolition Awards Shortlist
- Sept 2010 Rigging and Demolition Newsletter Available
- R. Baker & Son Ranked #1 Demolition- Wrecking Contractor 2010
- Why We Believe R. Baker & Son Is Your Best Industrial Contractor Choice
- NDA Publishes High Reach Demolition Safety Document
- R. Baker & Son Obtains New NYC Dept of Buildings Safety Registration
- Website of R. Baker & Son Updated to Highlight Services
- R. Baker & Son June 2010 Outrigger Newsletter Now Available
- Dun & Bradstreet Reaffirms R. Baker & Son 3A3 Rating
- R. Baker & Son Announces New Puerto Rico Business Development Manager
- R. Baker & Son Establishes Better EMR Safety Rating
- Demolition and Rigging Newsletter March 2010 Now Available
- Visit R. Baker & Son at the INTERPHEX Puerto Rico 2010
- R. Baker & Son Featured on Facility of the Year Awards Website
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Crane Hot Line Magazine
- R. Baker & Son Rigging and Demolition Blog
- R. Baker & Son Highlights Rigging Services Photo Album
- R. Baker & Son Highlights Plant Relocation and Reconfiguration Services
- R. Baker & Son Featured in Hard Hat News Jan 15 2010
- R. Baker & Son Highlights Industrial Demolition Contractors Services in NJ
2009
- R. Baker & Son Project Story Makes Building Design & Construction Website
- December 2009 Outrigger Newsletter Available From R. Baker & Son
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is a Proud Member of the VPPPA
- Follow R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services on Facebook
- R. Baker and Son Highlights Interior Demolition Contractors Services
- R. Baker and Son All Industrial Services Veteran Owned and Operated
- Equipment Today Features Demolition Project Completed by R. Baker and Son
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Highlights Demolition Services in NJ
- R. Baker & Son Petrochemical Plant Dismantlement Project in The News
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Completes Demolition Project for Con Edison
- R. Baker & Son Highlights Recent Safety and Industry Awards
- Global Rigging Services and Machinery Moving by R. Baker & Son All Industrial
- R. Baker & Son Ranked in Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies 2009
- R. Baker & Son Ranks in NY Constructions 2009 Specialty Contractor List
- R. Baker & Son Demolition Env. Remediation Project in NYC Featured in Magazine
- BioPharm Plant Relocation in NJ Safely Completed by R. Baker & Son
- Preserving the Past Article Features R. Baker & Son Industrial Services
- Hard Hat News Publishes Story on Demolition Project Completed by R. Baker & Son
- Construction Equipment Guide Story on R. Baker & Son Dismantling Project
- R. Baker & Son Industrial Services Dismantles Cooling Towers at Active Facility
- Think Globally, Act Locally
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Safety Record Featured in Hard Hat News
- R. Baker & Son Assists with Historic Preservation of Coastal Defense Gun Battery
- R. Baker & Son Named as a Leading Demolition Company in North America
- Project Highlight - Yankee Atomic Nuclear Plant Dismantling Project
- R. Baker & Son Rigging Project Featured in Hard Hat News
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Helps Client Win Facility of the Year Award
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Featured in Site Prep Magazine
- Pre-Engineered Modular Construction by R. Baker & Son All Industrial
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial in the LEED on GREEN Since 1935
- R. Baker & Son Wins EBJ Business Achievement Award For Sustainability
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Announces 5th Year of Non-Recordable Incidents
- To All of Our Valued Employees, Subcontractors and Customers
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Featured in American Recycler Magazine
2008
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Completes Rigging and Machinery Relocation
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Featured in Blasted! Show on Science Channel
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Featured On Environmental Expert Website
- C&D Recycling Magazine Features R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Featured in Construction Equipment Guide
- R. Baker & Son Listed in Directory of Building Deconstruction Companies
- Plant, Machinery and Facility Relocation Contractors Services Nationwide
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Featured in C&D Recycling Magazine
- Nationwide Building Demolition Contractors Services by R. Baker and Son
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Listed as 2008 Top Specialty Contractor
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Highlights Water Tower Demolition Services
- R. Baker & Son Completes Relocation and Installation of Intrepid Brass Propeller
- R. Baker & Son Completes Critical Installation of Generator for Private Client
- R. Baker & Son Completes Selective Demolition of LNG Vaporizers
- R. Baker & Son Featured on Cover of American Cranes & Transport Magazine
- Constructioneer Magazine Features R. Baker & Son Demolition Project
- Service Highlight - R. Baker & Son
- Building Demolition Contractor Services Throughout New Jersey (NJ) and the USA
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Makes Quick Work of Fast Food Project
- R. Baker & Son Awarded Large Rigging and Relocation Project in New York City
- R. Baker and Son All Industrial Services Celebrates 73rd in Business
- Large Hospital Demolition Completed by R. Baker and Son in NYC
- R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services Maintains 3A2 D&B Rating
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