CCTV Installation Challenges in Older Long Island Buildings

Security cameras are of great demand in Long Island today because of a great contribution to crime deterrence, overall safety, and quality of life. Homeowners, apartment residents, and businesses seek a reliable CCTV camera installer but professionals often come across a serious challenge when trying to mount hardware, and the challenge is also known as “old building”.

Yes, the constructions erected before the 1980s can boast amazing architecture and rich history but they were not designed to accommodate up-to-date technologies, so installation of surveillance systems may be rather complicated. We talked to 718-USA-CCTV experts, professional installers from a Brooklyn company, to figure out all the difficulties they face when working in old buildings and what methods they use to overcome them.

1. Incompatibility of Infrastructure

Today, modern residential and commercial buildings often have pre-built infrastructure which allows them to mount and link CCTV seamlessly. However, we can’t turn back time to redesign older constructions, so none of them have appropriate technical abilities. Here are the features which can impact both installation and efficiency of any surveillance system.

• Walls of concrete or masonry typical for old buildings are the most unsuitable for drilling or laying cable due to impressive hardness.
• Plaster or lathe wall covering which was formerly used in older constructions often crumbles easily, so CCTV installation may cause damage to interiors.
• Conduits in such houses are often outdated or too small and thus incompatible with today’s coaxial and Ethernet cables, so installation of new elements makes the process a costly matter.

Besides, there is another point to consider; crawl and attic spaces are often limited in all buildings. In this case, installers have to puzzle over alternative ways to route wires.

2. Specifics of Electrical Systems

As you may understand, older buildings often have outdated wiring in Long Island, and knob-and-tube or aluminum wires are the most common types. Besides, power outlets may also turn out to be insufficient, and it is typical mostly for attic or outdoor areas where security cameras are usually mounted. As 718-USA-CCTV experts explain, if surveillance is installed on such basis, it may lead to some bad effects:

• Malfunction of sensitive camera electronics due to voltage fluctuations.
• Regular signal interference or higher risk of electric shock because of grounding inefficiency.
• Circuit overload in case of linking extra devices to CCTV systems in action.

The only way out for installers who deal with outdated wiring is its upgrade which means extra expenses to the owners.

3. Connectivity Problems

Cutting-edge surveillance systems are often based on IP technology, which has a lot of benefits, such as high-speed Internet connectivity and stable work. However, lack of Ethernet infrastructure, poor Wi-Fi coverage, and outdated networking hardware are arch enemies of CCTV installers, and older buildings in Brooklyn may have all of them at once.

In this case, experts have to explore the constructions trying to find the most effective points of signal reception or develop a hybrid solution to make both digital and analog components work seamlessly.

4. Aesthetic Issues

Some Long Island towns feature many buildings of historic and architectural significance – and Sag Harbor, Huntington, and Oyster Bay are just a few examples. Such constructions are often objects of preservation laws or are under the governance of homeowners’ associations. Their guidelines on any modifications are usually very strict, and CCTV may be a challenge there for the following reasons:

• Visible CCTV elements, such as cameras and wiring, may bring a mess to the historical appearance of the property.
• Old buildings often have protected surfaces, including old wood paneling, decorative plaster, or original stonework, and their cutting and drilling may be prohibited.
• Getting permit requirements may be time-consuming, so CCTV installation is also delayed.

Because of this, professional installers have to be really ingenious in developing and applying alternative approaches. The list of them includes wireless systems, low-profile camera models, and minimally invasive methods, such as hiding cameras in architectural elements.

5. Security Concerns

The next challenge Long Island security camera installation experts may face when working at older buildings is searching for optimal points to mount cameras. Even if the surveillance complies with all regulations, the search may be time-consuming because of some features many old constructions have:

• Unusual layouts formed by columns, staircases, and beams can’t provide an efficient view from a single camera.
• Poor lighting means some rooms inside the building may require more expensive low-light-capable infrared camera models.
• Multi-tenant buildings also have shared spaces which turn camera installation onto a tricky process.

In this case, installers have to develop a meticulous security plan to address all these construction challenges and elevate the efficiency of their CCTV solution.

6. Nuances of Compliance

Any surveillance system, as well as its installation plan must comply with local and state laws aimed at protecting people’s privacy. Such legal considerations may include:

• Installation of signage to let neighbors know about surveillance is on the run.
• Notification of residents or tenants in multi-family dwellings and getting their consent.
• Compliance with data storage laws.

If this point is ignored, it may lead to fines and even prosecution, so it is necessary to consider local laws to avoid such issues.

CCTV Installer Practices for Successful Setting in Older Long Island Building

Though the challenges we described may seem to be insurmountable, it doesn’t make video surveillance installation impossible. Today, experts use proven practices to provide safety and piece of mind to the residents of old houses in Long Island:

• Careful planning. Installers explore the construction thoroughly to detect optimal points for cameras, outline future cable routes, and define problems and obstacles.
• Non-invasive methods. Today, professionals know a lot of ways to avoid or to minimize drilling; battery-powered cameras, surface-mount raceways, and wireless hardware are just a few examples.
• Professional consultations. Experienced installers often work with reliable contractors and experts in historic preservation to develop a well-thought CCTV installation plan.

Finally, the turnaround is never fast in this case. Installation process is usually divided into several stages which are implemented carefully and hassle-free.

To Sum Up

Security camera installation in older buildings on the territory of Long Island is a complicated and somewhat time-consuming process. However, their residents and tenants have the right to be secured as well. Fortunately, professional CCTV installers successfully develop security solutions which are a golden mean between application of cutting-edge security measures and preserving cultural and architectural integrity.