Fortifying Long Island Homes: The Critical Role of Hurricane-Resistant Masonry Materials in 2024’s Extreme Weather Landscape
As Long Island residents prepare for what NOAA has predicted to be an above-normal hurricane season in 2024, with 17-25 named storms forecasted, the importance of choosing the right building materials has never been more critical. With fifteen tropical storm systems having directly impacted New York State since 2012, and the frequency doubling over the last six years, property owners are increasingly turning to hurricane-resistant masonry materials as their first line of defense against extreme weather events.
The Growing Threat: Long Island’s Vulnerability to Extreme Weather
Long Island’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricane impacts. Recent events like Hurricane Ernesto in August 2024 bringing life-threatening conditions to Long Island beaches, and the historic Hurricane Carol in 1954 producing 120 mph wind gusts on Montauk Point, demonstrate the region’s ongoing exposure to severe weather. In 2024 alone, New York State experienced a record 32 confirmed tornadoes and serious flooding from Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Debby, underscoring the need for resilient construction materials.
Superior Masonry Materials for Hurricane Resistance
Concrete stands as probably the best material for hurricane-proof construction, being strong, durable, readily available, fire resistant, and long-lasting. For Long Island properties, several masonry options provide exceptional hurricane resistance:
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
Cement masonry units, also called cement blocks, can be reinforced with steel reinforcing bars to create very strong and rigid construction. Masonry walls, while considerably stronger than wooden walls, must be reinforced with a concrete and steel re-bar skeleton to avoid vulnerability to collapse in hurricane force winds.
Reinforced Concrete Systems
Reinforced concrete is a strong, dense material that can withstand the destructive power of very high winds and high-speed debris if used in a building designed properly. Steel-reinforced concrete wall assemblies act as monolithic composite systems with superior resistance to hurricane-induced forces, spreading impact loads through the system to reduce stress and potential failure.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Insulated concrete form blocks represent one of the most promising developments, combining the strength of reinforced concrete with insulating properties of foam. The reinforced concrete core of ICF blocks can withstand extreme wind speeds and flying debris impacts, common threats during hurricanes.
Critical Design Considerations for Long Island Properties
The most hurricane-resistant exterior finish is stucco on concrete block, as applied finishes like siding rely on nails and connectors that can fail. The basic concept for properly securing structures involves ensuring every major structural component is securely tied to each other and the foundation, creating a direct structural link between roof and ground.
Property owners must also consider Long Island’s coastal location and varied weather patterns, which call for durable, weather-resistant materials like natural stone such as bluestone or granite that withstand extreme temperatures and require minimal maintenance.
Finding Quality Materials: The Importance of Expert Suppliers
When selecting hurricane-resistant masonry materials for Long Island properties, working with experienced local suppliers is essential. Masonry Supply Long Island providers like Powerhouse Mason Supply understand the unique challenges facing the region. As a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience, their family comes from generations of masons, making them extremely knowledgeable on design and application of products.
With locations in Roslyn Heights (Nassau County) and Amityville (Suffolk County), Powerhouse Mason Supply carries a large range of pavers, wallstone, brick, natural stone and aggregates throughout Long Island. Their expertise becomes invaluable when selecting materials that must withstand the specific weather patterns and coastal conditions of Long Island.
Investment in Resilience: Long-term Benefits
While hurricane-resistant masonry materials require higher initial investment, contractors report zero damage on hurricane-resistant roofs over five years, with successful survival stories like homes weathering Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018. Concrete walls provide high thermal mass, reducing energy transfer and homeowner energy bills while minimizing temperature fluctuations and drafts.
Preparing for the Future
As Governor Hochul announced comprehensive resiliency plans to protect New Yorkers from extreme weather, with funding announced ahead of an anticipated ‘above average’ hurricane season, Long Island property owners must take proactive steps. It’s increasingly important to design, construct, and maintain buildings to withstand natural disasters like hurricanes as they become more frequent.
The choice of hurricane-resistant masonry materials represents more than just a construction decision—it’s an investment in safety, property value, and peace of mind. With expert guidance from experienced suppliers and proper installation, these materials can provide the protection Long Island properties need to weather the storms ahead. As we face an uncertain climate future, the time to fortify our homes with proven, hurricane-resistant masonry solutions is now.
