Building Against the Storm: How Smart Construction Techniques Are Protecting Long Island Homes from Nature’s Fury
Long Island homeowners face an increasingly challenging reality: between 17 and 25 named storms, an above normal number due to warmer than usual ocean temperatures, creates increased threats of coastal erosion and flooding each hurricane season. With just over 220,000 people, or about 15% of Long Island’s 1.5 million residents live in an area that would be considered a flood zone in the event of a Category 4 storm, the need for storm-resilient construction has never been more critical.
The Growing Threat: Long Island’s Extreme Weather Reality
Long Island’s vulnerability to extreme weather extends far beyond hurricanes. An official, New York State 24 hour precipitation record was set at Islip, NY on August 12-13, 2014 with 13.57″ of rain. This breaks the previous record of 11.6″ at Tannersville, NY on August 27-28, 2011 during Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. The region also faces shoreline areas that used to see street flooding at most two or three times a year now see it monthly, highlighting how climate patterns are intensifying.
Recent storms have demonstrated the destructive potential of extreme weather. Hurricane Carol makes landfall on Long Island and produces wind gusts of 120 miles per hour (190 km/h) on Montauk Point. The hurricane’s storm surge covers the Montauk Highway in Montauk, effectively isolating eastern Long Island for a period of time. These events underscore why traditional construction methods are no longer sufficient.
Essential Storm-Resilient Building Techniques
Foundation and Structural Reinforcement
Concrete is your best friend when it comes to resisting hurricane winds. A single-story home with poured concrete walls creates a solid, durable structure that can handle extreme weather. For Long Island properties, recommended materials include reinforced concrete, brick and steel. These all offer better structural integrity and resistance against wind, water and fire damage.
The foundation work must address Long Island’s specific challenges. Many areas experience settling issues due to sandy soil conditions, requiring proper drainage and reinforcement techniques to ensure long-term stability.
Advanced Roofing Systems
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during extreme weather. Using durable roofing materials like impact-resistant shingles can protect the roof from hail and flying debris. Wind-resistant roof designs, such as hip roofs, have slopes on all sides, which help deflect strong winds and reduce the risk of damage.
Professional engineers recommend specific design elements: a couple of important things to focus on are roof design and strong connections between walls, between the walls and the roof, and between the structure and its foundation. Taher advises “hurricane ties,” or straps, to join the roof tightly to walls, and says roofs should be designed with multiple slopes with overhangs limited to less than 20 inches.
Waterproofing and Drainage Solutions
Water damage represents one of the greatest threats to Long Island homes. Water damage is a common consequence of most natural disasters. To mitigate this risk, incorporate effective waterproofing and drainage systems into your home’s design. Install a high-quality waterproofing membrane in the foundation and walls to prevent water intrusion during floods or heavy rainfall.
For coastal properties, specialized approaches are essential. Professional contractors must account for salt air, freeze-thaw cycles, and potential flooding issues demand careful material selection and proper installation techniques. We address these concerns proactively, ensuring your masonry work withstands Long Island’s demanding climate.
Innovative Materials and Technologies
Another promising technology is the development of advanced materials that offer enhanced resilience. For example, self-healing concrete, which can repair its cracks, prolongs the lifespan of foundations and other structural elements. Innovations like these provide homeowners with additional layers of protection, ensuring their homes remain robust and secure in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Smart home technologies are also playing an increasing role. Smart home technologies, such as automated storm shutters and flood sensors, are becoming increasingly popular. For instance, flood sensors can trigger sump pumps to prevent basement flooding, while automated storm shutters can secure windows against high winds and flying debris.
Elevation and House Lifting Solutions
For existing homes in flood-prone areas, elevation has become a proven strategy. In the Carolinas and on New York’s Long Island, local contractors have raised hundreds of houses six-to-eight feet higher within the past few years, taking advantage of government programs that popped up after major hurricanes. Mike Rom’s company, Long Island House Lifting, now raises 45 to 50 homes a year at a cost of between $150,000 and $300,000 apiece.
Working with Experienced Local Contractors
The complexity of storm-resilient construction requires expertise in local conditions and building codes. Companies like raffaele construction understand the unique challenges Long Island properties face. At Raffaele Outdoor Concepts, we bring over 25 years of expertise in masonry to every project we undertake, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, lasting results for both residential and commercial properties. Our mission is simple: to exceed our clients’ expectations by delivering exceptional craftsmanship, on-time completion, and an unmatched attention to detail. We pride ourselves on our reliability, professionalism, and our ability to turn your outdoor vision into reality
Local expertise matters when dealing with coastal construction challenges. Long Island’s coastal climate presents unique challenges for masonry work. Salt air, freeze-thaw cycles, and high humidity can damage improperly installed stonework within just a few years. We use specialized sealers and proper drainage techniques to protect your investment.
The Investment in Resilience
While storm-resilient construction requires higher upfront costs, the long-term benefits are substantial. Additionally, resilient homes constructed with SIPs are less susceptible to damage from extreme weather events, translating to lower repair and maintenance costs. As a result, insurance premiums for resilient homes are often more affordable than conventionally constructed houses. Insurance companies recognize the reduced risk of insuring resilient homes.
The evidence speaks for itself in terms of performance. Time after time, storm after storm, Deltec homes are left standing with no structural damage. As even stronger storms threaten, Deltec stands alone — our round homes built over the last 30 years have a 99.9% survival rate, enduring direct hits from some of the most powerful hurricanes on record
Planning for the Future
As extreme weather becomes more frequent and intense, building codes and regulations are expected to evolve as environmental concerns grow to prioritize resilience and sustainability. Governments will likely introduce stricter standards for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable construction materials.
For Long Island homeowners, the message is clear: investing in storm-resilient construction isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about ensuring family safety and financial security in an era of increasing climate uncertainty. Preventative measures help homeowners mitigate the risks and costs of weather-related damage while increasing sustainability. Homeowners should know their area’s weather patterns and challenges and take preventive steps early on to curtail damage.
The future of Long Island construction lies in building smarter, not just stronger. By incorporating proven resilient design principles, advanced materials, and working with experienced local contractors who understand the region’s unique challenges, homeowners can create structures that will weather whatever storms the future may bring.