Building Smart: Why Wantagh Property Owners Need Flood-Resistant Masonry Materials in 2024
For Wantagh residents and business owners, understanding flood zone construction requirements isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your property can withstand the challenges of Long Island’s coastal climate. With any place with a 1% chance or higher chance of experiencing a flood each year considered to have a high risk, with at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage, choosing the right building materials has never been more critical.
Understanding FEMA’s Flood-Resistant Material Requirements
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sets strict standards for construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). NFIP regulations require all construction below BFE use building materials that are “flood damage-resistant”, which are defined as any building product capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage, with “prolonged contact” meaning at least 72 hours and “significant damage” referring to any damage requiring more than cosmetic repair.
The good news for property owners is that all masonry materials are classified as Class 5 flood damage-resistant materials, making them an optimal choice for flood-prone areas. This classification means masonry products can handle extended water exposure while requiring only basic cleaning and sanitizing afterward.
Masonry’s Advantages in Wet Flood-Proofing Applications
Wet flood-proofing involves an intentional design process to allow water to enter a structure built with flood-resistant materials like masonry, with the design intent to permit flood waters to enter and exit the structure freely. This approach offers several benefits:
- The flood-resistant materials are a permanent part of the structure and can be maintained to provide an attractive look before a flood event, and can also be easily restored to their original condition at minimal cost
- Flood resistant buildings can be made with masonry provided there is an impervious layer, such as water-resistant render or asphalt
- Masonry has been identified as a flood damage-resistant material, making it optimal for elevating a structure above BFE
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) for Foundation Systems
For properties requiring elevation above Base Flood Elevation (BFE), walls are typically extended upward using concrete masonry units (CMU) or cast-in-place concrete, with flood openings or vents built in to equalize the force of deep floodwaters acting against the walls. Additionally, concrete or masonry piers are built to lift the home above the BFE, providing stability and support.
However, property owners should be aware that concrete blocks can potentially act as holding vessels for floodwater should the exterior skin be breached, making it difficult or impossible to clean the blocks, therefore design professionals should take great care in specifying a water-resistant envelope for concrete blocks used in various wet flood-proofing activities.
2024 Construction Considerations for Long Island
Modern masonry construction has evolved to meet today’s performance demands. CMUs are weather-resistant and capable of handling heavy loads, providing protection from break-ins and fires, which can lower insurance rates for further cost savings. For coastal properties like those in Wantagh, CMUs can be finished with several coatings to prevent water penetration and complement the space’s appearance, including epoxy, urethanes and different paints.
The latest CMU innovations include newer CMU unit configurations like A-or H-shaped block that have less web area, decreasing the potential for thermal transfer into a building’s conditioned space, which can help with energy efficiency in flood-resistant construction.
Finding Quality Materials from Trusted Local Suppliers
When planning your flood-resistant construction project, partnering with an experienced local supplier is essential. For Wantagh property owners seeking reliable masonry supply wantagh services, Jos M. Troffa Materials Corporation has been located in the town of Setauket, expertly servicing both commercial and residential customers throughout Long Island since 1972.
They have a huge inventory of stone and masonry products and materials available for homeowners, builders, contractors, landscapers, designers, and developers, offering the highest quality products to enhance any masonry job – from backyard projects to brand new home and business construction. Their vast eight-acre site features all of the distinctive materials available with timely delivery services, supported by an experienced and extremely knowledgeable staff that can assist you with all of your masonry supply needs.
Planning Your Flood-Resistant Project
As flood risks continue to evolve, communities use tools to understand their risk and take actions to protect their families, homes and businesses. For Wantagh property owners, this means selecting materials that not only meet current FEMA requirements but also provide long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.
Key considerations for your 2024 project should include:
- Consulting current FEMA flood maps for your specific location
- Working with experienced contractors familiar with flood-resistant construction techniques
- Selecting Class 5 flood-resistant masonry materials that meet or exceed NFIP standards
- Planning for proper drainage and flood venting systems
- Considering long-term maintenance and restoration accessibility
By choosing appropriate masonry materials and working with knowledgeable suppliers, Wantagh property owners can build structures that not only comply with current flood zone requirements but also provide decades of reliable performance. The investment in quality flood-resistant materials today can save significant costs in potential flood damage and insurance premiums tomorrow.