Protecting Your Long Island Home: How Lightweight Stone Veneer Systems Stand Strong Against Hurricane Winds
Long Island’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricane-force winds and severe weather events. For homeowners considering exterior upgrades, choosing the right materials can mean the difference between a home that weathers the storm and one that suffers costly damage. Lightweight stone veneer systems have emerged as a superior solution, offering both aesthetic appeal and exceptional wind resistance for hurricane-prone climates.
Understanding Wind Load Requirements in Hurricane-Prone Areas
The U.S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts where the basic design wind speed, V, for Risk Category II buildings is greater than 115 mph (51.4 m/s) are classified as high-wind zones requiring special construction considerations. In South Florida, the basic wind velocity required when utilizing ASCE 7-10 is 175 mph for Category II structures and 186 mph for Category III and IV structures, demonstrating the extreme conditions these materials must withstand.
Per the International Building Code wind speed map, the highest listed wind speed for all 50 states in the USA is 150 mph, making Long Island’s hurricane exposure a significant design factor. The key to successful stone veneer installation in these conditions lies in understanding both material properties and proper installation techniques.
Advantages of Lightweight Stone Veneer Systems
Modern lightweight stone veneer systems offer remarkable advantages over traditional materials. Its flexibility makes it ideal for regions prone to hurricanes and earthquakes, and it eliminates the need for stone to serve as a load-bearing element. StoneLite® is 80% lighter than 3cm dimensional stone, averaging just 3-4 lbs. per sq. ft. compared to traditional stone’s 20-30 pounds per square foot.
It tolerates wide temperature swings, heavy precipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, UV, and wind loading, making it particularly well-suited for Long Island’s variable climate. Performs extremely well under wind loading. Lightweight, seamless, bold, and beautiful – these systems combine durability with aesthetic appeal.
StonePly, unlike solid stone, stands up to the large missile impact test. With an impact resistance that is up to 60 times greater than 1.5″ granites, it holds up to flying debris and protects the building that it is cladding. This superior impact resistance is crucial during hurricane conditions when wind-borne debris poses a significant threat.
Critical Installation Best Practices
Proper installation is paramount for wind resistance. To ensure proper installation, fasten lath to framing so the weight load of the adhered manufactured stone veneer system can be transferred to the framing. That means using appropriate length fasteners (make sure they are galvanized and corrosion-resistant) to obtain a minimum ¾” penetration into the framing.
Make sure when working with frame construction that you apply two layers of Water Resistive Barrier (WRB) and install a weep screed to allow moisture to escape. The primary layer of WRB is responsible for drainage of any incidental water that infiltrates the wall system, so investment in a good primary WRB is critical.
Fastener spacing and attachment methods are crucial: You want to space fasteners 6″ on center, and lap lath 1′ at vertical and horizontal seams. Stone veneer should terminate, at least, 2″ above hard flat surfaces (ie, driveways, steps, or patios) and, at least, 4″ above grade. There is a weep screed (normally a plastic piece with small holes in it) shown in the red circle installed which hangs down below the veneer to allow water to drain out that may have penetrated behind the veneer.
Weather Resistance and Moisture Management
Whether you’re on the Eastern Seaboard or the part of the country affectionately known as “Tornado Alley,” installing stone veneer on your home’s exterior means preparing to withstand a lot of wind — and that means carefully choosing the correct framing, sheathing and fasteners to prevent detachment under stress.
Evolve Stone is moisture impermeable, meaning the material itself will not hold water, helping to protect the home or structure from harsh weather. This characteristic is particularly important in Long Island’s humid coastal environment where moisture infiltration can lead to structural damage.
Your Long Island Stone Veneer Partner
For Long Island homeowners seeking quality stone veneer solutions, Powerhouse Mason Supply is a proud, family-owned business that has been serving Long Island and the Boroughs for 25+ years. Our mission is to provide personable customer service, top quality construction materials and expert advise at competitive prices.
We are family owned and operated with over 20+ years in business. Our family comes from generations of masons so we are extremely knowledgeable on design and application of products. You can count on our staff to help guide you through your project and answer all of your questions. With locations in Roslyn Heights (Nassau County) and Amityville (Suffolk County), they’re perfectly positioned to serve Long Island’s stone veneer needs.
Whether you’re planning a new construction project or upgrading your existing home’s exterior, choosing the right Stone Veneers Long Island supplier makes all the difference. Powerhouse Mason Supply is a family-owned business located in Long Island, NY, that specializes in providing a wide range of masonry materials including concrete and natural stone pavers, retaining walls, and stone veneers. With over 25 years of experience, the company focuses on delivering high-quality products, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service.
Conclusion
Lightweight stone veneer systems represent the perfect marriage of beauty and resilience for Long Island’s hurricane-prone climate. When properly installed following industry best practices, these systems provide superior wind resistance, moisture management, and long-term durability. By partnering with experienced local suppliers like Powerhouse Mason Supply, homeowners can ensure their stone veneer installation meets the demanding requirements of coastal living while enhancing their property’s value and curb appeal for decades to come.