Revolutionary Tidal-Zone Masonry Technology Emerges as Long Beach NY’s Premier Defense Against Rising Sea Levels
As Long Beach would see even more flooding than it does now, with streets in northern Long Beach potentially submerged due to rising sea levels, coastal property owners are turning to innovative salt-resistant stone technology for protection. Sea level is projected to rise along the Long Island coastline by about two to three feet by the end of the century, with sea level at Montauk projected to increase by 15 to 21 inches by the 2050s. This alarming reality has sparked a masonry revolution specifically designed for tidal zone applications.
Understanding the Tidal Zone Challenge
The Tidal Zone is defined as the portion of the structure that is located between Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) and Mean Higher High Water (MHHW), making it one of the most challenging environments for construction materials. Corrosion is most severe within splash and tidal zones, where a frequent wetting and drying cycle result in high chloride and oxygen content. Traditional masonry materials simply cannot withstand these harsh conditions without specialized protection.
For Long Beach residents, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A two-foot increase would inundate many coastal communities, with Long Beach seeing even more flooding than it does now, and the entire Long Island coastline moving further inland, destroying many homes. This reality demands masonry solutions that go far beyond conventional approaches.
Salt-Resistant Stone Technology: The 2025 Game Changer
Advanced salt-resistant masonry systems now incorporate multiple layers of protection specifically engineered for coastal environments. Salt Water Resistant Sealer is a water-based, penetrating sealer formulated to protect exterior surfaces from salt degradation due to salt water and de-icing salt exposure. However, modern tidal-zone masonry goes beyond surface treatments.
The latest innovations include specialized marine mortars designed for tidal applications. Marine Mortar S, a high performance cementitious repair mortar, was specified for projects due to its outstanding resistance to wash-out and is suitable for the repair of horizontal and vertical surfaces in marine environments, perfectly adapted to areas subject to early immersion.
Material Selection for Coastal Durability
Professional masonry contractors now utilize carefully selected materials that can withstand the unique challenges of coastal environments. Stainless steel is the most corrosion-resistant architectural metal option for salty locations, while bare carbon steel can be more than 100x prone to corrosion than aluminum and more than 8,000x greater than 316 stainless steel in coastal applications.
Stone selection has also evolved significantly. Stone and rock structures reduce wave impacts, making them ideal for coastal protection applications. Modern tidal-zone masonry combines these natural materials with advanced sealers and marine-grade mortars to create structures that can withstand decades of salt exposure and wave action.
Long Beach’s Urgent Need for Coastal Protection
The threat to Long Beach properties is immediate and growing. As sea levels go up, tidal flooding will become more common, with warming waters making storms more frequent, powerful, and slow-moving, intensifying the problem. Higher sea levels mean that deadly and destructive storm surges push farther inland than they once did, with nuisance flooding estimated to be from 300-percent to 900-percent more frequent within many U.S. coastal communities than it was just 50 years ago.
For property owners seeking professional expertise, working with an experienced masonry contractor long beach becomes essential. These specialists understand the unique challenges facing coastal properties and can implement the latest salt-resistant technologies effectively.
Professional Implementation and Local Expertise
DLZ Construction and Landscaping Inc., based in Long Island, specializes in high-quality masonry and serves Suffolk and Nassau counties with over two decades of industry experience. With over 20 years in the industry and using only the best materials that ensure longevity and aesthetic value, they have unique insights into the styles and requirements of Suffolk and Nassau counties.
At DLZ Construction and Landscaping Inc., they handle a wide range of masonry services in Long Beach, NY, including new builds and structural repairs, offering 24-hour emergency masonry repair contractors who respond quickly to storm damage or unstable structures. This rapid response capability proves crucial for coastal properties facing increasing storm intensity.
The Future of Coastal Construction
Coatings or encasement is necessary to prevent corrosion in the atmospheric zone, splash zone, and the tidal zone. As climate change accelerates, the masonry industry continues developing more sophisticated solutions. Green infrastructure can be used in combination with gray infrastructure, such as sea walls and jetties, with a living shoreline approach helping protect coastal areas.
The integration of traditional masonry techniques with cutting-edge materials science represents the future of coastal construction. Property owners who invest in these advanced systems today position themselves to weather the storms of tomorrow, literally and figuratively.
For Long Beach residents facing the reality of rising seas, tidal-zone masonry with salt-resistant stone technology offers hope. By combining proven construction methods with innovative materials specifically designed for marine environments, these systems provide the durability and protection coastal properties desperately need. As sea levels continue rising, the question isn’t whether to upgrade coastal masonry systems—it’s how quickly property owners can implement these life-saving technologies.