Transform Your Waterfront Property with Marine-Grade Masonry Materials That Stand the Test of Time
Building along Glenwood Landing’s picturesque waterfront presents unique challenges that demand specialized materials and expertise. With its stunning harbor views and prime location on Long Island’s Gold Coast, Glenwood Landing features luxury waterfront properties with median prices reaching $1.6 million, making proper material selection crucial for protecting these valuable investments.
Understanding the Coastal Construction Challenge
Corrosion of reinforcing steel and other ferrous metal is one of the biggest causes of deterioration in coastal construction projects. The invasion of salt and moisture — inevitable near the ocean — results in accelerated corrosion of reinforcing steel, exposing the vulnerable concrete within. Metals corrode at a much faster rate near the ocean, making the selection of appropriate masonry materials critical for long-term durability.
Salt can lead to serious problems on concrete and exterior hard surfaces: Cracks, spalling and deterioration. Not only is salt artificially added to our outdoor spaces in geographic locations with cold winter climates, salt is also a natural issue in coastal regions where the air has higher salt content.
Essential Marine-Grade Masonry Materials
Concrete and Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
Reinforced concrete or concrete masonry units (CMU) are recommended for piers and foundation walls, or wood that is preservative-treated for foundation or marine use. However, not all concrete is suitable for marine environments. These projects need to consider using concrete with low water to cement ratio. Concrete with low water to cement ratio will minimize the size of the pores which will prevent expansion. Also, ensuring that the mix used for the concrete contains no chloride to reduce the likelihood of corrosion.
The selection of the particular constituents and their relative proportions (mixture design) should be handled by an experienced materials engineer with a keen understanding of deterioration mechanisms and long-term performance of concrete in the marine environment.
Specialized Mortar Systems
M4 class masonry mortar is specifically designed for marine environments. Since chlorides accelerate the corrosion of steel reinforcement and accessories ASTM C 1384 stipulates that admixtures add not more than 65 ppm (0.0065%) water-soluble chloride or 90 ppm (0.0090%) acidsoluble chloride by weight of portland cement. Similarly, the Specifications for Masonry Structures limits admixtures to no more than 0.2% chloride ions.
Protective Sealers and Coatings
The original Saltguard is a solvent-based, silane/siloxane water repellent and chloride screen for concrete and masonry. It protects horizontal and vertical surfaces from moisture intrusion and chemical attack, reducing rebar corrosion and surface spalling. Saltguard WB is a deep-penetration water-based formula that reduces rebar corrosion caused by salt content in moisture, especially in coastal regions.
Why Professional Sourcing Matters
When planning your Glenwood Landing waterfront masonry project, partnering with an experienced supplier is essential. Valley Supply is a local family owned and operated building & masonry supply. We are one of Cambridge Pavingstones best distributors. We are open to the public so you get the same quality materials Queens and Nassau County contractors depend on.
For homeowners seeking reliable masonry supply glenwood landing services, Valley Supply offers comprehensive expertise in marine-grade materials. At Valley Supply, we are proud to show the quality and coloration that goes into Cambridge Pavingstones. There is no sales pressure to buy, we are happy to share our knowledge and advice for your project.
Key Considerations for Coastal Masonry Selection
Distance from Water
The level of corrosion protection that needs to be applied to each specific design is defined mainly by the distance from the marine influence. The strictest requirements concern buildings that are situated within 1km of breaking surf or within 100m of a non-surf coastline.
Foundation Systems
Open foundations consist of columns, piers, or piles, used to elevate the property above a certain level. Closed foundations are built of continuous foundation walls made of concrete, masonry or wood. On the beachfront, they are more vulnerable to wear than open foundations so they are not recommended when the waters are expected to be able to reach the property.
Steel Reinforcement
Coastal homes use 316-grade stainless steel which has an alloy addition of molybdenum that makes it “marine grade”. If a job requires greater corrosion resistance than grade 304 can provide, grade 316 is the next step up.
Long-Term Performance and Maintenance
Concrete is one of the most reliable seawall materials when installed correctly. Lifespan: 30–50 years with professional engineering. Pros: Long-lasting, customizable, excellent at distributing wave force evenly. However, all coastal buildings will require more maintenance and repairs than inland structures.
While corrosion-resistant coating is beneficial for the reinforcing materials, and the alkaline nature of mortar helps prevent corrosion, tight mortar joints and proper flashing are essential for ensuring that water penetration does not lead to problems.
Expert Guidance for Your Project
Steve Brassi in sales really knew his materials and product. He guided me to the advantages and disadvantages of different bricks and stone. He spent more time with me than any other supplier. This level of expertise is crucial when selecting materials for coastal construction projects.
Call Valley Supply today at 516-825-0093 for expert planning assistance or stop by our 20,000 square foot facility and see our hands on displays and samples. Located in Elmont, NY, Valley Supply serves the greater Nassau County area, including Glenwood Landing’s exclusive waterfront community.
Investing in proper marine-grade masonry materials from the outset ensures your Glenwood Landing waterfront property will withstand the harsh coastal environment while maintaining its beauty and structural integrity for decades to come. The combination of specialized materials, expert guidance, and proper installation techniques creates a foundation for long-lasting coastal construction success.