Long Island’s masonry faces a relentless invisible enemy that silently destroys brick, stone, and mortar with every ocean breeze—coastal salt air that demands specialized protection strategies from experienced contractors.

Living on Long Island means enjoying stunning coastal views and ocean breezes, but these same environmental benefits create unique challenges for masonry structures. Suffolk County’s location along the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound exposes homes to high humidity, salt air, and seasonal storms. These conditions accelerate wear on masonry chimneys, eroding mortar joints and weakening chimney bricks. Understanding how local contractors handle these coastal salt air challenges can help homeowners protect their masonry investments for decades to come.

The Science Behind Salt Air Damage

Coastal environments cause harm to masonry due to their heavy salt-laden winds that go into masonry and damage the water-resistant efficiency, mortar durability, and lower the property value because of a decrease in the architectural beauty. Salt from the ocean air can be particularly damaging. It infiltrates masonry, causing the materials to break down faster. This process, known as salt erosion, weakens the structure and affects its longevity.

The damage occurs through a process called salt crystallization. Salt is hygroscopic which means that salt attracts water (think of putting rice in the salt shaker in the summer!). When salt is wet, it is in a dissolved state: when salt dries, it expands. When drying salt crystals can expand up to 45 times their size! During crystallization, salts can expand in volume by 5 to 10 times (500% to 1,000%). This expansion creates immense pressure within the masonry—up to 800 atmospheres—strong enough to cause damage, even to concrete.

Long Island’s Unique Environmental Challenges

Long Island’s coastal location creates unique challenges that don’t exist inland. Long Island presents unique challenges: coastal weather, salt exposure, drainage needs, and freeze-thaw conditions. These environmental factors work together to create a perfect storm for masonry deterioration.

They wick rain, dew, and coastal mist deep into the wall. In winter, that trapped water freezes and expands, cracking crowns, popping brick faces, and eroding joints. On Long Island, wind-driven rain makes the top few courses and the crown work overtime. This combination of moisture intrusion and freeze-thaw cycles accelerates the deterioration process significantly.

How Local Contractors Combat Salt Air Damage

Experienced long island masonry contractors have developed specialized techniques to address these coastal challenges. From coastal salt exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, our tailored repairs are designed to safeguard your property against future damage.

Material Selection and Specifications

Modern brick manufacturing produces units specifically designed for coastal environments, with enhanced resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and salt exposure. Modern CMUs resist salt air better than older formulations. Contractors carefully select materials that can withstand the harsh coastal environment while maintaining structural integrity.

Breathable Waterproofing Systems

The goal of breathable chimney waterproofing is to dramatically reduce liquid water absorption while still letting interior vapor escape. We use penetrating silane/siloxane systems that line pore walls, shedding liquid water but allowing vapor diffusion. This approach prevents the trapping of moisture that can accelerate salt damage.

Proper Repointing Techniques

Sardar Restoration Corp. meticulously rakes out the old and badly damaged mortar that contains salt crystals and repoints your brickwork with fresh mortars that withstand the coastal climate and salt-laden air. Professional repointing removes contaminated mortar and replaces it with materials specifically formulated for coastal conditions.

Preventive Maintenance Strategies

Smart contractors focus on prevention rather than just repair. Efflorescence prevention comes down to controlling moisture and choosing quality materials. Whether you’re starting a new project or treating existing masonry, the principles remain the same: keep water out, use low-salt materials, and maintain proper drainage.

Apply breathable water repellants to reduce water absorption while allowing moisture vapor to escape. Utilize alternative de-icing methods, such as sand or calcium magnesium acetate, to reduce salt exposure. These proactive measures significantly extend the lifespan of masonry structures in coastal environments.

Ageless Masonry: Local Expertise in Coastal Masonry

We’ve been providing homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island, NY, with the highest-quality paving and masonry services since 2003. Great service always begins and ends with experienced and friendly professionals, which is why you can count on an owner to be present for every aspect of your job. We aim to not only meet your needs, but also to exceed your expectations!

Founded by childhood friends Bobby Bruno and Sherwood Adams, Ageless Masonry understands the unique challenges that Long Island’s coastal environment presents to masonry structures. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Please call us today to discuss your residential or commercial masonry needs. We will be happy to give you a free and fair estimate right away.

Advanced Solutions for Modern Challenges

For Long Island’s challenging climate—with freeze-thaw cycles that traditionally wreak havoc on masonry joints—self-healing mortars represent a significant breakthrough. Instead of scheduling regular repointing work, these materials maintain their integrity for decades with minimal intervention.

One Long Island commercial project using self-healing mortar showed zero maintenance requirements after three years in a high-exposure coastal location where traditional mortar typically needs attention within 18 months.

When to Call Professional Contractors

Early detection is crucial for managing salt air damage effectively. Early detection of salt damage can help you save on repair costs and prevent structural issues. Here’s what you should look for: White or grayish deposits: Efflorescence is a clear visual indicator of salt movement. Spalling or flaking: Subflorescence often appears as chips or flakes breaking off the masonry surface.

Partner with commercial masonry restoration contractors to conduct a thorough assessment. The root cause of salt damage must be identified—including moisture infiltration, improper drainage, or the use of de-icing salts.

Long Island’s coastal environment presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and techniques. By working with experienced contractors who understand these local conditions, homeowners can protect their masonry investments and maintain beautiful, durable structures that withstand the test of time and salt air. The key is choosing professionals who combine traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques specifically designed for coastal applications.