How to Protect Your Home from Storm Surge
Hurricane Sandy was a wake-up call for New York: lives were lost, over 600,000 homes were destroyed, and it cost us over $81 billion in damages. Events like this make it very obvious how devastating storm surges can be, especially for areas with high groundwater levels and frequent flooding, making it crucial to learn how to protect your home from storm surges before the next disaster strikes.
As a trusted general contractor with over 20 years of experience serving Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, Piers, and Piles specializes in proven solutions like storm surge protection barriers, house lifting with helical piers, and coastal stabilization methods to protect properties against rising waters and erosion. Our tailored services provide safety and peace of mind for homes in low-lying regions or areas where groundwater regularly threatens foundation stability.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most effective ways to protect your home, including:
- Structural solutions like sheet pile walls and house elevation.
- Natural defenses such as wetlands and beaches.
- Financial assistance through grants and tax incentives to help offset costs.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late—Contact Piers and Piles Today for a Free Storm Surge Protection Assessment!
What Is a Storm Surge and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Storm surge protection could save New York City an estimated $131 billion in damages while protecting 95% of vulnerable areas, according to recent studies. Although implementing large-scale defenses could be a significant investment, the investment pays for itself by mitigating catastrophic losses during hurricanes.
A storm surge is one of the most destructive forces during a hurricane, causing rapid flooding, severe erosion, and billions in property damage. It occurs when powerful winds and low atmospheric pressure push seawater onto the land, overwhelming coastal areas.
For homeowners in low-lying regions like Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, storm surges pose a significant risk.
They can:
- Flood Low-Lying Areas: Submerging homes and businesses in feet of water.
- Erode Protective Landforms: Removing sand dunes, wetlands, and other natural barriers.
- Damage Foundations: Particularly in areas with high groundwater levels, where water saturation can destabilize structures.
During Hurricane Sandy, storm surges accounted for much of the $81 billion in damages. Proactive hurricane storm surge protection measures can significantly reduce these risks, saving lives, properties, and money.
Benefits of Investing in Storm Surge Protection
Taking proactive measures to protect your home from storm surge isn’t just about safety—it’s a smart financial decision, too. Here are some of the main benefits of storm surge protection:
Reduced Risk
Minimizes repair costs after storms by safeguarding your property.
Lower Insurance
Many providers offer discounts for homes with storm surge protection.
Increased Value
Buyers are willing to pay more for secure, resilient homes.
Peace of Mind
Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home and family are safe with our industry-leading warranties.
Flood Risk Areas and the Need for New York Flood Protection
Over 620,000 New Yorkers own properties in flood-risk areas. Around 20,000 properties have already suffered multiple floods. Out of those 620,000 properties at risk, around 61,000 property owners have taken steps to reduce the chances of taking on damage in the next flood. That leaves over 560,000 New Yorkers still vulnerable to damage from flooding. Many of these homes are located in coastal zones or low-lying regions that are increasingly susceptible to severe weather events and rising sea levels.
A team of NASA scientists determined that the number of extreme storms increased by 21% from 1993 to 2012. This is not a threat that is going away. It’s getting worse every year. That said, it’s super important for property owners in New York to consider preventative measures, such as installing storm surge barriers, raising building foundations, or reinforcing natural coastal defenses like wetlands and dunes. By investing in storm surge protection, homeowners can significantly decrease their risk of damage and secure their properties for the future.
Structural Solutions for Storm Surge Protection
Protect your home from storm surge with durable, engineered structural stabilization solutions that withstand rising waters and shifting soils. Our expert services are designed to protect your property and provide long-term peace of mind.
At Piers and Piles, we specialize in designing and installing storm surge protection solutions for homes in Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. Contact us today to safeguard your property against future flooding risks!
Natural Solutions: Wetlands and Beaches as Storm Surge Defenses
Natural barriers like wetlands and beaches are crucial in reducing the impact of storm surges on coastal communities. Wetlands act as sponges, absorbing floodwaters and reducing wave energy before it reaches developed areas. Restoration efforts in New York focus on preserving these ecosystems to enhance their protective capabilities and complement structural defenses.
Beaches also serve as a critical defense, with sand dunes and wide shorelines dissipating wave energy to protect inland areas. Dune restoration and beach nourishment projects are essential for maintaining these natural barriers, ensuring that beaches are protected from storm surge while safeguarding coastal properties and ecosystems.
Financial Assistance for Storm Surge Protection
For New York homeowners, there are several grants and tax incentives available to help offset the costs of storm surge protection.
Federal Assistance Programs
FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA): Provides funding for projects like house lifting, seawalls, and other measures that offer hurricane storm surge protection.
State and Local Incentives
New York State Grants and Rebates: Tax rebates and local grant programs are available for storm surge protection initiatives. Homeowners can apply through state agencies to access potential savings.
Insurance Discounts
Proactive Protection Benefits: Implementing measures on how to protect against storm surge can lower flood insurance premiums. Insurance companies often provide discounts for homes equipped with flood mitigation features, resulting in significant cost savings over time.
Why Choose Piers and Piles for Storm Surge Protection?
At Piers and Piles, we’ve spent over 20 years helping New Yorkers protect their homes from storm surge and coastal risks.
Why We’re the Trusted Experts:
- Local Expertise: Decades of experience in Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.
- Certified Installers: Specialists in sheet pile walls, helical piers, and coastal stabilization.
- Industry-Leading Warranties: 30-year protection on all projects.
- Dedicated Team: Known for working tirelessly—even into the night—to safeguard properties.
Protect Your Home Today! Contact Piers and Piles for a Free Storm Surge Protection Assessment.
Final Thoughts on How to Protect Your Home from Storm Surge
Storm surges are an ever-present threat for coastal New York homeowners, but taking proactive measures can safeguard your property and your peace of mind. With the increasing frequency of severe weather events, understanding how to protect your home from storm surge is more important than ever.
Piers and Piles offers free assessments, custom solutions, and a commitment to the community. Our team is dedicated to providing effective storm surge protection barriers tailored to your needs.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm—Contact Piers and Piles Today!
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