Protect Your Long Island Home with Hurricane-Resistant Siding: The Ultimate Defense Against Devastating Storm Damage
Long Island homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to storm protection. Located in a coastal environment that experiences everything from nor’easters to tropical storms, your home’s exterior siding serves as the first line of defense against nature’s most destructive forces. While impact-resistant windows guard against debris and wind breach, siding acts as your home’s protective shell, keeping out rain, wind-driven moisture, and flying objects. Siding must withstand repeated impacts without denting, cracking, or allowing water infiltration, all of which are threats during a hurricane.
Understanding Impact Rating Requirements for Long Island Properties
Hurricane-resistant siding isn’t just about choosing any heavy-duty material—it requires products that meet specific impact rating standards. Only those meeting or exceeding ASTM E1886 and E1996 standards are considered truly hurricane- or impact-rated. These rigorous testing protocols ensure that siding can withstand both projectile impacts and cyclic wind pressure that simulate real hurricane conditions.
The 2025 New York State Building Code, with local amendments, mandates minimum wind and impact resistance for both windows and siding—especially in designated flood and wind hazard zones. Certified and labeled siding products must comply with vinyl meeting ASTM D3679 or D7793 standards, and fiber cement with ASTM C1186.
For Long Island properties, this is particularly crucial. Homeowners should always look for products specifically tested and rated for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones—even if Long Island is not officially classified as such, the local hazard level warrants superior protection.
Top Hurricane-Resistant Siding Materials for Long Island Homes
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is the best siding option to withstand hurricanes. Vinyl siding is an option, too, but less durable. Fiber cement boasts a lifespan of 50 years, far outlasting traditional siding options in hurricane-prone areas. While 25-40% more expensive initially than vinyl, fiber cement helps homeowners avoid storm-related repairs and qualifies for insurance premium discounts up to 15% for its fire and flood-resistant properties.
High-Density Vinyl Siding
High-density vinyl siding meets Class 3 UL 2218 standards, making it resistant to impacts from 2-inch hail. If installing vinyl siding in high-wind areas, use siding rated for high wind zones and install with fasteners per the manufacturer’s instructions. Products that have been rated for high winds typically have an enhanced nailing hem and thicker gauge vinyl.
Steel Siding
Steel siding is the most wind-resistant and durable siding choice available. TruLog’s steel siding has a Class 4 impact rating, which handles the highest level of impact resistance. For instance, the 4.5″ lap siding can withstand winds up to 198 mph when installed with screws and 175 mph when fastened with nails.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Even the highest-rated materials won’t protect your home if they’re not installed correctly. Even the best products fail without correct installation. Coastal-Grade Fasteners: Stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners resist corrosion and prevent rust staining. Reinforced Attachment: Panels and windows must be attached per manufacturer wind-rating specifications to resist uplift.
For buildings located within 3,000 feet of the ocean shoreline, use stainless steel fasteners. This is particularly important for Long Island homes given their coastal proximity.
Expressway Roofing & Chimney: Your Long Island Storm Protection Partner
When it comes to Siding Long Island homeowners can trust, Expressway Roofing & Chimney stands out as the region’s premier choice. Expressway Roofing & Chimney is Long Island’s premier, full-service, licensed roofer and insured home contracting roofing company serving Suffolk County, NY and Nassau County, NY. We’ve been a Long Island-based, family-owned and operated roofing, chimney, siding, gutter and home contracting company for over 22 years now because we only adhere to the highest standards for quality – without ever compromising on the materials or the services we provide.
Our free, fair and honest quotes are completely transparent. In fact, our business model was designed around that concept of fairness, openness and honesty – just for our fellow homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk counties. This commitment to transparency is crucial when investing in hurricane-resistant siding that needs to meet specific code requirements.
Financial Benefits and Insurance Considerations
Installing hurricane-resistant siding isn’t just about protection—it’s a smart financial investment. Installing impact-resistant windows and siding can lower annual homeowners insurance premiums by 10–30%, with some underwriters requiring certified upgrades in high-risk zip codes.
The investment in hurricane-proof windows and siding is substantial, but the return on investment (ROI) is often strikingly high on Long Island, where property values far exceed the national average and weather threats are ever-present. Increased Property Value: Modern impact-rated windows and siding are major selling points. Homebuyers in coastal markets will pay a premium for homes protected against hurricanes, as storm frequency and severity rise.
Code Compliance and Permits
Getting your upgrade right isn’t just a matter of picking premium products—permitting, inspection, and code compliance are non-negotiable in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Working with experienced contractors like Expressway Roofing & Chimney ensures that all installations meet current building codes and pass required inspections.
Note in high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ), even if the siding is resistant to impact damage, the home’s exterior walls should still be continuously sheathed with ≥ 19/32-inch plywood or tightly fitted diagonally placed ≥ 5/8-inch boards to help resist a concentrated load impact from hurricane-generated wind-borne debris.
The Time to Act is Now
Long Island’s weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable and severe. On Long Island, many homes built before the modern code era used wood, aluminum, or thin vinyl siding, none of which were designed with hurricane resistance in mind. If your home falls into this category, upgrading to hurricane-resistant siding isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for protecting your family and investment.
Don’t wait for the next major storm to test your home’s defenses. Contact Expressway Roofing & Chimney today to discuss hurricane-resistant siding options that meet Long Island’s specific requirements and protect what matters most to you.