Project Type: Structural Staircase Repair
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Client Concern: Cracking near staircase due to poor structural support
Project Overview
At Zavza Seal, we were contacted by a homeowner in Brooklyn, NY who had recently installed a new interior staircase between the basement and the first floor. Despite its fresh appearance, the staircase showed clear signs of structural failure—including a cracked first-floor ceiling near the top of the stairs. Upon inspection, our team confirmed that the staircase had no proper support system, which led to settling and damage to the surrounding structure.
Client Concern
- Newly installed staircase began settling shortly after installation
- Visible ceiling cracks on the first floor near the staircase
- Safety concerns due to unstable support
- Fear of long-term structural damage if left unaddressed
Zavza Seal’s Diagnosis
Our experts conducted a full analysis of the interior staircase structure. We discovered that:
- The staircase was unsupported on both East and West sides
- The only current support was a ceiling joist, which had already cracked
- The staircase posed structural and safety risks if not properly reinforced
This called for urgent structural remediation to prevent further ceiling damage and restore staircase integrity.
Scope of Work
We proposed and executed a two-phase reinforcement plan focusing on:
Subject Area A: Basement Staircase Structural Support
West Side (Unsupported)
- Installed 2 steel columns to provide top and bottom support
- Installed a new header support at the base of the staircase
- Sistered the header to the joist using through bolts to enhance rigidity
East Side (Unsupported)
- Installed 5 structural steel brackets to anchor the staircase securely to the foundation wall
Preparation for Column Installation
- Cut concrete using diamond blades for precision
- Excavated and built a new 12″ x 12″ x 12″ rebar-reinforced footing
- Used fiber-mixed concrete to enhance compressive strength (PSI)
- Allowed 24-hour curing period before proceeding to installation
Steel Column Installation
- Installed 4” diameter steel columns filled with concrete, topped and bottomed with welded steel plates
- Columns were factory primed with rust-inhibitive paint to prevent corrosion
- Columns were anchored to both the newly poured footing and the header support above
Subject Area B: Ceiling Joist Reinforcement
Our evaluation revealed the ceiling joist was never designed to bear the staircase load, and it had already developed visible cracks and signs of rot.
Preparation for Steel Plate Installation
- Removed and disposed of all ceiling sheetrock along the beam
- Treated rotted/cracked wood using GreenGuard-certified stop-rot wood restorer
- This restored structural integrity while permanently sealing and waterproofing the beam
Steel Plate Reinforcement
- Installed four ½” structural steel plates (8.5′ x 6”) along the full 17 feet of the joist
- Plates were securely fastened with ½” galvanized bolts through staggered, pre-drilled holes—spanning from the East to West foundation walls
Why This Work Was Critical
Without proper intervention, the staircase could have:
- Fully detached, endangering the residents
- Led to a partial collapse of the surrounding structure
- Worsened ceiling cracks, eventually damaging electrical, plumbing, and HVAC components above
By acting quickly and strategically, Zavza Seal prevented catastrophic structural failure while reinforcing the safety and value of the property.
Why Zavza Seal?
- Local Expertise: We understand Brooklyn’s unique structural challenges
- Engineering-Grade Solutions: Steel columns, rebar footings, waterproof wood restoration
- Licensed & Insured: Full compliance with NYC building standards
- Experienced Team: Structural specialists, concrete technicians, and certified inspectors
Client Outcome
✅ Structural integrity fully restored
✅ Ceiling cracks halted—no further signs of movement
✅ Reinforced staircase for long-term safety
✅ Peace of mind for the homeowner
Need Staircase or Structural Repairs in Brooklyn, NY?
If you’re noticing ceiling cracks, loose stairs, or signs of settling, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the worse the damage gets—and the more expensive it becomes.
Trust the experts at Zavza Seal for:
- Interior staircase repair Brooklyn
- Structural beam reinforcement
- Steel column and bracket installation
- Foundation anchoring and joist repair
📆 Schedule a Free Consultation Today
📍 Proudly serving Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens & the Bronx
📞 Call: 1-866-310-6008
🌐 Visit: www.zavzaseal.com