Town/Neighborhood: Port Jefferson Station
Borough/County: Suffolk County
Construction Type: Residential
Category: Foundation Repair, Foundation Wall Restoration
Case Study: Residential Foundation Wall Repair and Waterproofing in Port Jefferson Station, NY
Problem
The homeowner was experiencing persistent water intrusion in a basement room. The issue was severe enough to damage drywall, insulation, and interior framing. However, the foundation wall behind the finished surface was not visible at the time of inspection. There was concern that a structural crack might be contributing to the water issue. Additionally, any damage to the concrete wall or footing required immediate attention to prevent future structural risks.
Solution
The Zavza Seal team was contracted to inspect and repair the affected section of the basement and restore structural integrity, as well as waterproof the interior wall-to-floor joint.
Work Area A: Interior Basement Wall Restoration and Waterproofing
- Our team carefully cut and removed the sheetrock drywall up to 24 inches above the floor level, including 2 linear feet of the return at the inside corner.
- We then removed the damaged studs and insulation board to expose the concrete foundation wall behind the finish.
- At the wall/floor joint, we mechanically ground 3 inches vertically and horizontally using diamond blades to eliminate dirt, mildew, and all loose or defective material. This step ensured a clean surface for waterproofing application.
- To provide a robust seal against future water intrusion, we installed a 4.5oz reinforced fiber mesh, sandwiched between two layers of 7,000 PSI waterproofing cement along the entire length of the joint.
- After allowing the waterproofing material to cure, we reinstalled the wood framing, insulation board, and new drywall, ensuring a seamless repair. All drywall seams were carefully taped and compounded for a professional finish.
Note: The foundation wall was initially hidden during inspection. If, upon exposure, a structural crack had been found, our team was prepared to perform a foundation crack repair at an additional cost, ensuring long-term structural stability.
Work Area B: Foundation Repair & Underpinning (General Case Reference from Similar Scope)
In comparable projects involving collapsed or weakened foundation walls, Zavza Seal typically executes the following scope:
- Demolish and remove collapsed sections of the foundation while providing proper shoring to stabilize the upper floors and adjacent areas such as walkways.
- Install new reinforced footings, typically 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide, with continuous horizontal #5 rebar reinforcement and vertical piles for load distribution.
- Construct new foundation walls using cinder blocks and proprietary waterproofing techniques—especially in cases where there is no access to the exterior below grade.
- Excavate and stabilize soil, tamp it thoroughly, and phase work to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the entire home.
Conclusion
This foundation wall and basement restoration project in Port Jefferson Station, NY, successfully addressed both water intrusion and structural concerns. Through careful demolition, concrete grinding, high-strength waterproofing application, and precise reconstruction, Zavza Seal restored the space to a dry and secure condition.
If you’re experiencing water in your basement or suspect issues with your foundation, Zavza Seal offers expert foundation repair, underpinning, and waterproofing solutions throughout Long Island and Suffolk County.