The Problem:

A Brooklyn homeowner contacted Zavza Seal after noticing damage on an interior foundation wall and a crack in the concrete slab near the front gate.

When our two senior estimators visited the home, they saw that the foundation wall had been painted with an acrylic coating. This type of paint is often sold as a waterproofing solution, especially to DIY homeowners.

The problem is that acrylic paint does not let concrete breathe.

Concrete is naturally porous. Moisture from outside the home moves through the foundation wall. When that moisture gets trapped behind acrylic paint, it begins to break down the concrete from the inside.

During the inspection, we observed:

• Visible concrete damage on the painted foundation wall
• Moisture-related deterioration
• No way to see how bad the damage was behind the paint without removing it

Quoting a repair without knowing the full condition of the wall would have meant guessing. Many contractors add extra cost to cover unknowns. This practice is often called padding or cushioning the numbers.

At Zavza Seal, we do not do that.

The Solution:

Instead of guessing, we recommended exploratory work to clearly identify the real problem and give the homeowner an honest and fair solution.

Step 1: Exploratory Surface Preparation

Our crew would grind the entire foundation wall to:

• Remove all acrylic paint
• Remove loose and damaged concrete
• Expose the bare foundation wall

This step is critical to see what is actually happening behind the surface.

Step 2: Detailed Inspection and Testing

Once the wall is exposed, we perform:

• Close inspection using high wattage lighting
• Moisture testing
• Infrared and advanced diagnostic analysis when needed

This allows us to locate hidden moisture paths and damaged areas accurately.

Step 3: Clear Reporting and Honest Pricing

After the exploratory work:

• The project manager explains findings to the homeowner on site
• A detailed written report and estimate are prepared by our office
• The solution is based on real conditions, not assumptions

If the homeowner chooses to move forward with the full repair, the cost of the exploratory work is credited back toward the final project.

Courtesy Repair: Concrete Slab Crack Near Front Gate

While our crew was already on site, we also addressed a concrete slab crack near the front gate as a courtesy.

What we did:

• Chased the crack to remove weak material
• Filled the cavity with 6,500 PSI high strength repair mortar
• Installed 4.5 oz reinforced fiber mesh
• Applied two layers of 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement

This sealed the crack and helped prevent future water intrusion.

The Result:

• The homeowner received a clear and honest assessment
• Hidden foundation damage could be properly identified
• No inflated pricing or guesswork
• The slab crack was professionally repaired
• The home is now set up for a proper long term waterproofing solution

All Zavza Seal waterproofing systems come with a 40 year warranty.

Why This Matters for Brooklyn Homes?

Many Brooklyn homes have older foundations. Quick fixes like acrylic paint may look good, but they often cause more damage over time by trapping moisture.

Proper waterproofing starts with understanding the real condition of the foundation.