Project Overview
At Zavza Seal, we recently completed a mold remediation and waterproofing project for a homeowner in Brooklyn, NY. The project focused on a storage room located beneath an outdoor patio measuring approximately 14 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 7 feet high.
The homeowner was concerned about widespread mold growth throughout the room. While no active water intrusion was visible during the inspection, excessive moisture had created the perfect environment for mold to spread across the walls and ceiling.
The Problem
When our senior estimator and project manager inspected the storage room, they discovered extensive contamination from Stachybotrys Chartarum, commonly known as black mold.
The mold was present on every wall and across the ceiling. The concrete surfaces were holding moisture because the room was not properly waterproofed or sealed. Over time, this trapped moisture created a damp environment that allowed mold to thrive.
The homeowner was worried about the condition of the storage space and the possibility of continued mold growth if the underlying moisture problem was not addressed.
An additional challenge was the ceiling area. Moisture was believed to be traveling through the patio above and affecting the ceiling below. However, the exact path and source of the moisture could not be confirmed until exploratory work was performed. Because the patio waterproofing system had not yet been designed, ceiling waterproofing was outside the scope of this project.
Our Solution
Before beginning remediation, our team carefully prepared the work area to protect both the property and our workers.
Our crew wore protective hazmat suits, gloves, and eye protection. We also operated two commercial-grade negative air scrubbers equipped with H13 HEPA filtration throughout the entire project to help control airborne mold spores.
Once the area was secured, we began the mold remediation process.
First, we treated the entire storage room with a professional mold-killing solution. We then performed fumigation using a fine mist application designed to suppress dust and reduce airborne contaminants.
Because the mold had penetrated deep into the concrete surfaces, surface cleaning alone would not have been enough. Our team mechanically scarified and ground the contaminated concrete using commercial-grade wire brushes and specialized grinding equipment. In areas where deeper contamination was present, additional grinding methods were used to remove mold embedded within the concrete matrix.
After the grinding process, all walls, floors, and ceiling surfaces were thoroughly cleaned using HEPA vacuum systems. We then applied antibacterial cleaning agents to sanitize every exposed surface.
To help prevent future microbial growth, we encapsulated the cleaned concrete using a water-based fungicidal protective coating that contains EPA-registered antimicrobial protection.
Wall Waterproofing and Structural Enhancement
After completing mold removal, we focused on addressing the moisture conditions affecting the walls.
Our team applied high-strength 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement across all wall surfaces. This step helps reduce moisture migration through the concrete and creates a stronger barrier against future dampness.
Following the required curing period, the wall surfaces were prepared for long-term protection.
By the end of the project, the storage room was left clean, dry, and visibly free from mold contamination and debris.
Important Project Note
The waterproofing work completed during this project covered the walls only.
The ceiling area was excluded from the warranty because moisture appears to be originating from the patio located directly above the storage room. Additional exploratory work will be required to determine how moisture is traveling through the patio structure and to develop an appropriate patio waterproofing solution.
As a result, the wall waterproofing work is covered under Zavza Seal’s warranty program, while the ceiling area remains excluded until a separate patio waterproofing plan is completed.
The Result
The homeowner now has a significantly cleaner and safer storage space with mold contamination removed and wall moisture protection installed.
By combining professional mold remediation techniques with concrete waterproofing solutions, our team helped restore the storage room and reduce the conditions that allowed mold growth to develop in the first place.
Looking for Mold Remediation and Waterproofing in Brooklyn, NY?
If you have mold growth, moisture issues, or a damp basement or storage area, Zavza Seal can help. Our team specializes in mold remediation, waterproofing, foundation protection, and moisture control solutions throughout Brooklyn and the surrounding areas.