Foundation cracks can become a serious concern when water starts entering through them. At the same property, the paver patio and walkway had also settled because of movement in the material underneath.
Zavza Seal was brought in to address both problems. Our team repaired two leaking foundation cracks from the inside, waterproofed the exposed portions from the outside, and restored the existing pavers to improve their level and drainage.
The Problem: Leaking Foundation Cracks and Settled Pavers
During the inspection, our team found two vertical foundation cracks, each measuring approximately 6 feet long.
Water was entering the foundation through these cracks. Because the cracks extended through the foundation wall, the repair needed to address the points where water was penetrating the wall.
The exposed portions of the same cracks above grade also needed exterior repair and waterproofing to help protect the masonry from future moisture intrusion.
There was another issue outside the home. The existing paver patio, which measured approximately 20 feet by 25 feet or 500 square feet, had settled. The adjoining walkway, approximately 150 square feet, had also experienced settlement.
The movement was related to the condition of the material beneath the pavers. When the base material moves or loses stability, pavers can become uneven and drainage can be affected.
The Solution: Foundation Crack Repair and Paver Restoration
Zavza Seal developed a repair plan that addressed both the foundation cracks and the settled pavers.
The foundation repairs were completed from both the interior and exterior. The paver patio and walkway were carefully removed so the underlying base could be stabilized before the original pavers were put back.
Interior Foundation Crack Repair
The first part of the project focused on the two leaking foundation cracks.
Our team chased and ground the affected areas using diamond blades. This removed efflorescence, dirt, and deteriorated material and exposed sound masonry.
Preparing the surface was important because the repair materials needed a clean and solid area to bond properly.
Where needed, we drilled the foundation to prepare the areas for injection. We then injected the points of water penetration using hydrophobic urethane and epoxy formulations.
These materials were selected to seal the areas where water was entering through the foundation wall.
After the injection work was completed, we applied a first coat of 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement over the repaired areas.
A 4.5-ounce fiberglass reinforcing mesh was embedded into the first coat. We then applied a second coat of waterproofing cement to cover the mesh and complete the interior repair.
Exterior Foundation Crack Repair
The above-grade portions of the same two cracks were repaired from outside the home.
Our team excavated only as much as needed to expose the affected portions of the foundation cracks. The exposed masonry was then chased and ground to remove loose material and prepare the surface.
The cracks were repaired using a high-strength repair mortar.
We then applied the waterproofing system in two coats. Fiberglass reinforcing mesh was embedded into the first coat, followed by a second coat of 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement.
Once the exterior crack repairs were complete, the disturbed areas were backfilled and returned to their existing grade.
Addressing moisture at foundation cracks is important because water can enter through cracks and other openings in masonry. FEMA guidance on foundation and flood-resistant construction also recognizes the importance of controlling water seepage through foundation walls, including at cracks and joints.
Paver Patio Restoration
The foundation work was only part of the project. The existing paver patio had also settled and needed to be restored.
The patio covered approximately 500 square feet.
Rather than replacing the pavers, our team carefully removed them and stockpiled them so they could be reused.
Once the pavers were removed, the underlying substrate was stabilized and compacted. Additional recycled concrete aggregate, or RCA, and bedding sand were added where needed.
The pavers were then reinstalled at the proper elevations.
Restoring the correct elevation was important not only for the appearance of the patio but also for drainage. A properly prepared base and correctly installed pavers help create a more stable surface and allow water to drain as intended.
New York State Department of Transportation specifications for paver work also emphasize proper base preparation, bedding sand, compaction, and restoring pavers to the required grade.
Walkway Restoration
The adjoining walkway covered approximately 150 square feet and had also settled.
The existing pavers were carefully removed and saved for reuse.
Our team stabilized and compacted the substrate before adding RCA and bedding sand where necessary. The existing pavers were then reinstalled to restore the proper elevation and drainage.
The completed installation was compacted, and polymeric joint sand was installed between the pavers.
The Result:
The project addressed two separate problems at the property.
The leaking foundation cracks were repaired from the interior using injection materials and a reinforced waterproofing system. The exposed exterior portions were also repaired and waterproofed to provide additional protection against moisture.
The settled paver patio and walkway were removed, their underlying base was stabilized, and the original pavers were reinstalled at the proper elevations.
By addressing the foundation cracks and the unstable paver base, Zavza Seal helped restore both the protection of the foundation and the condition of the outdoor areas.
Contact Zavza Seal for a free inspection and estimate for your foundation or concrete repair project.