The Problem:
A homeowner in Holbrook, NY was experiencing water intrusion in the basement around an old blocked window.
The existing window frame had not been removed or properly sealed, allowing water to enter the basement. Water was also pooling outside the window near the foundation.
A separate vertical foundation crack was allowing water to enter the basement as well. There was also concern that water could be traveling through the cold joints in the foundation.
The goal was to stop the water intrusion and improve drainage around the affected foundation areas.
The Solution:
Zavza Seal addressed both sources of water entry with exterior waterproofing, improved drainage, and foundation crack repair.
Blocked Window and Exterior Drainage
Our team removed the first line of pavers along approximately 10 linear feet of the exterior foundation wall.
We excavated deep enough to expose and waterproof the blocked window from the exterior. Additional pavers were removed where necessary to provide proper access.
To prevent water from collecting around the window, we installed a perforated PVC drainage pipe surrounded by a soil separator and placed it on a gravel bed.
The pavers were then reinstalled without grout so surface water could drain through the joints and into the perforated pipe.
The drainage line was extended approximately 10 feet into the yard and connected to a newly installed dry well.
Because an existing cesspool was believed to be in the area, the location was identified before excavation so the dry well could be placed without damaging the existing system.
Vertical Foundation Crack Repair
A separate vertical foundation crack was also allowing water into the basement.
From the exterior, our team repaired the crack using Basecrete waterproofing cement reinforced with 4.5 oz fiberglass mesh.
On the interior, we addressed the nearby cold joint by grinding the joint and applying Basecrete waterproofing cement. Reinforced mesh was installed over the first coat, followed by a second coat of Basecrete to complete the repair.
The Result:
The project addressed several potential paths for water to enter the basement.
The blocked window was waterproofed from the exterior, while the new drainage system and dry well provided a way to move water away from the foundation instead of allowing it to pool beside the basement wall.
The vertical foundation crack and interior cold joint were also sealed using reinforced waterproofing materials.
Together, these repairs improved drainage around the foundation and helped protect the basement from continued water intrusion.
Why Exterior Drainage Matters?
Water that collects next to a foundation can place continued moisture pressure on basement walls and vulnerable areas such as old windows, cracks, and wall joints.
Improving drainage around the foundation can help move water away from these areas rather than allowing it to remain against the wall.
For homeowners in Holbrook, Long Island, and surrounding areas, Zavza Seal provides foundation waterproofing, drainage solutions, dry well installation, and foundation crack repair.