The Problem:

A homeowner in Great Neck, NY contacted Zavza Seal after years of ongoing water issues in their basement and crawl space.

The basement walls were in very poor condition. Large sections of the concrete were damaged due to long-term water exposure. There were visible cracks, gaps, and signs of structural weakening. Efflorescence and mildew were also present across multiple areas.

Water was entering the home from several points:

• Through the rim joists
• Through cold joints in the foundation walls
• From the crawl space into the basement floor
• Around the foundation near the access door

The basement floor was in better shape, but still had cracks and needed sealing. There was also carpet that had absorbed moisture and needed removal.

Outside, the grading was poor, causing water to pool near the foundation. Downspouts were not directing water far enough away from the home. There were also voids under the deck caused by long-term water erosion.

The crawl space had mold and mildew buildup, making the air unhealthy.

This was not a small repair. It was a full restoration and waterproofing project.

The Solution:

Our team created a complete step-by-step plan to fix the water problem at its source and restore the entire basement structure.

1. Careful Work Staging

We worked in sections to allow the homeowner to move personal items safely. This ensured full access to walls and floors without disruption.

Foundation Wall Restoration

We started by restoring the damaged basement foundation walls.

• Steel brushed all surfaces to remove efflorescence, mildew, and loose material
• Removed heavily deteriorated concrete sections
• Rebuilt damaged areas using Basecrete waterproofing cement
• Repaired all cracks using hydraulic cement and reinforced fiber mesh
• Applied two full layers of waterproofing cement across all treated areas
• Finished with a latex-based waterproofing coating for added protection

This process restored the strength of the walls and sealed them against future water entry.

Basement Floor Repair and Coating

The basement floor was carefully cleaned and upgraded to better handle moisture. We removed the old carpet and cleared all debris before preparing the surface. The concrete was then etched to create a strong bonding layer, followed by a thorough rinse and drying process.

Once the surface was ready, we applied a heavy-duty epoxy waterproof coating. This created a durable, long-lasting, and water-resistant floor that can stand up to moisture and daily use.

Crawl Space Waterproofing

The crawl space was a major source of water and mold.

We addressed it fully:

• Cleaned and disinfected the entire area using an eco-friendly solution
• Removed mold and mildew
• Repaired cracks in the cinder block walls
• Applied Basecrete waterproofing system with reinforced mesh
• Extended waterproofing down to connect wall and floor joints

Interior Drainage and Pressure Relief

Near the crawl space access, we installed a pressure relief system:

• Cut and removed sections of the concrete floor
• Excavated down to the footing
• Installed a drainage channel on gravel
• Refilled with high-strength concrete

This system helps relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevents water buildup under the slab.

Exterior Waterproofing and Drainage

We stopped water before it could enter the home.

• Excavated trenches along problem areas
• Repaired exterior foundation cracks
• Applied waterproof coatings and membranes
• Installed perforated drainage pipes
• Directed water into newly installed dry wells

We also extended all downspouts underground using PVC pipes to move water at least 8 feet away from the foundation.

Grading and Soil Correction

To fix water pooling:

• Added new soil to low areas around the home
• Compacted the soil to improve drainage

Structural Support Under Deck

Water had created voids under the deck.

• Injected cement into empty spaces using high-pressure equipment
• Stabilized the soil to prevent future collapse

Interior Improvements

We also upgraded the entire basement interior to make the space more functional and comfortable. New drywall was installed where needed, and we built framing for new wall sections to improve the layout. The ceiling joists were insulated to an R-30 value to help with energy efficiency.

We painted the walls and ceilings to give the space a clean, finished look. Nine new LED recessed lights were installed to brighten the basement, and all electrical cables were neatly organized and secured. We also replaced the old basement windows with new energy-efficient units and installed new baseboards to complete the space.

Final Result:

The basement is now fully restored, sealed, and protected. Water is no longer entering the space, and the foundation walls have been strengthened and reinforced for long-term stability. The crawl space is clean and healthy, and the new flooring is durable and resistant to moisture.

With proper drainage systems installed both inside and outside, the home is now protected against future water issues. What was once a severely damaged basement has been transformed into a dry, safe, and long-lasting space.

Why This Project Matters?

Water damage in basements only gets worse over time. Small cracks turn into major structural problems if ignored.

This project shows how a full system approach works best. Instead of just fixing one issue, we solved the entire water problem from inside and outside the home.