Problem:

The homeowner contacted Zavza Seal after experiencing recurring water intrusion and visible structural deterioration along the south side of the house in the backyard. The existing concrete patio had settled and cracked, allowing rainwater to pool directly against the foundation wall. Tree roots from the neighboring area had grown beneath the patio slab, further contributing to movement, cracking, and pressure against the foundation.

In addition to the backyard issues, the west foundation wall showed signs of moisture penetration and surface deterioration. The basement concrete staircase had also deteriorated over time, creating safety concerns. An underground retaining wall beneath the patio lacked proper reinforcement and waterproofing, increasing the risk of soil movement and future water damage.

Without a comprehensive exterior waterproofing and structural repair solution, the property faced ongoing water intrusion, foundation damage, and premature failure of newly installed surfaces.

Solution:

Zavza Seal designed and executed a full exterior excavation, waterproofing, and reconstruction plan to permanently address both water and structural issues.

Backyard Foundation and Patio Work

• Demolished and removed the existing 98 inch by 110 inch concrete patio.
  
• Cut and removed invasive tree roots impacting the foundation and patio base.
  
• Excavated the exterior grade along the foundation wall down to the bottom of the footing.
  
• Steel brushed and cleaned the exposed foundation wall and footing.
  
• Repaired all damaged areas using a 4.5 oz reinforced fiber mesh sandwiched between two layers of 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement.
  
• Repaired structural foundation cracks by:
  
  • Chasing cracks with diamond blades to expose clean concrete.
    
  • Cutting deep perpendicular slots into the cinder block core every 12 inches.
    
  • Filling slots with structural epoxy.
    
  • Installing non corrosive carbon fiber stitches rated to pull up to 6,500 pounds for added structural integrity.
    
  • Applying reinforced waterproofing cement over the entire repair area.
    
• Applied a liquid waterproofing membrane over the entire exposed wall down to the footing, with special attention to the footing to wall joint.
  
• Backfilled the area to the original soil grade after waterproofing was completed.
  
• Installed new concrete forms with a steel wire base.
  
• Poured a new 4 inch thick 4,000 PSI concrete patio with a non skid broom finish and a runoff water diverter curb along the adjacent property line.
  
• Installed one course of 8 inch high block with a 1.5 inch coping cap, reinforced with vertical rebar every 16 inches over approximately 12 linear feet, and waterproofed both sides with 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement.
  

West Wall Waterproofing

• Wire brushed and cleaned approximately 10 linear feet of block wall, about 4 feet high.
  
• Removed all loose and damaged materials.
  
• Applied 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement across the entire surface to seal and protect the wall.
  

Basement Concrete Staircase

• Demolished and disposed of four deteriorated concrete stairs.
  
• Built new concrete formwork.
  
• Poured new 4,000 PSI concrete stairs for long term durability and safety.
  

Underground Retaining Wall

• Installed a 12 inch deep rebar reinforced concrete footing below grade.
  
• Built two rows of 8 inch concrete filled cinder blocks on top of the footing beneath the new patio.
  
• Installed root barriers along the east side of the retaining wall to prevent future root intrusion.
  

Courtesy Repairs

• Repaired two additional foundation cracks at no extra cost to the homeowner.
  

Result:

The project resulted in a fully waterproofed and structurally reinforced foundation system, a newly constructed patio with proper drainage, and improved long term protection against water intrusion and soil movement. The homeowner now has a safer basement entrance, a stable backyard surface, and confidence that the foundation is protected against future damage.

This Brooklyn property is now equipped with a complete exterior waterproofing and structural solution designed to perform for decades.