The Problem:

A homeowner in Jamesport, NY contacted Zavza Seal after noticing ongoing moisture problems around the home and inside the basement. Over time, water was collecting near the foundation walls, which caused damp soil, mold growth, and poor air quality inside the basement.

The main issues included:

• Soil near the foundation was sloped toward the house, allowing rainwater to sit against the foundation walls.
• Basement flexible ducts were contaminated and no longer safe to use.
• Downspouts were discharging water too close to the home.
• Old basement windows were no longer sealed properly and allowed air and moisture to enter.
• Window wells were missing in areas where the soil level was higher than the window sills.
• The rear Bilco door did not match the future deck height and allowed water exposure.
• Mold was present on basement wood joists and concrete walls due to long-term moisture.

If left untreated, these problems could lead to structural damage, worsening mold growth, and unhealthy indoor air.

The Solution by Zavza Seal:

Our team designed a full exterior and interior solution to control water, improve drainage, and remove mold safely while meeting New York State codes.

Soil Regrading Near the Foundation

We added 10 cubic yards of clean soil around the foundation walls and carefully graded it away from the home. This allows rainwater to naturally flow away from the foundation instead of pooling against it.

This step is critical in preventing basement moisture and foundation damage.

Removal of Contaminated Flexible Ducts

All contaminated flexible ducts were safely removed and disposed of according to New York State disposal regulations. This helped improve indoor air quality and reduced the spread of mold spores inside the basement.

Downspout Extensions

We extended seven downspouts, each by seven feet away from the foundation. The extensions were graded properly and required no excavation.

This ensured roof water was redirected safely away from the home, reducing pressure on the foundation walls.

Basement Window Replacement

We removed and disposed of four old basement windows and installed four new energy-efficient basement windows featuring:

• Low-E glass to help reduce heating and cooling costs
• Durable vinyl frames that require no painting
• Dual weatherstripping to block air, dust, and water
• Smooth sliding tracks with durable rollers

These upgrades improved insulation and helped keep moisture out.

Window Well Installation with Drainage Systems

We excavated and installed four new window wells where the new soil grade was higher than the window sills.

Each window well included a self-sustaining drainage system:

• A gravel base installed beneath each well
• Vertical drainage pipes surrounded by gravel to direct water away
• Clear polycarbonate rain guard covers to protect against heavy rainfall

This prevented water from collecting near basement windows.

Bilco Door Modification

We removed the existing Bilco door at the rear foundation wall and installed a new flat-style Bilco door designed for emergency access only.

The door height was shortened by up to 12 inches to allow for a future deck installation above the area while maintaining proper protection from water intrusion.

Mold Remediation Inside the Basement

To address existing mold issues, we performed a full basement mold remediation process:

• Removed foam board insulation around the basement perimeter to inspect for hidden mold
• Ground all affected wood joists and concrete wall surfaces to remove active mold
• Applied a professional fungicidal encapsulant to prevent mold from returning
• Operated HEPA air scrubbers continuously for three full days and nights to clean mold spores from the air

This restored healthy air quality and protected the structure from future mold growth.

The Final Result:

After completing the project, the Jamesport homeowner had:

• Proper drainage away from the foundation
• A dry and healthier basement environment
• Improved air quality
• New energy-efficient basement windows
• Long-term protection against water intrusion and mold

The home is now better protected against future water damage and moisture-related issues.

Why This Matters for Homes in Jamesport, NY?

Homes in Jamesport and across Long Island are especially vulnerable to water issues due to soil conditions, seasonal storms, and coastal moisture. Proper grading, drainage, and mold remediation are essential to protecting your foundation and indoor air quality.