Town/Neighborhood: Jamaica
Borough/County: Brooklyn
Construction Type: Residential
Category: Foundation Repair, Foundation Wall Restoration, Mold Remediation

Problem

During a basement renovation in a Brooklyn home, the general contractor excavated the basement floor to increase ceiling height. This caused severe stress on the foundation walls. Some sections collapsed completely, while the remaining walls were structurally compromised and required underpinning to prevent further collapse and damage to the property.

Additionally, a back interior basement wall near a window was found to be contaminated with black mold, presenting serious health risks and the potential for further property damage.

Solution

Work Area A: Collapsed Section of the Damaged Wall (Approx. 22 Linear Feet)

• Demolished and disposed of the collapsed and partially collapsed sections of the foundation wall.
• Carefully phased demolition to maintain shoring and prevent vertical collapse of the 1st and 2nd floors as well as the adjacent concrete walkway.
• Installed a new 24” D x 18” W reinforced footing, phased with proper shoring for structural stability.
• Built a new waterproof cinder block foundation wall on the footing using a proprietary waterproofing technique, despite limited exterior access below grade.

Work Area B: Entire Perimeter Excluding Work Area A (Approx. 94 Linear Feet)

• Excavated to allow for concrete formwork installation.
• Compacted and tampered soil thoroughly for load-bearing stability.
• Installed #5 rebar every 15” acting as piles, driven 5’ deep into the soil.
• Placed continuous horizontal reinforcement with #5 rebar along the entire footing length.
• Formed reinforced concrete footing (24” deep x 18” wide), poured with 4,000 PSI concrete.
• Staggered the work process to maintain the structural integrity of the house during the underpinning.

Mold Remediation: Back Interior Basement Wall (Near Window)

Analysis:
Our Senior Estimator, a NY State Licensed Mold Abatement Supervisor, determined the subject area was contaminated with black mold. Immediate remediation was necessary to protect occupants and prevent further spread.

Scope of Work:

• Prepared the subject area with strict safety protocols.
• Crew wore disposable suits, gloves, and eye protection.
• Installed 6-mil plastic sheets at the entrance to isolate and hermetically seal the area, preventing spores and dust from spreading.
• Operated a 3-stage filter negative air scrubber machine (550 CFM with H13 HEPA filters) throughout the remediation process to maintain air quality and safety.

Outcome

The Zavza Seal team successfully stabilized and restored the foundation walls using reinforced footings, underpinning, and waterproofing techniques tailored to Brooklyn’s construction challenges. Additionally, our certified mold remediation team eliminated the black mold safely and effectively, ensuring a healthier living environment for the homeowners.

Why Choose Zavza Seal?

At Zavza Seal, we combine foundation repair expertise with certified mold remediation services to deliver complete solutions for homeowners in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Long Island. Our team ensures your property remains structurally sound, safe, and protected from future water damage and mold growth.