Town/Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Borough/County: Brooklyn
Construction Type: Residential
Category: Foundation Repair, Foundation Wall Restoration
Problem:
During a basement floor excavation to increase headroom, the General Contractor caused a critical structural failure. Several sections of the foundation walls completely collapsed, leaving the house’s structural integrity severely compromised. The remaining foundation walls required immediate underpinning to stabilize the building and prevent further collapse and destruction.
In addition, the basement cinder block walls, approximately 35 linear feet in length and 6 feet in height, were in poor condition. They showed signs of efflorescence, mildew, and improper waterproofing, which posed both structural and moisture-related risks.
Solution:
Work Area A: Collapsed Section of the Damaged Beyond Repair Wall (approx. 22 linear feet)
Our team began by carefully demolishing and removing the collapsed and partially collapsed foundation wall sections. To ensure the building’s safety during demolition, we phased the process and installed proper shoring to support the 1st and 2nd floors and stabilize the adjacent concrete walkway.
Once the damaged sections were removed, we installed a new 24-inch deep by 18-inch wide reinforced concrete footing. This footing was installed in phases to maintain structural integrity at every step. We then constructed a new waterproof cinder block foundation wall on the newly poured footing, utilizing our proprietary exterior waterproofing technique despite the lack of exterior access below grade.
Work Area B: Entire Perimeter Excluding Work Area A (approx. 94 linear feet)
For the remaining foundation perimeter, we excavated deep enough to allow formwork installation. The soil was thoroughly compacted, and #5 rebar was installed every 15 inches, driven 5 feet into the soil to act as deep piles for structural support.
We installed continuous horizontal reinforcement using #5 rebars throughout the full length of the footing. A new reinforced concrete footing measuring 24 inches deep by 18 inches wide was formed and poured in phases to avoid destabilizing the structure. We completed this section by pouring 4,000 PSI concrete to ensure strength and durability.
Subject Area: Basement Cinder Block Wall Restoration (Approx. 35 Linear Feet and 6 Feet High)
We addressed the deteriorated basement cinder block walls through a comprehensive restoration process. First, we scarified the entire surface using chisels to remove all foreign materials such as paint, efflorescence, and mildew, ensuring a clean substrate.
Next, we applied hydraulic cement as needed to patch and level the wall surface. A coat of Basecrete Intercept was applied to act as a primer and moisture barrier, with fans strategically placed to expedite the curing process.
We followed up with an application of Basecrete waterproofing cement across the entire surface. Reinforced fiberglass mesh was embedded into the wet Basecrete layer to enhance strength and durability. Finally, we applied a second layer of Basecrete waterproofing cement to create a seamless, watertight barrier that would protect the basement walls against future water infiltration.
Conclusion:
This foundation repair and basement wall restoration project in Brooklyn, NY, underscores Zavza Seal’s ability to deliver comprehensive structural and waterproofing solutions in complex residential environments. Through phased underpinning, advanced waterproofing systems, and meticulous craftsmanship, we restored the stability and longevity of the property’s foundation and basement walls.
If your property in Brooklyn or the surrounding New York areas is facing foundation issues, wall collapses, or basement waterproofing concerns, Zavza Seal is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team provide you with expert foundation repair and waterproofing solutions that stand the test of time.