Town/Neighborhood: Jamaica
Borough/County: Brooklyn
Construction Type: Residential
Category: Foundation Repair, Foundation Wall Restoration
Project Overview
A homeowner in Jamaica, Brooklyn reached out to Zavza Seal LLC for help after experiencing severe foundation wall failure due to unplanned excavation by a general contractor. The contractor had excavated the basement floor to increase ceiling height, which resulted in partial and full collapses of foundation walls. In addition, the client reported water intrusion from structural cracks in the TV room, laundry room, and near the sewer line. Zavza Seal LLC provided a full foundation restoration and waterproofing solution, protecting the home from both structural and moisture-related threats.
The Problem
The contractor’s excavation work compromised the foundation’s stability, causing parts of the wall to collapse and putting the remainder of the home at serious risk. At the same time, two significant cracks were letting water into the basement through the foundation wall. These cracks were especially concerning because they were located at cove joints, where the wall meets the floor slab, commonly vulnerable areas for leaks.
Our Solution
Work Area A: Reconstruction of Collapsed Foundation Wall (Approx. 22 Linear Feet)
- Demolished and removed damaged sections of the wall in phases to maintain structural stability of the 1st and 2nd floors and prevent collapse of the adjacent concrete walkway.
- Installed a 24-inch deep by 18-inch wide reinforced concrete footing in carefully phased steps, ensuring the structure above remained supported at all times.
- Built a new cinder block foundation wall on the freshly poured footing.
- Used a proprietary waterproofing technique on the exterior of the new foundation wall, even though exterior below-grade access was not available.
Work Area B: Foundation Underpinning Around Perimeter (Approx. 94 Linear Feet)
- Excavated the perimeter to a depth that allowed safe access for formwork.
- Compacted the soil and installed #5 rebar every 15 inches as deep-set piles, driven 5 feet into the ground for added foundation support.
- Placed continuous horizontal #5 rebars throughout the length of the footing for reinforcement.
- Installed 24-inch deep by 18-inch wide reinforced concrete footings, staggered to preserve the home’s structural integrity.
- Poured 4,000 PSI concrete to complete the new underpinning system.
Structural Crack Repair and Waterproofing (Laundry, TV Room, Sewer Line)
- In the TV room, removed baseboard and drywall studs to access the crack along the foundation wall.
- Chased and ground the crack with a diamond blade to remove debris, efflorescence, and mold, ensuring a clean application surface.
- Drilled injection ports and injected urethane and epoxy into the crack to fill voids and stop water infiltration.
- Applied a mesh-reinforced layer of Basecrete waterproof cement, troweled to a smooth finish.
- Extended the Basecrete treatment 6 inches on each side of the crack along the floor cove joint for added protection.
- Similar waterproofing and structural crack repair was performed in the laundry area near the sewer line.
Note: The homeowner was responsible for reinstalling the baseboard in the TV room, which was not included in our scope.
Outcome
The combined efforts of foundation restoration, footing installation, underpinning, and structural waterproofing resulted in a completely stabilized and watertight basement structure. The client in Jamaica, Brooklyn now has a secure foundation with long-term resistance against collapse and water intrusion.
Why Zavza Seal LLC?
At Zavza Seal LLC, we provide integrated solutions for complex structural challenges, specializing in foundation repair, waterproofing, and underpinning. From collapsed walls to basement water leaks, we ensure projects are delivered with safety, precision, and lasting performance. Whether your project involves foundation installation in Brooklyn or structural crack waterproofing, trust Zavza Seal to get the job done right.