Client Concern:
A homeowner in Brooklyn, NY reached out to Zavza Seal LLC with serious concerns about the structural integrity of their home’s basement. They noticed visible rust on the bottom of their support columns, a temporary lally column being used for support, cracks forming in the central wooden beam, and visible damage to the foundation walls. They feared the long-term implications of a weakening structure, including safety risks and property devaluation.
Diagnosis by Zavza Seal Team:
Upon a detailed inspection of the basement, our structural specialists observed:
- Rust-damaged support columns, including a temporary lally column that was not rated for long-term load-bearing use.
- A central wooden beam showing multiple vertical cracks and visible deterioration.
- A cut in the beam directly above the temporary support point.
- Significant foundation wall erosion on the East wall (approx. 259 sq. ft.), and partial erosion on the South and North walls.
- Compromised beam-to-wall contact points, risking further sagging or collapse.
Solution: Comprehensive Structural Reinforcement and Restoration
Our team implemented a multi-stage structural repair plan to fully reinforce and restore the basement’s stability, safety, and long-term performance.
1. Support Column Replacement
To replace failing supports:
- We jack-lifted and temporarily supported the central beam.
- Cut and disposed of the rusted columns and temporary lally column.
- Installed three (3) new 4-inch diameter concrete-filled steel columns, secured with factory-primed, rust-inhibitive top and base plates.
- Fastened the columns using galvanized structural fasteners and concrete anchors for maximum load support.
2. Beam Crack Repair & Steel Plate Reinforcement
To restore the central wooden beam:
- Applied GreenGuard-certified stop-rot wood restorer to consolidate and waterproof the beam’s cracked and rotted sections.
- Installed hot-rolled steel plates below the area with the beam cut, securing them with galvanized structural screws.
- Reinforced four major beam sections with eight (8) 6-foot x 5-inch x ½-inch steel plates, each bolted with 5/8” galvanized hex bolts and bonded with structural epoxy.
3. Foundation Wall Repair
To address widespread foundation wall erosion:
- Wire brushed, cleaned, and ground down all damaged concrete using diamond blades.
- Injected high-strength mortar into cavity areas.
- Installed 4.5 oz reinforced fibermesh sandwiched between two layers of 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement across:
- The entire East wall (~259 sq. ft.)
- Sections of the South wall (~8 sq. ft.)
- Sections of the North wall (~12 sq. ft.)
4. Beam-to-Wall Structural Angle Installation
At the foundation contact point:
- Installed a heavy-duty ¾-inch steel angle bracket (8” x 6”) to reinforce the beam where it meets the back foundation wall.
- Anchored the angle using steel bolts and structural epoxy to secure both the beam and wall for long-term load resistance.
Outcome:
The structural integrity of the Brooklyn basement was fully restored. The client now has:
- Properly engineered, rust-resistant permanent support columns
- A fully restored and reinforced wooden beam
- Repaired foundation walls free from erosion or cracking
- Peace of mind that their home is safe, secure, and structurally sound
Before
After
Need Basement Structural Repair in Brooklyn, NY?
If you’re seeing signs of sagging beams, cracked foundations, or temporary supports in your home, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Zavza Seal LLC is your trusted expert for basement structural repair, support column replacement and foundation wall restoration in Brooklyn and across NYC.
✅ Fully licensed & insured
✅ Proven structural expertise
✅ Free inspections available