Project Overview
Zavza Seal was hired to address severe mold contamination and ongoing water intrusion issues in the basement utility room and foundation of a residential property in Halesite, NY. The homeowner noticed strong musty odors, visible mold growth, and water seepage that compromised both safety and structural integrity. Our licensed mold remediation and waterproofing team executed a multi-phase solution to eliminate the risks and restore the space to a safe, dry condition.
The Problem
Our senior estimator conducted a thorough on-site inspection and identified several serious issues:
1. Mold in Basement Utility Room
- Mold was present on multiple areas of the walls and floor.
- The affected surfaces posed a health hazard and potential for long-term damage if not properly treated.
- The concrete structure was also compromised in certain areas, requiring grinding and patching.
2. Ineffective Drainage in Two Window Wells
- The window wells had no proper drainage, causing water pooling and contributing to the mold and moisture problems indoors.
3. Water Intrusion Along Exterior Cinder Block Foundation Walls
- The joint between the floor and foundation wall showed signs of water seepage.
- No interior drainage system was present along approximately 26 linear feet of wall.
- Moisture was wicking up into the cinder blocks due to a lack of pressure relief and drainage.
Our Solution
Zavza Seal designed and executed a comprehensive remediation and waterproofing plan to address the immediate hazards and deliver long-term peace of mind.
1. Mold Remediation in the Basement Utility Room
Our crew followed strict safety protocols, wearing disposable hazmat suits and face masks to protect both themselves and the property. During the work, entry to the basement was restricted to prevent cross-contamination.
The scope of work included:
- Grinding all concrete surfaces to remove every trace of mold until bare, clean concrete was revealed.
- Patching with 5,000 PSI concrete to restore surface integrity where grinding had exposed weakened areas.
- Wire brushing and sanitizing all affected areas to ensure full decontamination.
- Encapsulating treated surfaces with a water-based fungicidal protective coating that includes EPA-registered antimicrobials to prevent the return of mold or microbial growth.
- Running two industrial-grade dehumidifiers and two 3-stage HEPA-filter air scrubbers (550 CFM) around the clock for the entire duration of the project and for three additional days post-completion to ensure complete air purification and moisture removal.
2. Window Well Drainage Installation
To eliminate surface water from entering the basement:
- Excavated each window well approximately 6 inches down.
- Installed a new 3-foot-deep self-contained drainage system in each well.
- Poured a fresh gravel base to enhance drainage and prevent pooling.
- Installed durable plastic window well covers to protect the wells from rain, snow, and debris.
3. Interior Drainage System Along Cinder Block Foundation Walls
To eliminate water seepage and manage hydrostatic pressure:
- Cut a 4-inch-deep drainage trench along the base of the wall and across the top of the footing on both walls (approx. 12 and 14 feet).
- Installed perforated drainage pipe, fully surrounded by clean gravel for long-lasting flow and filtration.
- Connected the pipes to the existing sump pump basin, after evaluating and confirming its functionality.
- Drilled weep holes into every cinder block to relieve trapped moisture and channel water into the drainage system.
- Poured and troweled 4,000 PSI high-strength concrete to seal the trench flush with the existing basement floor.
Note: If the sump pump had been malfunctioning, a replacement would have been proposed. In this case, the existing system was working correctly, saving the homeowner unnecessary cost.
Project Outcome
The project at this Halesite residence resulted in:
- Complete removal of all mold and microbial threats from the utility room
- A sealed, waterproof basement foundation, fully protected against future water intrusion
- Improved indoor air quality through continuous HEPA filtration and dehumidification
- A clean, dry, and health-safe space restored to full functionality
- Properly drained and sealed window wells, adding another layer of defense
Client Satisfaction
The homeowner expressed full satisfaction with Zavza Seal’s comprehensive approach, professionalism, and transparent communication. With mold gone, air quality improved, and the foundation protected, they now enjoy peace of mind and long-term value for their property.
Call ur experts for a free inspection and consultation today!