The Problem:
The homeowner in Ozone Park, NY contacted Zavza Seal after noticing floor sagging and concerns about the structural integrity of their home. On September 3, 2025, two of our senior estimators performed a detailed on site evaluation.
During the inspection, several issues were identified with the existing joists and beams. The most critical problem was located at the 8th joist from the south wall. A load bearing wall had been constructed parallel to the joists instead of perpendicular to them. This improper configuration placed excessive downward pressure on a single wood joist.
Compounding the issue, the distance between the two structural support points was far too great for a standard wood joist to safely carry the load. Over time, this caused significant stress on the framing system and increased the risk of continued sagging or structural failure if left unaddressed.
The Solution:
Zavza Seal developed a structural repair plan focused on safety, load redistribution, and long term stability.
Our team first installed temporary structural supports to safely carry the load while the repair was performed. The compromised wood joist was then carefully removed and disposed of per the homeowner’s request.
Next, we phase lifted the floor above to bring it as level as possible without introducing additional stress or damage to the structure. Additional lumber was installed as needed to properly fill the gap between the existing beam and the wall framing. This step was especially important due to prior lumber additions that had been installed above the sill plate.
To permanently secure the system, the new beam was anchored directly to the foundation wall using structural bolts and high strength structural epoxy. We then installed a W12 x 6 x 190 steel beam to replace the failing wood joist, providing superior load bearing capacity and long term durability.
The Result:
Once the work was completed, the structural load was properly redistributed and the floor above was significantly stabilized and leveled. The steel beam installation eliminated the risk associated with the undersized wood joist and corrected the effects of the improperly oriented load bearing wall.
The homeowner now has a safer, stronger foundation system and confidence that the structure is properly supported for years to come.
Why Structural Repairs Matter in Ozone Park, NY?
Many older homes in Ozone Park and throughout Queens were built with framing systems that no longer meet modern load requirements. Improper renovations and aging materials can place unexpected stress on joists and beams. Professional structural evaluations and repairs help prevent long term damage, uneven floors, and costly future repairs.