The Problem: Water Intrusion at the Basement Corner
A homeowner in Islip, NY contacted Zavza Seal after experiencing water intrusion at the southwest corner of the house.
The affected area covered approximately 8 linear feet, extending 4 feet east and 4 feet north from the corner. Because the problem was located at the basement corner, our team focused on both the foundation wall and the drainage conditions around the home.
A nearby downspout also needed attention. If roof runoff is discharged too close to the foundation, water can collect around the footing and increase the amount of moisture reaching the foundation wall.
The repair therefore needed to address both the foundation waterproofing and the way water was being directed away from the house.
The Solution: Exterior Foundation Waterproofing and Drainage
Zavza Seal developed an exterior repair plan to protect the affected foundation corner and improve drainage around the property.
The work included foundation wall preparation, crack and surface repairs, liquid waterproofing, an underground waterproofing membrane, a pressure relief pipe and a new drywell connected to the corner downspout.
Excavating the Foundation
The exterior perimeter around the affected foundation wall was excavated down to the bottom of the footing.
The excavation provided access to the foundation wall and footing so they could be properly inspected, repaired and waterproofed.
The area contained roots, which had to be cut where necessary to complete the excavation.
After the waterproofing and structural work was completed, the excavation was backfilled to the original grade.
The soil was then graded to slope away from the foundation, helping direct surface water away from the house. The soil was compacted with a plate compactor to create a stable finished grade.
Repairing the Foundation Wall
Once the foundation was exposed, our team cleaned the wall surface using steel brushes to remove loose material and prepare the masonry for repair.
Cracks and defective areas were repaired using 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement reinforced with 4.5-ounce fiberglass mesh.
High-strength repair mortar was also used where needed to improve the condition of the foundation.
This preparation created a sound surface for the waterproofing system.
Applying Exterior Waterproofing
After the foundation wall was prepared, Zavza Seal applied liquid waterproofing rubber across the affected foundation wall and footing.
An underground waterproofing membrane was then installed over the liquid waterproofing.
Together, these materials created a continuous exterior barrier designed to help prevent groundwater and soil moisture from reaching the basement through the repaired foundation area.
Installing a Pressure Relief Drain
Our team also installed a 4-inch perforated PVC pressure relief pipe along the side of the footing within the affected area.
The pipe was surrounded by gravel and covered with filter fabric to help prevent soil from entering and clogging the drainage system.
The purpose of this drainage layer was to help relieve water pressure around the foundation and provide a path for water to move away from the wall.
Improving Downspout Drainage
The corner downspout was another important part of the water management solution.
Our team excavated and extended the downspout toward the ground and installed the appropriate plumbing fittings and adapters.
A 50-gallon drywell was installed at least 10 feet away from the foundation on a 4-inch gravel bed.
A new underground PVC drainage pipe was installed to connect the downspout to the drywell.
This allowed roof runoff to be directed away from the foundation instead of being discharged directly beside the house.
The Result: A Better-Protected Foundation Corner
The completed project addressed the water intrusion concern from several directions.
The affected foundation corner was exposed, repaired and waterproofed. A waterproofing membrane was added to protect the exterior foundation, while a perforated pressure relief pipe helped manage water around the footing.
The downspout was also extended and connected to a drywell located away from the foundation.
Finally, the excavation was backfilled and the soil was graded away from the house to improve surface drainage.
The result was a comprehensive foundation waterproofing and drainage solution for the southwest corner of the Islip home.
Why Foundation Waterproofing and Drainage Work Together?
Waterproofing the foundation is only part of protecting a basement from moisture. Managing the water around the foundation is also important.
A downspout that releases roof water next to the foundation can contribute to wet soil around the footing. Redirecting that water to a properly placed drainage system can reduce the amount of water reaching the foundation.
At this Islip property, Zavza Seal addressed both conditions by combining exterior foundation waterproofing with downspout drainage and a drywell system.
Need Foundation Waterproofing in Islip, NY?
Water intrusion around a basement corner can have more than one cause. Foundation cracks, groundwater, poor drainage and downspouts that discharge too close to the house can all contribute to moisture problems.
Contact Zavza Seal to have your foundation and drainage conditions evaluated and find the right solution for your home.