The Problem

The homeowner contacted Zavza Seal after experiencing ongoing basement water intrusion and visible deterioration along several foundation walls.

After two separate site visits by our senior estimators and reviewing videos provided by the homeowner, we identified several serious issues affecting the property.

The foundation walls were heavily deteriorated and showing signs of long-term moisture damage. Water was penetrating through multiple areas of the walls, including cracks, joints, and weak sections of the foundation.

Our inspection also revealed that the water intrusion was likely connected to failing drainage components under the deck area, including damaged downspout fittings and problems around the dry well system.

In addition to the water damage, parts of the brick and mortar structure had weakened over time due to constant moisture exposure.

Our Waterproofing and Structural Repair Plan

Because the project involved both structural deterioration and active water intrusion, our team developed a complete waterproofing and reinforcement plan to address the source of the problem instead of only treating the symptoms.

The work focused on:

• damaged foundation walls
• drainage failures under the deck
• crack repair and waterproofing
• structural reinforcement
• moisture control improvements

Preparing the Basement Work Area

Before beginning repairs, our team isolated the basement work zone by hanging plastic containment sheets from floor to ceiling across the entire affected wall area. This helped keep dust and debris contained during grinding and restoration work.

We then removed damaged materials, paint, mildew, and efflorescence from the walls using diamond grinding equipment. This process exposed the original foundation surface so waterproofing materials could properly bond to the structure.

Foundation Crack Repair and Waterproofing

After preparing the walls, we injected selected cracks and penetration points using professional urethane and epoxy formulations designed to seal active water entry areas.

To strengthen and waterproof the foundation, we:

• reinforced the wall-to-floor joints using Basecrete fiberglass mesh
• extended waterproof protection across the concrete slab connection
• applied multiple layers of Basecrete waterproofing cement
• sealed all injected cracks and weakened wall sections

The goal was to create a durable waterproof barrier while also restoring structural integrity to the damaged foundation surfaces.

Brick and Mortar Restoration

Some areas of the brick wall showed missing mortar joints, cracked mortar, and broken brick sections caused by years of moisture exposure.

Our team repointed the damaged masonry, repaired weakened areas, and applied waterproof protection to help prevent future water penetration.

Deck Removal and Drainage Investigation

Part of the project required access underneath the existing wood deck where drainage failures were suspected.

We carefully removed sections of the deck as needed to expose the work area below. Once access was opened, we excavated underneath the concrete surface to inspect the underground drainage system.

During excavation, we exposed:

• drainage fittings
• elbows
• downspout piping
• the existing dry well system

We repaired and replaced damaged drainage components to improve water flow away from the home.

Drainage System Improvements

To better manage water around the property, our team also performed several drainage upgrades.

The work included:

• rerouting the downspout piping
• installing a vapor barrier to help prevent water migration toward the neighboring property
• excavating a trench from beneath the deck into the backyard
• installing two side-by-side dry wells over a gravel base
• installing a popup emitter to help relieve drainage pressure

These improvements were designed to reduce hydrostatic pressure around the foundation and improve long-term drainage performance.

Exterior Waterproofing and Excavation

Where additional excavation was needed along the foundation wall, our team excavated down to the footing level to fully expose the exterior wall surface.

Once exposed, we:

• cleaned the wall surface completely
• repaired cracks and gaps using Basecrete waterproofing cement
• applied a liquid waterproofing membrane across the wall
• installed a waterproof membrane protection layer
• backfilled the excavation to the original grade

To complete the area, we poured a new 4-inch reinforced concrete slab using high-strength 4,000 PSI concrete.

Basement Vestibule Wall Restoration

The basement vestibule wall had also experienced years of water damage and deterioration.

Our team ground the damaged surfaces to remove defective materials, mold, and paint buildup before restoring the wall using reinforced Basecrete waterproofing applications and fiberglass mesh for added structural support.

Stair Replacement Change Order

During the project, we discovered that the original stair substrate was too weak to properly support coating or resurfacing systems.

After testing several high-strength materials, it became clear that a more durable solution was needed.

Instead of temporary patchwork repairs, we recommended installing solid stone stair treads for long-term stability and durability.

The homeowner approved the solution, and our team completed the stone stair installation as part of the final restoration work.

The Final Result

By the end of the project, the property had:

• reinforced and waterproofed foundation walls
• repaired drainage systems
• improved water management
• restored masonry surfaces
• upgraded dry well protection
• newly installed stone stairs
• long-term protection against future basement water intrusion

The homeowner now has a safer, stronger, and significantly more water-resistant foundation system.

Many older homes in Brooklyn, NY experience foundation and drainage problems caused by aging construction materials, poor water management, and long-term moisture exposure.

This project focused not only on stopping visible leaks, but also on correcting the drainage and structural conditions that allowed the damage to develop in the first place.