The Problem:
A homeowner in Wheatley Heights, NY, contacted Zavza Seal after discovering mold contamination around two corners of the crawl space.
The affected areas included the east and west corners, with the work area extending approximately 3 feet along each side of the corners. Mold was present on the walls and surrounding surfaces, and some of the contamination had reached deeper into the concrete at the east corner.
The project also included a sewer trap and pipe penetration through the foundation wall. Because this penetration could allow moisture to enter around the pipe, it needed to be addressed as part of the project.
The homeowner needed more than surface-level cleaning. The affected materials had to be carefully removed, the mold contamination had to be treated, and the foundation wall penetration needed to be properly sealed.
Our Solution:
Zavza Seal performed mold remediation in the affected crawl space areas and repaired the sewer pipe penetration through the foundation wall.
Before starting the work, our crew prepared the area to help prevent mold spores and contaminated dust from spreading to other parts of the crawl space or home.
Preparing the Work Area
Our crew wore protective equipment, including protective suits, gloves and eye protection.
We installed containment plastic around the work area to isolate the affected sections. We also used two negative air scrubbers with H13 HEPA filtration during the remediation work.
This helped control airborne dust and mold spores while the contaminated materials were being removed and the affected surfaces were cleaned.
Removing Mold-Affected Materials
At the west corner, we carefully cut and removed the drywall around the affected walls. Where necessary, contaminated framing and insulation were also removed.
The scope focused on mold remediation. Replacement of drywall, framing and insulation was not included in this phase of the project.
Treating the Mold
The affected areas were treated with mold remediation products and cleaning agents.
At the east corner, the mold contamination had penetrated deeper into the concrete surface. Because surface cleaning alone would not adequately address the affected area, our crew mechanically scarified and ground the concrete using diamond grinding equipment where needed.
After the affected concrete was prepared, we applied a water-based fungicidal protective coating to the exposed surface.
The surrounding walls, ceiling and floors were also thoroughly cleaned. HEPA vacuuming was used to remove remaining dust and debris from the work area.
Where needed, exposed surfaces were encapsulated with a water-based protective coating designed to help prevent future fungal and microbial growth.
The area was then left dry and visibly free of mold contamination and debris.
Repairing the Sewer Trap and Foundation Wall Penetration
During the project, Zavza Seal also addressed the sewer trap and the pipe penetration through the foundation wall.
Our crew excavated from the exterior to expose the pipe penetration. We then disconnected and removed the existing sewer trap.
Approximately one foot of the exterior pipe was also removed.
A new sewer trap and new one-foot section of pipe were installed. We then waterproofed the foundation wall penetration using a two-component polymer system and sealed the area with high-durability sealants.
Additional underground caulking was applied around the entire penetration to help prevent water from entering around the pipe.
Once the waterproofing work was completed, the excavation was backfilled and compacted.
The Result:
The Wheatley Heights crawl space was left clean, dry and free of visible mold contamination and debris.
Zavza Seal addressed both sides of the problem. We removed and treated the affected mold areas while also repairing and waterproofing the sewer pipe penetration through the foundation wall.
This approach was important because mold remediation should not stop at cleaning the visible growth. Moisture problems also need to be addressed to help prevent mold from returning. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that moisture control is a key part of controlling indoor mold growth.
Looking for Mold Remediation in Wheatley Heights, NY?
If you have mold in your basement, crawl space or other part of your home, it is important to determine why the moisture is present before simply cleaning the visible growth.
Zavza Seal provides mold remediation, waterproofing, foundation repair and water intrusion solutions throughout Wheatley Heights and Long Island, NY.
Contact Zavza Seal to schedule an inspection and find out what may be causing the moisture and mold problem in your home.