The Problem
A Brooklyn property had significant water damage and mold inside a closet. Our team found that water had been entering through damaged exterior masonry and areas around the window opening. A rusted and deteriorated steel lintel had sagged, contributing to movement and cracking in the brick wall.
The exterior masonry had both horizontal and vertical structural cracks. The roof assembly was also allowing long-term water infiltration, which had damaged sections of the ceiling, walls and framing.
Because the condition behind the interior walls could not be fully seen, it was important to remove the damaged materials and inspect the structure before completing the interior repairs.
The Solution
Zavza Seal addressed the project from both sides of the building. We first contained and removed the mold and damaged interior materials. We then repaired the exterior structural problems and restored the roof to help stop the sources of water intrusion.
Mold Remediation:
The work area was isolated with 6-mil plastic sheeting to contain dust and mold contamination. Our crew used protective equipment and a HEPA-filtered negative air machine during the remediation.
Contaminated sheetrock and moldings were removed and disposed of. The surrounding walls, ceiling and floors were cleaned with a HEPA vacuum and treated with an antibacterial mold cleaner.
Where needed, exposed surfaces received a protective fungicidal coating. The area was then cleaned and left dry and free of visible contamination.
After the damaged interior materials were removed, we opened sections of the walls to inspect the substrate and determine the condition of the structure behind them.
Window Lintel Replacement
The existing window lintel was approximately 4 feet long and had deteriorated from rust. Temporary structural support was installed before the damaged lintel was removed.
We replaced it with a new galvanized steel angle lintel and restored the surrounding brickwork.
During the work, the existing lintel was found to be an angle iron rather than the flat steel bar originally expected. This required a different installation approach. The masonry above the lintel was carefully supported, sections of brick were removed to provide access, and the new galvanized angle iron lintel was installed. The removed brickwork was then reset with new mortar.
Structural Masonry Crack Repair
The exterior wall had a horizontal structural crack of approximately 12 linear feet.
We removed the damaged mortar and opened the crack to reach its deeper core. Structural epoxy was installed into the crack, followed by non-corrosive carbon stitches to reinforce the masonry.
A new mortar joint was then installed to restore the surface as closely as practical to the existing brickwork.
A separate vertical crack of approximately 6 linear feet was repaired by removing the damaged mortar and installing new mortar. Heli-Ties were also installed vertically through the mortar and substrate to provide additional structural support.
Cracked Coping Stone
A cracked coping stone was also repaired. We removed the loose and damaged material and cut slots across the crack.
The slots were filled with structural epoxy and reinforced with non-corrosive carbon stitches. High-strength mortar was then applied to complete the repair.
Roof Restoration and Interior Structural Work
The flat roof was identified as a major source of long-term water infiltration. Damaged ceiling and wall materials were removed to expose the affected structure.
The exposed masonry walls were mechanically cleaned and prepared. Loose mortar and deteriorated materials were removed, followed by two coats of masonry sealer to help reduce moisture migration.
Our team also inspected the damaged ceiling framing and installed new framing where needed to restore structural support. The settled roof section was carefully lifted to improve drainage toward the existing roof drain.
The approximately 48-square-foot flat roof area was prepared for a new roofing membrane. We sealed the roof transitions, penetrations and flashing details to create a continuous watertight system and improve drainage toward the existing roof drain.
Brick Repair Above the Front Door
The bricks above the front door also required structural support. Helical ties were reset and installed as needed to secure the masonry and provide additional support.
The Result
The Brooklyn property received a comprehensive repair that addressed both the visible interior damage and the underlying building problems.
Mold-contaminated materials were removed and the affected area was cleaned. The damaged window lintel was replaced, structural masonry cracks were reinforced, the coping stone was repaired and the bricks above the front door were stabilized.
The roof was also restored and drainage was improved to help prevent continued water infiltration.
By addressing the water sources, structural masonry and damaged interior materials together, Zavza Seal helped restore the affected area and provide a stronger barrier against future moisture problems.