The Challenge: Water Coming Through Slab Foundation Causing Mold and Moisture Damage
Lee, a homeowner in St. Augustine, FL, had just moved into her new home when problems began. Water was entering through the slab because the builder failed to install the correct poly-vapor barrier, which allowed groundwater seepage.
Moisture evaporated under the floor system, creating mold concerns, poor air circulation, and early signs of foundation damage threatening the safety of the home.
Lee turned to LUX Foundation Solutions for a yard drainage system installation and exterior foundation waterproofing plan to safeguard her investment.
Why This Needed Immediate Attention
Homes in Northeast Florida face high humidity, heavy rainfall, and sandy soils. Without a yard drainage system, water collects around the footings and causes:
- Standing water near the foundation that seeps into slabs and crawlspaces.
- Soil erosion that leads to foundation settlement.
- Hydrostatic pressure against walls, forcing water through cracks.
- Increased risk of mold and mildew, creating health risks for families.
- Expensive foundation repairs later on.
The Solution: Custom Yard Drainage System & Foundation Waterproofing
Our team at LUX designed a custom plan that combined waterproofing and drainage improvements to protect the foundation and the surrounding yard.
Step 1: Perimeter Excavation
We excavated along the foundation wall perimeter to expose the wall/slab interface and set correct elevations for waterproofing and drainage.
Step 2: Primer / Liquid Base Coat
The exposed wall was cleaned and coated with a liquid primer/base coat to ensure strong adhesion and a smooth, uniform substrate.
Step 3: Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane
A continuous elastomeric sheet membrane (blue) was installed along the wall , creating a flexible, watertight barrier against water seepage and minor cracking.
Step 4: Strip Drain at Base of Wall
A prefabricated strip drain was set at the foot of the waterproofed wall in continuous runs (including corners) and connected to the outlet line. This provides a slim, high-capacity drainage plane that relieves hydrostatic pressure and routes water to the discharge line.
Step 5: Yard Drainage Trenches & Basins
We cut 100 ft of yard drainage trenches to install a yard drainage system with three 12″×12″ basins connected by a 4″ PVC outlet line. This drainage system for the yard efficiently captures surface water and directs it downslope, away from the foundation.
Step 6: Downspout Extensions & Clean-Outs
The four downspouts were extended underground with solid corrugated HDPE. Each tie-in includes a clean-out (inline grate) for maintenance and connects to the drainage line. Discharge is via a pop-up emitter, where specified to release water safely away from the home.
Step 7: Stone Protection, Backfill & Final Grading
Washed stone was placed to protect drainage paths; trenches were backfilled, excess spoil hauled off, and the perimeter regraded for positive slope. Areas were restored with seed and straw for a clean finish.
The Results
The yard drainage system and exterior waterproofing gave Lee’s home a lasting solution to Florida’s heavy rainfall and sandy soil challenges. With the right drainage and foundation protection in place, the property is now safe, dry, and built to handle the local climate.
The results of this project include:
✅ Complete elimination of water intrusion at the slab and foundation walls.
✅ Significant reduction in mold, mildew, and wood rot risks.
✅ A reliable yard drainage system that prevents pooling during heavy rain.
✅ Restored landscaping and preserved property value.
✅ Stronger foundation protection to avoid costly structural repairs in the future.
This project shows how essential it is to install a yard drainage system in Florida homes. By pairing exterior waterproofing with a reliable drainage system for yards, LUX Foundation Solutions delivered long-term stability and peace of mind.
Protect Your Florida Home with a Yard Drainage System
If your home has standing water, slab leaks, or foundation cracks, don’t wait until the problem worsens. LUX Foundation Solutions has the expertise to help and specializes in yard drainage systems, foundation repair services, and exterior waterproofing for Florida homes.
We proudly serve St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Gainesville, Ocala, and surrounding Northern Florida communities.
Call us today at 904-921-3589 to schedule your free estimate or learn more.
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