Exterior Waterproofing Preserves Historic Home in Markham, VA

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    The Challenge: Moisture & Structural Risks in a Historic Home

    Peeling paint and bubbling foundation drywall of a historic Front Royal, VA home indicates moisture intrusion and poor drainage.

    Charles’ historic home in Markham, VA, had been in his family for generations. As a historically significant property, maintaining its original charm while protecting it from water damage was essential. However, moisture intrusion, poor drainage, and deteriorating stone window wells weakened the home’s foundation.

    Worried about ongoing damage, Charles knew that DIY exterior foundation waterproofing wouldn’t provide the long-term protection his home needed. Instead, he contacted the LUX team for expert waterproofing outside foundation walls to safeguard his home while preserving its historic integrity.

    After a comprehensive inspection, Russ, one of our foundation specialists, identified the following key problems:

    Aging Foundation Without Waterproofing – The home lacked waterproofing of foundation exterior, allowing moisture infiltration, increasing the risk of mold, and weakening structural components.

    Deteriorating Stone Window Wells – Two existing stone window wells showed deterioration, requiring careful parging and waterproofing.

    Need for Additional Window Wells – The home required two additional stone window wells to enhance ventilation drainage and prevent basement moisture issues.

    Poor Drainage System – The existing exterior drainage was ineffective, allowing water to pool around the foundation. increasing the risk of erosion, basement leaks, and long-term foundation damage.

    Short Downspout Extensions – The existing downspouts were too short, allowing roof runoff to collect dangerously close to the foundation.

    The Risks of Ignoring These Issues

    ❌ Continued water infiltration, leading to mold and mildew growth
    ❌ Weakening of the foundation and stonework due to moisture exposure
    ❌ Potential collapse or failure of the existing window wells
    ❌ Increased basement humidity and energy inefficiency

    Left unaddressed, these issues could compromise the stability and livability of the historic home. LUX developed a customized exterior waterproofing plan to prevent costly repairs to protect the foundation and the home’s historic charm.

    The Solution: Custom Exterior Foundation Waterproofing 

    LUX Foundation Solutions implemented a multi-step exterior waterproofing approach to resolve water intrusion, reinforce the stone window wells, and enhance foundation drainage solutions.

    Foundation Exterior Waterproofing

    Step 1: Excavation & Site Preparation

    Carefully excavated around the perimeter foundation walls, ensuring proper access for waterproofing.

    Step 2: Window Well Undermining

    Undermined two existing stone window wells to prepare for restoration and moisture protection.

    Step 3: Waterproofing Application

    Applied a liquid elastomeric waterproofing membrane to the foundation walls and existing stone window wells to create a durable moisture barrier.

    Step 4: Secondary Protection

    Installed a secondary rubber waterproofing membrane for enhanced water resistance and long-term moisture protection.

    Stone Window Well Reconstruction & Addition

    Step 5: Existing Window Well Restoration

    Repaired deteriorating stone wells by applying stone parging, elastomeric waterproofing membrane, and reinforcing weakened areas.

    Step 6: New Stone Window Wells Construction

    Built two additional stone wells to improve ventilation and prevent moisture buildup in the basement.

    Step 7: Applying Mortar to Match Historic Stonework

    Applied a high-strength mortar mix to match the home’s historically appropriate stonework, preserving its original architectural aesthetic.

    Foundation Drainage System Improvements

    Step 8: Extended Downspouts

    Installed longer downspout extensions to prevent roof runoff from pooling near the foundation, a key factor in historic home waterproofing.

    Step 9: Site Restoration & Finishing

    Restored all excavated areas, ensuring that landscaping and exterior finishes remained in excellent condition.

    The Outcome: A Drier, Stronger, & More Resilient Historic Home

    Unwaterproofed exterior foundation wall in Flint Hill, VA, with visible cracks, poor drainage, and moisture damage. Waterproofed exterior foundation wall of a historic home in Winchester, VA, with reinforced stone window wells and drainage.

    After implementing exterior waterproofing, drainage, and restoration solutions, the historic home is now structurally sound, dry, and fully protected from future moisture damage. 

    The combination of advanced waterproofing technology and traditional masonry techniques ensured that the home’s character was preserved while modern improvements strengthened its foundation.

    Foundation Stability Restored – The dual-layer waterproofing system ensures the basement remains dry and structurally sound.
    Stone Window Wells Fully Reconstructed – Both restored and newly constructed wells provide enhanced drainage and historical accuracy.
    Water Diversion Improved – The new drainage system and downspout extensions eliminate water pooling around the foundation.
    Preserved Aesthetic & Durability – The home retains its original charm while benefiting from modern structural reinforcements.

    LUX Foundation Solutions used the best exterior foundation waterproofing products to ensure lasting results, carefully selected for their durability and effectiveness. With these high-quality materials and expert installation, Charles and his family now have peace of mind knowing their historic home is protected for generations to come.

    Protect Your Home with Expert Waterproofing & Structural Repairs

    Water damage and poor drainage can threaten any home—especially historic properties. LUX Foundation Solutions specializes in preserving homes while integrating modern waterproofing technology to enhance durability.

    Don’t wait for foundation issues to worsen! If you’re wondering how to waterproof exterior foundation wall properly, trust the experts to get it done right. Protect your home today with professional waterproofing and drainage solutions.

    📞 Call us now at 540-508-8587 for a free estimate! We are serving Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, North Central Virginia, West Virginia, and surrounding areas.

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