Other Tips

Rainwater Drainage

Preventing problems begins with knowing the soil type

Clay soils. In the areas of Portland with clay soil (e.g. the West Hills, SE Multnomah County, and NE Clackamas County) water can easily enter the basements of homes and undermine footings.

Solutions. Most homes with basements were built before effective waterproofing materials were available. Today, more effective materials are available. Nothing can substitute, however, for knowing the soil type and taking step to insure proper drainage -- waterproofing the foundation, surrounding it with the appropriate rock fill, and grading it to slope away from the house.

>> Back To Other Tips Menu