Hillside homes
Kelso's eastern hills are built on layered soils, and the city knows what saturated hillsides can do — the 1998 Aldercrest–Banyon landslide followed years of above-average rain. We don't evaluate landslide risk, but we take water arriving from the uphill side seriously: we look for seepage along that wall, wet soil at the footing, and how roof and surface water are handled above the house.
River-flat homes
Near the Cowlitz, the issue is more often groundwater rising during long wet spells and pooling in the lowest part of the crawl space. Drainage to a sump is the usual fix.
A waterproofing plan, not a product
- Interior drainage where water enters or collects
- A sump where water must be lifted out
- Foundation repairs for cracks or damaged concrete letting water in
- Outside recommendations: gutters, downspouts, grading
- A vapor barrier once water is handled
What affects the scope in Kelso
- Hillside seepage vs. groundwater on the flats
- Length of drainage needed to intercept water
- Gravity outlet vs. sump
- Foundation cracks or damaged concrete
- Outside drainage changes above the house
Signs to watch after the work
Questions from Kelso homeowners
Water comes through my uphill foundation wall in Kelso. What can be done?
Usually drainage along that wall, plus outside changes to reduce water reaching it. We'll look at both.
How do I get an estimate?
Getting started is easy. Call or text (360) 470-4956, or fill out the form on this page. We'll learn what's going on beneath your home, schedule a time to take a look, and give you a straightforward waterproofing estimate.