Brick colonials and bungalows fill University Heights, and many of their basements seep or crack. Our family crew fixes both, starting with a free estimate and ending with a transferable lifetime warranty.
University Heights, home of John Carroll University, filled in mostly between the 1920s and the 1950s. Rows of brick colonials, bungalows and Cape Cods sit on block or poured walls built with little waterproofing. Their footing drains were short runs of clay tile. After seventy years or more, a lot of that tile has stopped carrying water anywhere useful.
The city sits on fairly level ground, so rain soaks in more than it runs off. Beneath the lawns is heavy clay that holds water against the house. Lots are narrow, and homes stand close together, which means one house's downspouts and driveway can send water toward the next foundation.
Winters bring snow piled along walks and driveways, then a thaw that pours it all into the soil at once. Freeze-thaw cycles open small gaps in mortar and around windows. Water comes in at the floor seam, through wall cracks and around utility lines. Many owners first notice a damp carpet, rusty shelf legs or a smell.
Level clay lots stay wet, and wet clay presses hard on basement walls. In University Heights we find step cracks in block corners, walls with a slight lean and cracked poured walls near window openings. Settling porches and front steps pulling away from the house are common too.
We handle these from inside with carbon-fiber straps for walls that have begun to bow, and the Richtech Stabilizer System for walls that need bracing and straightening with no excavation outside. Steel push piers carry a sinking section, and crack injection seals leaks. You get the plan in writing first.
Interior drainage, wall membranes and footing drains that relieve water pressure and stop seepage at the source - keeping your University Heights basement dry for good.
Learn moreBowing walls and settlement cracks stabilized permanently with the Richtech Stabilizer System, carbon-fiber straps, and epoxy/polyurethane crack injection.
Learn moreHigh-capacity sump systems with battery backup and water-alarm monitoring that automatically clear water before it accumulates - even when the power goes out.
Learn moreFrench drains, downspout extensions and regraded surface drainage that move stormwater away from your foundation before it ever reaches your basement.
Learn moreRepair, replacement and maintenance of gutters and downspouts so roof runoff is captured and carried far from your foundation - your first line of defense.
Learn moreCode-compliant egress windows that add a safe emergency exit, flood your basement with natural light, and unlock legal bedroom potential and home value.
Learn morePowerful dehumidification and moisture control that clears musty odors, protects against mold, and turns a damp basement into fresh, comfortable living space.
Learn moreDurable, energy-efficient glass block windows that resist leaks and break-ins while still letting daylight into your basement - a clean, permanent upgrade.
Learn moreWe are a family business with our shop at 298 E Walnut St in Wadsworth, and we send our own crew to University Heights for estimates and repairs. The person who explains your plan works for the same company that does the job.
Book a free on-site estimate and we'll inspect the basement, the grading and the gutters. You get a written plan in plain words, with the cause, the fix and the price. Call (330) 366-3028 to set a time.
We had our cellar door stairs waterproofed, a drain in the basement and downlines for our gutters installed. The crew was great to work with.
Mike and Ken and the other workers, what can I say? They have gone above and beyond for us. This has been a very challenging job, and Mike the owner has been back several times to make it right.
Positive experience from start to finish. Scheduled the estimate within days and got us right on the calendar for the repair. Ken was great to work with and answered my numerous questions with patience. The crew arrived on time.
They can add to it. On narrow lots, roof water from one house can drain toward the next foundation. We look at grading and downspouts on your side and suggest what will move water away from your walls.
Start with an inspection. A damp smell usually means moisture is moving through the walls or floor, or humidity is high. We'll find the source and tell you if you need drainage, a dehumidifier or both.
It often is, because a wet basement means damaged belongings and repeat repair calls. Drainage and a sump pump cut down on that. The lifetime warranty also transfers if you sell the property.
It could be a big part of it. A driveway that pitches toward the house sends water straight to the foundation. We'll check the slope and the drainage and explain what will help.
Usually, yes. Carbon-fiber straps and the Richtech Stabilizer System go on from inside. That matters on tight lots where there's little room to dig. Your fence and plantings stay put.
You can patch it, but patches often fail if the crack is still moving or taking water. Injection fills the crack all the way through. We'll check whether it's moving before recommending a fix.
Call (330) 366-3028. We offer 24/7 emergency response for flooded basements. We'll tell you what to do right away and get a crew scheduled. Move valuables off the floor while you wait.
Often the steps are settling on their own footing. Sometimes it points to movement in the foundation wall too. We'll look at both and explain what's moving.
Yes, we offer financing options. We'll go over them at your free estimate. You'll see the full written price before deciding. There's no pressure to sign that day.
Call All American Basement Waterproofing at (330) 366-3028. We're family-owned in Wadsworth, working since 1985, and A+ rated with the BBB. Our own crew does the job.
University Heights is one of the many Cuyahoga County communities we serve - or see all of Cuyahoga County.
Talk to All American today - we'll inspect your University Heights basement or foundation and give you an honest, written estimate at no cost. Family-owned and protecting Northeast Ohio homes since 1985.
24/7 emergency response · Financing available · Transferable lifetime warranty