Basement Waterproofing in Cleveland, OH

Our Cleveland basement only floods after big storms. Why not every time it rains?

A heavy storm soaks the backfill around your foundation faster than the clay underneath can drain it. That water pushes in at the cove joint and through cracks. Light rain never builds enough pressure, which is why you only see it after the big ones.

My house in Cleveland is almost 100 years old. Can you still waterproof the basement?

Yes. Old block and stone basements are a big part of what we do in Cleveland. The original clay drains have usually failed, so we put a new drain at the footing and tie it to a sump pump.

Do I need to dig up my Cleveland yard to fix the leak?

Usually not. An interior drainage system handles the same groundwater from inside and leaves your yard, driveway and landscaping alone. Digging only makes sense when a wall has failed and has to be rebuilt, and we'll tell you at the inspection if that's you.

We just bought in Cleveland and the basement smells musty. Is that a water problem?

Often, yes. A musty smell usually means moisture is getting through the walls or floor even if you don't see puddles. We'll check for seepage and humidity and tell you whether drainage, a dehumidifier or both will clear it up.

There's a white chalky line on my basement walls in Cleveland. What's that from?

That's efflorescence, mineral salt left behind when water soaks through masonry and dries. It means water is moving through the wall. A wall membrane tied into interior drainage stops it from coming back.

I'm worried about the sump failing when the power goes out in Cleveland. What can I do?

Add a battery backup pump. Strong lake storms are exactly when outages happen, and a primary pump can't run without power. The backup keeps the pit from overflowing until the lights come back on.

We want to finish our Cleveland basement. Should we waterproof first?

Yes, fix the water before any framing or drywall goes in. Once the drainage and a wall membrane are in and humidity is under control, finishing stops being a gamble. We'll tell you what has to be done first.

How long will your crew be at my Cleveland house?

Most Cleveland basements take one to three days once the crew starts. Bigger basements, thick slabs or a new sump pit can add time. You get the schedule in writing before we begin.

If I sell my Cleveland home, does the waterproofing warranty go with it?

Yes. Our lifetime warranty is written and it transfers to the next owner. Buyers in older Cleveland neighborhoods expect basement questions, and a transferable warranty gives them a clear answer.

I'm looking for basement waterproofing near me in Cleveland, OH. Who actually shows up?

All American Basement Waterproofing has worked in Cleveland since 1985 from our shop in Wadsworth. We're family-owned and A+ rated with the BBB, and our own crew does the work. Call (330) 366-3028 for a free inspection.