Basement Waterproofing in Garfield Heights, OH

There's a damp stripe along the bottom of my Garfield Heights basement wall. What causes it?

Block walls have hollow cores that fill with water when the soil is soaked. The water drains down and seeps out along the bottom course. Weep holes and an interior drain let it empty into a sump.

We sealed our Garfield Heights basement walls with waterproof paint and it's peeling. Why?

Water pushing from behind the wall lifts the coating off. Paint can't hold back hydrostatic pressure from saturated clay. Draining the water at the footing is what stops the leak, and the peeling stops with it.

I have water coming up through cracks in my Garfield Heights basement floor. Can that be fixed?

Yes. Water in the floor cracks means groundwater is rising under the slab. An interior perimeter drain lowers that water and sends it to a sump pump, which takes the pressure off the floor.

Our sump pump in Garfield Heights runs constantly in spring. Is that normal?

A pump that runs often during a wet spring is doing its job. If it runs nonstop or can't keep up, the pit or pump may be too small, or the discharge may be sending water back toward the house. We'll check all three.

How often should a Garfield Heights homeowner test the sump pump?

Pour a bucket of water into the pit every few months and again before spring. The pump should start, drain the pit and shut off. If it hums, stalls or runs without stopping, give us a call.

My Garfield Heights basement windows leak when it rains. What helps?

Low windows set in wells collect rain and let it in around the frame. Clearing the well drain, adding a cover and fixing grading usually helps. If the well ties into failed footing drains, we connect it to the interior system.

Can you waterproof a Garfield Heights basement that's already finished?

Yes, though some drywall and flooring along the leaking walls will need to come out so we can reach the footing. We'll tell you how much before we start. Afterward, the finished space is protected.

Is a French drain useful for a Garfield Heights yard that stays soggy?

It can be. A French drain collects surface water in a gravel trench and carries it away from the house. It works well on low spots that hold water, together with downspout extensions and grading.

We're worried about mold in our Garfield Heights basement. Where do we start?

Start by stopping the moisture, because mold needs damp surfaces to grow. We'll find where water is getting in and control humidity with drainage and a dehumidifier. Cleaning without fixing the water usually doesn't last.

Who handles basement waterproofing near me in Garfield Heights, OH?

All American Basement Waterproofing, a family-owned Wadsworth company since 1985. We're A+ rated with the BBB, our own crew does the installation, and the inspection is free. Call (330) 366-3028.