Loose backfill around many Stow foundations sends water straight to the footing. We stop it with interior drainage, sump pumps and crack injection, backed by a transferable lifetime warranty.
Stow grew quickly in the decades after World War II, and a lot of its houses went up fast. Foundations were often backfilled with whatever soil came out of the hole, pushed against the walls and left to settle on its own. That loose fill keeps compacting for years. It leaves a soft column of soil against the foundation that takes in water much faster than the dense clay around it.
That column works like a funnel. Rain and roof runoff soak straight down through it to the footing, where the clay stops them. Water then builds up against the lowest part of the wall and under the slab. In block basements it seeps into the cores and out at the bottom course. In poured basements it finds the cove joint, form-tie holes and shrinkage cracks.
The settling fill also changes the surface. Over time the ground next to the house sinks and starts to slope toward the wall, so rain that should run away runs in. Freeze-thaw winters add pressure and widen cracks. The result, in many Stow homes, is a basement that stayed dry for a while and then began taking water as the yard slowly tilted back toward the foundation.
Since the water collects at the footing, that is where we catch it. We cut the floor along the walls, lay perforated pipe beside the footing in clean stone and run it to a sump pit. On block walls, weep holes let trapped water drain from the cores into the pipe. A membrane on the wall keeps any seepage moving down, and new concrete closes the floor.
Outside, we rebuild the grade where settled fill slopes toward the house and extend downspouts so roof water lands well away. Leaking cracks in poured walls or the floor get epoxy or polyurethane injection. A battery backup keeps the sump running in outages, and a dehumidifier helps if you plan to finish the space later on.
Many Stow foundations have loose, settling backfill that funnels water to the footing, so we fit each system to catch it there, with footing drains and a sump inside and regrading where the yard tilts back toward the house.
A perimeter drain captures water at the wall-floor joint and routes it to your sump before it reaches the floor.
A durable moisture barrier directs wall seepage into the drain and keeps the space dry and bright.
Collected water is moved out and away from your foundation by a high-capacity sump system.
The most common entry points are sealed watertight as part of the complete system.
You work directly with the All American team at every step.
We come out, find where the water gets in and walk you through what we see.
You get a fixed-price plan in plain English, with financing options if you want them.
Our own crew installs the drain, membrane and sump, usually in one to three days.
We test the pump with you and hand over a written, transferable lifetime warranty.
Interior drainage, wall membranes and footing drains that relieve water pressure and stop seepage at the source - keeping your Stow 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 moreStow is an easy drive from our Wadsworth headquarters, so booking an estimate here does not mean waiting on a company coming from far away. Our crews work this side of Summit County regularly and know its homes well.
When you call, you reach a local, family-run team that has handled Stow foundations for decades. We give you a clear read on what is happening and a firm price up front, with no pressure and no surprises.
Exceptional basement waterproofing, highly recommend. I had an outstanding experience with All American Basement for my basement.
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.
Many homes from that era were backfilled with loose soil that funnels water straight down to the footing. The clay below stops it there, and it seeps in at the base of the wall. A footing drain and sump catch it at that level.
It happens as loose backfill settles over the years. The ground next to the wall sinks and starts sending rain toward the house. We regrade it so water runs away again and add interior drainage for what still reaches the footing.
Damp floor cracks usually mean water is under the slab and pushing up. A perimeter drain relieves that pressure. Once it's in, the cracks can be sealed so they stay dry.
For most Stow homes, interior drainage is less disruptive and catches water right where the backfill delivers it. Exterior work makes sense when a wall needs outside repair. We'll explain the options at the free inspection.
Stopping the water. Once drainage is in, the grade is corrected and humidity is under control, finishing is a safe bet. We'll tell you what needs to happen before framing starts.
Yes. We offer financing options so you can fix the basement now and pay over time. Ask about the plans when you get your written estimate after the free inspection.
Hollow block fills with water from the wet backfill and releases it at the lowest course. We drill weep holes there so it drains into a new footing drain, and a membrane keeps seepage moving down.
Settling backfill slowly changes the grade and loosens the soil against the wall, and freeze-thaw cycles open cracks. Eventually a wet season pushes water through. We find the source and fix it inside and out.
Most Stow jobs take one to three days once the crew starts. Regrading, crack injection or a larger basement can add time. You'll have the schedule in writing first.
All American Basement Waterproofing has served Stow since we opened in 1985. We're family-owned, based at 298 E Walnut St in Wadsworth, A+ rated with the BBB, and our own crew does every job. Call (330) 366-3028 for a free inspection.
Stow is one of the many Summit County communities we serve - or see our full basement waterproofing service.
Talk to All American today - we'll inspect your Stow 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