Step cracks, a leaning block wall or a settling porch in University Heights? We stabilize foundations from inside the basement and put the repair under a transferable lifetime warranty.
Most University Heights homes were built from the 1920s to the 1950s, during a stretch when builders moved from hollow tile and brick to concrete block. Block walls are strong under weight from above but weaker against pressure from the side. Clay soil pushes on them year after year, and mortar joints are where they give first. That's why stair-step cracks at corners are so common here.
The city is mostly level, and water from rain and melting snow tends to soak down beside foundations. Clay swells as it takes in that water and shrinks as it dries in late summer. On close-set lots, soil next to one wall may stay wetter than the rest, so the pressure is uneven. A wall pushed harder on one side can crack horizontally or rotate inward.
Frost also works on the upper part of basement walls, where the soil freezes and expands each winter. Front porches, stoops and small additions often rest on shallow footings that move with frost and settle over time. When you see gaps along steps, cracks above doors or floors that dip, the ground below is shifting somewhere. We track down which part is moving before we fix anything.
After a free inspection, you get a written plan. Walls that have begun to bow get carbon-fiber straps bonded vertically across the face. They're thin and lie almost flat, so they suit finished or tight basements. Walls that have moved more get the Richtech Stabilizer System, with steel braces anchored top and bottom that hold the wall and can pull it back toward straight over time.
For settling, steel push piers are driven to firm soil under the footing and take over the load. Leaking cracks in poured walls get epoxy or polyurethane injection. Since saturated clay is behind most wall movement, we'll also tell you if drainage, gutters or grading need attention so the repair holds.
Every University Heights repair is sized to what the inspection finds, and each part of it carries our transferable lifetime warranty.
Carbon-fiber straps and the Richtech system stop walls from bowing and moving any further.
Engineered anchoring transfers load and holds your foundation walls straight and secure.
Epoxy and polyurethane injections seal cracks against water and lock out further movement.
We pair structural repair with waterproofing so the problem is solved end to end.
You work directly with the All American team at every step.
We measure the wall, check for settling and show you what is moving and why.
You get a fixed-price repair plan in plain English, with financing options if you want them.
Our own crew installs the straps, stabilizers or piers your foundation needs.
We walk you through the finished work 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 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 recently hired All American Basement Waterproofing to address some structural and moisture issues in our basement, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Mike and his team installed carbon fiber straps on one of our basement walls.
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.
Step cracks follow the mortar joints and usually mean soil pressure or settling. Some are old and stable, and some are still growing. We'll measure the wall and tell you which you have.
Yes. Once walls are covered, cracks and movement are hard to see or reach. Repair and seal them first, and ask us to check for moisture before framing goes up.
Yes. The straps are thin and bonded right to the wall, so they take up almost no room. They're a good fit for tight basements and walls that will be finished later.
Steel push piers can support it. They're driven down to firm soil and carry the weight of that section. That can stop the sinking and sometimes lift it back toward level.
Often it can be brought back toward straight over time with the Richtech Stabilizer System. The braces hold the wall and are tightened in steps. We'll tell you what to expect for your wall.
Usually very little or none. Straps, braces and crack injection are done from inside. Push piers need a small access hole at the footing, which we explain before starting.
We'll inspect the foundation for free and give you a written plan with the repair and price. That helps buyers and sellers decide how to handle it.
Frost expands the soil near the top of the wall, and the thaw soaks the clay below it. Both add pressure. A wall that is already weak often shows new cracks in spring.
Yes. Every repair is covered by our written lifetime warranty. It transfers to the next owner if you sell. Buyers and inspectors get a clear record of the repair.
All American Basement Waterproofing, a family-owned company from Wadsworth working since 1985. We're A+ rated with the BBB and our own crew does every repair. Call (330) 366-3028 for a free inspection.
University Heights is one of the many Cuyahoga County communities we serve - or see our full foundation repair service.
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