Professional Foundation Repair Des Moines Services | Trusted Foundation Repair & Basement Waterproofing Experts
Structural solutions, crawl space encapsulation, and moisture control across the metro. Permanent fixes backed by free inspections and a transferable warranty.
Meet the Team Behind Your Solutions
JLB is a local company, not a franchise. Our crew serves central Iowa with lasting structural solutions, moisture control, and crawl space encapsulation. Watch to learn how we approach every project.
Watch Our Work in Des Moines
Services Available in the Area
Every foundation problem has a permanent fix. We use engineered systems — not quick patches — backed by transferable warranties and decades of field experience.
Foundation Repair
Steel push piers and wall anchors to stabilize and lift settling foundations. Stop the cracks, level the floors, save the home.
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Basement Waterproofing
Interior drainage systems, sump pumps, and vapor barriers to keep your basement permanently dry. No more water. No more worry.
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Crawlspace Encapsulation
Full encapsulation with spray foam for BOTH crawlspace and basement — twice the protection competitors offer, at a lower cost.
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French Drains & Drainage
French drains, extended downspouts, regrading, and drain pipes to redirect water away from your foundation permanently.
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Foundation Wall Replacement
Complete removal and reconstruction of severely damaged foundation walls with new reinforced concrete, drainage, and waterproofing.
Learn MoreWhat Structural Challenges Do Properties in This Region Face?
The metro sits on the Des Moines Lobe, where 45 to 60 feet of Dows Formation till lies beneath Polk County. That till is an unpredictable mix of clay, sand, gravel, and glacial cobbles, so subsurface behavior varies block by block. Properties in Beaverdale, many built between the 1930s and 1950s on stone and block footings, absorb decades of freeze-thaw cycling through a 42-inch frost depth. A seasonal subsurface level that rises to just 2-3 feet below grade during spring snowmelt creates pressure against aging basement walls. These conditions demand solutions engineered for this specific geology — problems here differ from cities further south because glacial till behaves nothing like uniform expansive clay.
JLB's approach accounts for the geology under each project. In low-lying neighborhoods along the river corridors, we design moisture management systems sized for peak seasonal loads. In Sherman Hill, where 1870s-1910s stone structures sit on terminal moraine terrain, we address both stabilization and dampness control simultaneously. Our pier installations factor in cobble-laden till that can deflect equipment, and we verify bearing capacity at each location. For crawl space work, the deep frost depth keeps ground-level floors cold for five months, so our encapsulation systems include thermal management designed for this climate.
At a Glance
How Does Glacial Till Affect Structures in This Area?
Properties across the area sit on different structural types, each with specific vulnerabilities to glacial till and deep frost. Here are the problems we see most often in Polk County.
Stone Structures
Pre-1940s stone structures in the historic core are vulnerable to mortar joint deterioration. The region's 42-inch frost depth drives freeze-thaw cycling deeper than most Midwest cities, causing problems that push walls inward over decades. Restoring these older structures requires specialized methods matched to century-old masonry.
Concrete Block Basement
The hollow-core design of block structures makes them vulnerable to lateral ground pressure. Stair-step cracking along mortar joints is the hallmark failure pattern. Reinforcement addresses the ongoing forces, and bowing walls require prompt attention before displacement creates bigger problems.
Poured Concrete Basement
Common in post-1960s construction, poured concrete handles lateral pressure better than block but still develops cracks from settlement on glacial till. These cracks allow seasonal dampness entry. Solutions include epoxy injection and properly sized drainage to manage the spring surge at the wall-floor joint.
What Structural Warning Signs Appear in Local Properties?
Glacial till and deep freeze-thaw cycling produce warning signs that develop gradually, then accelerate. Whether your property has a 1930s block base in Beaverdale or a modern poured structure in the suburbs, catching problems early saves thousands.
Stair-step cracks along mortar joints where decades of freeze-thaw cycling have weakened the masonry — a sign that professional help is needed
Learn about Foundation Repair →Dampness or seepage through basement walls during spring — common across Polk County when seasonal subsurface levels rise, indicating a need for professional moisture control
Learn about Waterproofing →Musty odors, mold growth, or sagging floors above the crawl space — unsealed crawl spaces trap dampness year-round, leading to wood rot in floor joists
Learn about Crawlspace Encapsulation →Doors, windows, or cabinets that stick or jam — often a sign of settlement causing frame distortion that worsens over time
Learn about Foundation Repair →Bowing basement walls or horizontal cracks — lateral pressure from glacial till is pushing inward, and professional work prevents further displacement
Learn about Foundation Repair →Meet the Crew Serving Polk County Homeowners
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Glacial Ground and Deep Frost Are Testing Your Home's Base
Polk County's seasonal cycle puts pressure against your basement walls every spring. If you have noticed cracks, sticking doors, or dampness, these problems only worsen with time. JLB responds within 24 hours with a free inspection to identify the cause before damage compounds. Our repair services cover every structure type in the metro.
Not Sure What You're Dealing With?
Click any symptom below to learn what it means, what's likely causing it, and how we can help. Most of these are more common — and more fixable — than you'd think.
Diagonal, stair-step, or horizontal cracks in drywall, plaster, or brick usually trace back to soil movement beneath your foundation. The heavy clay soils in the Kansas City and Des Moines metros expand and contract seasonally, which can shift your foundation over time. The good news: this is very fixable with the right approach.
Water entering through floor joints, wall cracks, or seeping through porous concrete means groundwater pressure is pushing moisture into your basement. An interior drainage system and sump pump can solve this permanently — and we can usually have it done in a day or two.
When a foundation settles unevenly, it can shift your home's frame just enough to make doors and windows bind. This is one of the earlier signs of foundation movement — and catching it early often means a simpler, less expensive repair.
That musty smell is moisture. Up to 40% of the air in your home rises from below — from your crawlspace and basement. If there's excess humidity down there, it affects your whole home. Encapsulation seals it out, and you'll notice the difference in your air quality right away.
Floors that slope toward the center or an exterior wall usually mean the support structure underneath needs attention. Push piers can stabilize your foundation and often lift it back to level — giving your floors a second life.
When soil washes out or compacts beneath a concrete slab, the slab drops and becomes uneven. Polyjacking uses expanding polyurethane foam to fill the void and lift the concrete back to grade — usually in under a day, with no heavy equipment needed.
Water collecting near your foundation means your grading or drainage isn't directing water away effectively. French drains, regrading, extended downspouts, and drain pipes can redirect water away from the house — protecting your foundation for the long haul.
A basement wall that has bowed more than 2 inches inward, shifted off its footing, or shows multiple structural cracks may have moved beyond what bracing can fix. When carbon fiber straps, I-beams, or wall anchors are not enough, the wall needs to be removed and rebuilt with reinforced concrete. This is the last resort — but it is the permanent fix when the wall itself is compromised.
Why Do Homeowners in This Region Choose JLB?
Glacial Till Expertise
Dows Formation till contains cobbles, sand lenses, and gravel that create variable resistance during pier installation. JLB verifies bearing capacity at each location rather than assuming uniform depth.
Every Era Covered
Sherman Hill buildings from the 1870s, Drake bungalows from the 1920s, and modern Ankeny subdivisions all require different approaches. JLB carries the equipment and training for every structure type across Polk County.
Honest Guidance
Every job comes with a written estimate, clear pricing, and a contractor you can trust to deliver what was quoted.
Deep Frost Depth Design
A 42-inch frost depth puts more freeze-thaw stress on footings than most Midwest metros. JLB factors this into every project, ensuring systems perform through harsh winters.
ZIP Codes Served Across the Metro
What Our Customers Say
"We had cracks running up our walls and doors that wouldn't close. JLB came out, explained exactly what was happening with the soil under our house, and had the piers installed in two days. Floors are level again. Wish we hadn't waited so long."
"Three other companies gave us the runaround. JLB showed up, did a thorough inspection, and gave us a straight answer. The repair held up through an entire Missouri winter with zero new cracking."
"Our crawlspace was a mess — moisture, mold, the works. JLB encapsulated it AND spray-foamed our basement in the same project. The difference in our home's air quality is incredible. Great value for the price."
Real Team. Real Work.
Right Here in Kansas City & Des Moines.
Common Questions About Structural Work in This Area
Most projects range from $3,500 to $15,000 depending on damage extent and method. Pier work runs $1,250 to $2,500 per pier, with most houses needing 6 to 12. JLB provides a detailed written estimate during your free assessment so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Stair-step cracks in basement walls, doors and windows that stick, and visible gaps between walls and ceilings are the most frequent indicators. In older neighborhoods like Beaverdale and Sherman Hill, mortar joint deterioration in stone walls is also common. Scheduling a professional evaluation early prevents problems from escalating.
During spring, snowmelt hits ground that stays frozen at depths up to 42 inches. That frozen layer forces runoff laterally against your house while the seasonal subsurface level rises to within 2-3 feet of basement slabs. A properly designed interior drainage system rated for peak seasonal loads is the most reliable fix.
Absolutely. Sherman Hill buildings from the 1870s-1910s and Drake bungalows from the 1920s-1940s have survived over a century on glacial till. JLB stabilizes these structures using methods matched to their original construction, including mortar repointing and steel reinforcement. Full replacement is rarely necessary.
The area sits on Dows Formation glacial till — a heterogeneous mix of clay, sand, gravel, and cobbles that is 45 to 60 feet thick across Polk County. This variability creates unpredictable resistance during pier installation, so every project requires site-specific engineering rather than a one-size approach.
Request Your Free Inspection Today
Tell us about your property — the neighborhood, the age, and what you are seeing. JLB will schedule an on-site evaluation that accounts for Polk County's glacial till conditions and your structure type. Every assessment is free with no obligation.
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Our Locations
We're always close enough to help — our crews are local to your area.
JLB Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair — Des Moines
97 Indiana Ave Suite #1Des Moines, IA, 50314(515) 717-8560 View on Google Maps
Stop the Damage. Get Answers Today.
A free estimate takes 45 minutes and tells you exactly what's going on under your house — and exactly what it takes to fix it.