Skip to main content
Licensed & Insured 11+ Years in Business Locally Owned & Operated

Foundation Repair, Basement Waterproofing & Concrete Services in Polk County, Iowa

As Iowa's most populous county, Polk County sits squarely on the Des Moines Lobe, where heavy glacial-till clay swells and shrinks with every wet-dry season and puts steady pressure on local homes. JLB delivers foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and concrete services built for exactly that ground.

4.9(100+ reviews)
11+ Years in Business
Locally Owned & Operated
JLB Foundation Repair

Free 45-Minute Analysis + Written Report

Get a precise analysis of your foundation and waterproofing situation, and a clear estimate on what any fixes or corrections might cost.

4.9★ (100+ reviews) · 11+ Years · Transferable Warranty
1Contact
2Location
3Details
Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter your address.
Please enter a valid zip code.
Please select a service.

What are you seeing?

Takes 30 seconds. We'll call within 24 hours.

Your info is safe with us. We never share your data.
BBB
A+
Accredited Business
Angi
Top Rated
Service Provider
State Licensed
KS, MO & IA
Licensed & Insured

Foundation, Waterproofing & Concrete Across Polk County, Iowa

From the county seat of Des Moines out to the smaller communities of Elkhart, Alleman, and Berwick, Polk County homeowners deal with the same expansive Iowa till that cracks walls, floods basements, and heaves slabs. JLB provides foundation repair that stabilizes settling structures, basement waterproofing that keeps water out for good, and concrete services that restore driveways, patios, and walkways. Whether you are in downtown Des Moines or a quiet acreage near Alleman or Berwick, our crews know how local soil behaves and how to fix the damage it causes.

Towns we serve in Polk County: Elkhart, Alleman, and Berwick.

Foundation Repair, Basement Waterproofing & Crawlspace Services in Polk County, Iowa

One local crew handles the whole structural side in Polk County — piering, waterproofing, crawlspace encapsulation, drainage, and wall replacement. Here's how we fix each:

Steel push pier foundation stabilization in Polk County, Iowa

Foundation Repair in Polk County

Foundation settlement is a recurring problem across Polk County because the Des Moines Lobe clay beneath most homes shifts with each wet and dry cycle. JLB stabilizes sinking and cracking foundations with steel push piers and helical piers driven to stable load-bearing soil, then lifts the structure back toward level where possible. We inspect homes throughout Des Moines and out to Elkhart, Alleman, and Berwick, matching the repair to the foundation type and the way the local soil has moved it.

  • Steel push piers and helical piers driven to stable load-bearing soil
  • Wall anchors and carbon-fiber straps for bowing or cracked walls
  • Engineered, permanent fixes — not surface patches
  • Transferable warranty and a free, no-pressure inspection
Interior drain tile and sump basement waterproofing in Polk County, Iowa

Basement Waterproofing in Polk County

Basement waterproofing is essential in Polk County, where heavy spring rains and snowmelt saturate the clay and force water against and under foundation walls. JLB installs interior drain-tile systems, sump pumps with battery backup, and wall vapor barriers to capture water and route it safely away from the home. The result is a dry, usable basement that holds up to the wet-dry swings that define Iowa's central counties.

  • Interior drain tile and sump systems sized for Iowa’s water table
  • Crack injection and wall-to-floor joint sealing
  • Vapor barriers and dehumidification to stop musty air and mold
  • Keeps the lower level permanently dry, backed in writing
Crawlspace encapsulation with vapor-barrier liner in Polk County, Iowa

Crawlspace Encapsulation in Polk County

Crawlspaces under Polk County homes trap the moisture that rises out of damp clay soil, leading to mold, wood rot, and sagging floors above. JLB sets itself apart by spray foaming both the crawlspace and the basement for twice the protection at a lower cost than competitors who only treat one space. We seal the area with a heavy-duty vapor barrier, address standing water, and create a clean, dry, energy-efficient zone under your home.

  • Spray-foams BOTH the crawlspace AND the basement — twice the protection
  • Sealed vapor-barrier liner over floor and walls
  • Cuts humidity, mold, and energy loss from the stack effect
  • Done for less than competitors who seal only one or the other
French drain trench with gravel and drain pipe in Polk County, Iowa

French Drains & Drainage in Polk County

Poor drainage is one of the biggest threats to foundations in Polk County, where dense till sheds water slowly and lets it pool against the house. JLB installs French drains, extends downspouts, and corrects grading to move surface and subsurface water away from the foundation before it can cause settlement or seepage. These drainage upgrades protect homes in Des Moines, Elkhart, Alleman, and Berwick from the runoff that follows every major Iowa storm.

  • French drains, regrading, and buried downspout extensions
  • Redirects surface and groundwater away from the foundation
  • Relieves the hydrostatic pressure that cracks walls and floors
  • Built for Iowa freeze-thaw and heavy spring snowmelt
Steel-reinforced foundation wall replacement in Polk County, Iowa

Foundation Wall Replacement in Polk County

When a Polk County foundation wall has bowed, cracked, or deteriorated beyond what reinforcement can fix, JLB performs full foundation wall replacement to restore the home's structural integrity. Decades of clay pressure and freeze-thaw cycles can push older block and poured walls past the point of repair. Our crews remove the failing wall, rebuild it to code, and pair it with proper waterproofing and drainage so the new wall is protected against the same forces that took down the old one.

  • Full removal and rebuild of failed or severely bowed walls
  • Steel-reinforced poured concrete below the 42-inch frost line
  • Exterior waterproofing and proper drainage built back in
  • The permanent answer when bracing is no longer enough

Concrete Services in Polk County, Iowa

JLB brings its full concrete crew to Polk County — flatwork, decorative finishes, structural walls, and pools, all in-house. Here's what we pour locally:

Broom-finished concrete driveway for Polk County, Iowa homes

Concrete Driveways in Polk County

New and replacement concrete driveways in Polk County have to stand up to clay that heaves in winter and shifts with the seasons. JLB pours driveways on a properly prepared and compacted base so the slab resists cracking and settling for years. Whether you are updating a home in Des Moines or building on an acreage near Alleman, we deliver a durable, clean-finished driveway sized to your property.

  • Air-entrained mixes (5-7%) built to survive 100-120 freeze-thaw cycles a winter
  • Proper subgrade preparation over Des Moines Lobe glacial till
  • JLB's own in-house crew — no subcontractors
  • Free inspection plus the JLB transferable warranty
Warm ashlar stamped concrete patio for Polk County, Iowa homes

Concrete Patios & Outdoor Spaces in Polk County

A well-built concrete patio gives Polk County homeowners a low-maintenance outdoor space that handles Iowa's freeze-thaw winters. JLB designs and pours patios with the right thickness, reinforcement, and control joints to limit cracking on our region's expansive soil. From compact backyard spaces in Des Moines to larger rural patios near Berwick, we build to fit how you use the space.

  • Site-specific subgrade prep for Des Moines Lobe glacial till
  • Proper joint placement and air entrainment to survive Iowa freeze-thaw
  • One in-house crew handles excavation through finish
  • Can be paired with a JLB pool installation under a single crew
Broom-finished concrete front walkway for Polk County, Iowa homes

Concrete Sidewalks & Walkways in Polk County

Cracked, heaved, or uneven sidewalks are common in Polk County as clay soil shifts beneath them and freeze-thaw cycles take their toll. JLB pours new walkways and replaces failing ones on a stable, compacted base for safe, level footing. We handle residential walks throughout Des Moines and the smaller communities of Elkhart, Alleman, and Berwick.

  • Built to handle expansive till movement and frost heave
  • Correct concrete strength and 5-7% air entrainment
  • Full range from plain replacement to decorative finishes
  • JLB's own in-house crew
Italian slate stamped concrete for Polk County, Iowa homes

Stamped Concrete in Polk County

Stamped concrete lets Polk County homeowners get the look of brick, stone, or pavers in a single durable slab. JLB pours and stamps patios, walkways, and entries with patterns and colors that complement Iowa homes, then seals them against moisture and freeze-thaw wear. It is a high-impact upgrade that holds up far better than loose pavers on shifting clay.

  • Integral color and surface hardeners engineered for Iowa freeze-thaw
  • Proper base and drainage over glacial till
  • Durable, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone
  • JLB's own in-house crew
Concrete pool deck at the water edge for Polk County, Iowa homes

Concrete Pool Decks in Polk County

A concrete pool deck needs to be slip-resistant, comfortable underfoot, and built to resist the moisture and movement common in Polk County. JLB pours pool decks with proper slope for drainage and finishes that stay cooler and safer around water. We build decks that complement backyards across Des Moines and the surrounding county.

  • Air-entrained mixes and correct expansion joints for Iowa soil movement and freeze-thaw
  • JLB can set the pool AND pour the deck — one crew, one contract
  • Proper reinforcement for a deck that stays level
  • Free inspection
Stained decorative concrete patio for Polk County, Iowa homes

Stained & Colored Concrete in Polk County

Stained concrete transforms plain gray slabs into rich, decorative surfaces for Polk County patios, entries, and interior floors. JLB applies acid or water-based stains that penetrate the concrete for lasting color that won't peel like paint. It is a cost-effective way to upgrade the look of new or existing concrete on Iowa homes.

  • Permanent color that won't peel or fade
  • Integral color carried through the full slab depth
  • Proper curing for Iowa conditions
  • Works on patios, driveways, pool decks, and commercial floors
Concrete retaining wall with weep holes for Polk County, Iowa homes

Concrete Retaining Walls in Polk County

Polk County's rolling terrain and clay soil make retaining walls a practical tool for managing grade and controlling erosion. JLB builds engineered concrete retaining walls with proper drainage behind them so water pressure does not undermine the structure. These walls protect landscapes and foundations on sloped lots around Des Moines, Elkhart, Alleman, and Berwick.

  • Footings set below Iowa's 42-inch frost line
  • Rebar-reinforced for structural strength
  • Full drainage systems — weep holes, gravel backfill, and drain tile — to manage persistent hydrostatic pressure from the till
  • JLB's own in-house crew
Backyard fiberglass pool for Polk County, Iowa homes

Pool Installation in Polk County

JLB handles the concrete groundwork that a quality pool depends on in Polk County, from the structural shell support to the surrounding deck. Building on Iowa's expansive clay requires careful base preparation so the installation stays stable through seasonal soil movement. We coordinate the concrete work so your pool project sits on a solid, properly drained foundation.

  • Authorized Iowa dealer for Kisol, Elegance by Kisol, and Exclusive Pools — three factory-built shell lines
  • Every shell carries a 15-year structural warranty (manufacturer's, travels with the product)
  • Dig to swim in 4-8 weeks on most installs
  • Excavation dug dead-level to manufacturer spec, with backfill placed in controlled lifts and compacted to proctor standards so it won't settle, crack the deck, or heave in Iowa's expansive till
Concrete parking lot with control joints for Polk County, Iowa homes

Concrete Parking Lots in Polk County

Commercial properties across Polk County rely on durable concrete parking lots that carry heavy traffic loads without cracking and rutting. JLB pours and repairs lots on a compacted, well-drained base engineered for our region's clay soil and freeze-thaw climate. We serve businesses in Des Moines and throughout the county with lots built to last and drain properly.

  • Heavy-duty 4,000-5,000+ PSI specifications
  • Proper subgrade preparation over glacial till
  • Air entrainment for Iowa freeze-thaw
  • Drainage engineered for Iowa precipitation and frost
Sealed warehouse concrete floor for Polk County, Iowa homes

Warehouse & Industrial Floors in Polk County

Warehouse and industrial floors in Polk County must handle forklift traffic, heavy racking, and constant use without failing. JLB pours thick, reinforced concrete floors with proper joint layout and finishing for a flat, durable surface. We build slabs for facilities in the Des Moines area that stand up to demanding industrial conditions on Iowa's shifting subsoil.

  • 6-12" thickness at 4,000-5,000+ PSI
  • Proper joint spacing for forklift and heavy traffic
  • Subgrade preparation for glacial till
  • Built for Iowa frost and freeze-thaw
Concrete ADA ramp with handrail for Polk County, Iowa homes

ADA Ramps & Compliance in Polk County

Accessible ADA ramps help Polk County homes and businesses meet code while providing safe, level access for everyone. JLB builds concrete ramps to the correct slope, width, and surface requirements, with proper drainage so they stay safe in Iowa winters. We install ramps for residential and commercial properties across Des Moines and the surrounding communities.

  • Precise 1:12 slope and code-compliant landings
  • Air-entrained, reinforced concrete that holds compliance through Iowa freeze-thaw and soil movement
  • Deep footings below the 42-inch frost line
  • Meets federal ADA requirements plus local code

Foundation & Concrete Questions for Polk County Homeowners

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 #1
Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 717-8560 View on Google Maps

JLB Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair — Van Meter

325 Grand St
Van Meter, IA, 50261
(515) 642-3406 View on Google Maps

JLB Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair — Boone

2041 Knezevich Rd
Boone, IA, 50036
(515) 444-9234 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.

Call Now (515) 717-8560