Foundation Repair & Waterproofing in the Central Iowa
Serving 26 cities across the Des Moines metro. 4 specialized services. Over 2,000 homes fixed. 100+ years combined experience.
What Foundation & Waterproofing Services Does JLB Offer in Des Moines?
The Des Moines metro sits on glacial till and loess deposits left behind by ancient ice sheets. These soil layers hold water unevenly and shift seasonally, creating the differential settling that causes most foundation damage in central Iowa. Homes across Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties all face the same soil challenges.
Iowa's winters are brutal on foundations. Frost lines push past 42 inches deep, and the spring snowmelt that follows sends massive amounts of water into already-saturated glacial till. That one-two punch — deep freeze followed by rapid thaw and flooding — is why Des Moines basements leak and foundations crack more than almost anywhere else in the Midwest.
JLB Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair serves the entire Des Moines metro with 4 specialized services. From steel piering and wall anchoring in older neighborhoods to drainage solutions and crawlspace encapsulation in newer suburbs, we have the right fix for every foundation problem in the region.
What Soil and Climate Conditions Cause Foundation Damage in Des Moines?
Central Iowa combines glacial till, deep frost lines, and spring snowmelt into one of the toughest environments for foundations in the Midwest.
Why Are Des Moines Homes Vulnerable to Foundation Problems?
Three forces working against your foundation every single year.
Glacial Till Soil
Glacial till and loess deposits hold water unevenly. These layers shift seasonally, creating differential settling that cracks foundations and buckles basement floors across Polk and Dallas counties.
Deep Frost Penetration
Iowa frost lines push well past 3.5 feet. Deep freeze-thaw cycling heaves footings, cracks walls, and creates entry points for snowmelt every spring.
Spring Snowmelt Flooding
Rapid spring thaw sends massive amounts of water into already-saturated glacial till. Hydrostatic pressure peaks March through June, the worst months for basement flooding.
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Solutions That Last the Life of Your Home
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 MoreNot 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.
Which Cities Does JLB Serve in the Des Moines Metro?
Tier 1 — Full Service Areas
More Cities We Serve
Where Does JLB Provide Foundation Repair in the Des Moines Metro?
We serve the entire Des Moines metro and central Iowa. Our crews cover Polk, Dallas, Warren, Story, and surrounding counties.
What Counties Does JLB Cover in the Des Moines Metro?
Real Projects. Real Results.
Every photo is from an actual JLB job site — not a stock photo. See the work we do every day across Kansas City and Des Moines.
How Do I Schedule a Free Foundation Inspection in Des Moines?
Seeing cracks, water, or uneven floors in your Des Moines area home? Our team will inspect your foundation, explain what we find in plain English, and give you a written estimate — all at no cost and no pressure.
Prefer to call? Reach us at (515) 444-9234
What Resources Are Available for Des Moines Homeowners?
Foundation Repair Guide
Warning signs, repair methods, and what to expect during a foundation repair project.
Read the guide →Waterproofing Solutions
Interior drains, sump pumps, and vapor barriers to keep your basement permanently dry.
Explore options →Crawlspace Encapsulation
Spray foam for both crawlspace and basement — twice the protection at a lower cost.
See how it works →Financing Options
Flexible payment plans that make foundation repair affordable. Get pre-approved before your inspection.
Check your options →About Our Team
100+ years combined experience in foundation repair. Meet the people who will be working on your home.
Meet the team →Blog & Guides
Tips on foundation care, waterproofing, and protecting your home from soil and weather damage.
Read articles →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, IA50314(515) 444-9234 View on Google Maps
JLB Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair — Van Meter
325 Grand StVan Meter, IA50261(515) 444-9234 View on Google Maps
JLB Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair — Boone
2041 Knezevich RdBoone, IA50036(515) 444-9234 View on Google Maps
Stop the Damage. Get Answers Today.
A free inspection takes 45 minutes and tells you exactly what's going on under your house — and exactly what it takes to fix it.