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Licensed & Insured 11+ Years in Business Locally Owned & Operated

Marshalltown Waterproofing for Block & Stone Foundations

Where the Iowa River saturates the soil under Marshalltown's mid-century block-and-stone homes and its tornado-rebuilt historic core, JLB delivers expert foundation repair and basement waterproofing throughout Marshall County.

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
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KS, MO & IA
Licensed & Insured

Meet the Team Serving Marshalltown

JLB Foundation Repair is a local company — not a franchise. We serve Marshalltown and the surrounding Des Moines metro with foundation repair, waterproofing, crawlspace encapsulation, and drainage solutions. Watch to learn who we are and how we work.

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Watch Our Work in Marshalltown

Foundation Repair, Basement Waterproofing & Crawlspace Services in Marshalltown, Iowa

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

Steel push pier foundation stabilization in Marshalltown, Iowa

Foundation Repair in Marshalltown

In Marshalltown's central neighborhoods, the 1940s-60s block-and-stone basements that survived the 2018 tornado are the ones most prone to the stair-step cracks that signal settlement. Sitting on the Iowan Surface near the Iowa River, these homes shift as saturated ground loosens its grip, so JLB stabilizes them with steel push piers and wall anchors that lock the structure back to load-bearing soil.

  • 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 Marshalltown, Iowa

Basement Waterproofing in Marshalltown

Few things test a basement like Marshalltown's spot along the Iowa River, where flat floodplain lots keep the soil saturated and groundwater pressing against block walls. JLB answers that with a full interior approach: drainage tile routed to a sump basin, plus crack injection that seals the seepage paths common in the city's older poured and block foundations before water reaches the floor.

  • 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 Marshalltown, Iowa

Crawlspace Encapsulation in Marshalltown

Marshalltown's river-valley humidity loves an open crawl space, pulling damp air up through floors and feeding mold in homes built generations ago. Rather than treating one level, JLB spray-foams both the crawl space and the basement, sealing the entire underside of the house so moisture, musty air, and energy loss are shut out together for less than competitors charge to address just one.

  • 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 Marshalltown, Iowa

French Drains & Drainage in Marshalltown

Because so much of Marshalltown sits on flat floodplain ground between the Iowa River and the gentle uplands, rainwater tends to pool and creep toward foundations instead of draining off. JLB reshapes that picture with regraded yards, buried French drains, and extended downspouts that carry surface and groundwater well past the home, easing the saturation that drives basement leaks.

  • 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 Marshalltown, Iowa

Foundation Wall Replacement in Marshalltown

When a Marshalltown wall has bowed past repair, often an aging stone or block basement worked loose by years of freeze-thaw and river-driven moisture, patching is no longer enough. JLB excavates and rebuilds it from scratch in steel-reinforced poured concrete, with footings set below the central-Iowa frost line so the new wall resists the lateral pressure that broke the original.

  • 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

Foundation Repair and Waterproofing for Marshalltown's Older Homes

Marshalltown is a close-knit community of about 28000 in Marshall County. The homes here may not number in the tens of thousands, but they sit on the same aggressive clay soil that affects the entire Des Moines region — and they face the same foundation and waterproofing challenges as any home in the metro.

Most of Marshalltown's housing is relatively recent: Predominantly 1940s-60s residential stock with a significant historic core that survived or was rebuilt post-2018 tornado.. The dominant foundation types are concrete block basement and stone foundation and poured concrete basement, which are stronger than older methods but still vulnerable to Marshall County's soil. Marshalltown's proximity to the Iowa River leads to high soil saturation. Fluctuating temperatures and heavy rainfall create 'stair-step' cracks in the older block foundations common in the central neighborhoods. Even newer homes may need piers driven to stable ground below.

Located along the Iowa River; characterized by flat floodplains and gentle uplands. Proximity to water means higher water tables and more hydrostatic pressure on foundations — making systems that keep pace with heavy rainfall events essential for many homes. JLB provides 5 specialized services to Marshalltown homeowners — from foundation stabilization to drainage systems — each designed for the unique soil and moisture conditions here. Every job begins with a free estimate.

JLB crew performing a foundation pour near Marshalltown, IA
Our crew on a job site in the Des Moines metro

Marshalltown at a Glance

Population ~27,591
Housing Era Predominantly 1940s-60s residential stock with a s
Common Foundations Concrete block basement, Stone foundation, Poured concrete basement
County Marshall County
ZIP Codes 1 served
Get a Free Estimate

Foundation Repair Coverage Across Marshalltown's River-Adjacent Neighborhoods

JLB provides foundation repair and waterproofing throughout Marshalltown and the surrounding Marshall County area. Our crews know every part of this community.

How Does Marshall County's Clay Affect Marshalltown's Stone and Block Foundations?

The homes in Marshalltown sit on a range of foundation types, each with its own vulnerabilities. Here's what our crews see most often in Marshall County.

Concrete block basement

Concrete block basements in Marshalltown use hollow-core masonry that's inherently weaker than poured concrete under lateral loads. The expansive clay in Marshall County presses against these walls every wet season, and over time the cumulative stress shows up as cracking, bowing, or step-pattern fractures.

Stone foundation

Marshalltown's oldest homes often sit on limestone or stone foundations — hand-laid masonry that predates modern engineering. These walls are porous, the mortar is lime-based, and decades of Marshall County's clay pressure have taken a toll. Water intrusion, mortar deterioration, and inward leaning are common.

Poured concrete basement

Poured concrete basements dominate Marshalltown's newer housing. These walls are stronger than block but develop shrinkage cracks during curing that become water entry points later. In Marshall County's clay soil, hydrostatic pressure exploits every imperfection — especially during the spring thaw and heavy rain seasons.

Meet the JLB Team Serving Marshalltown and Central Iowa

Full JLB Foundation Repair team with service vehicles in Marshall CountyTwo JLB crew members performing foundation stabilization in Marshalltown, IAJLB Foundation Repair equipment warehouse serving Marshall CountyJLB truck and crew excavating at a foundation job in Marshalltown, IAJLB Foundation Repair branded service truck in MarshalltownJLB Foundation Repair team members with excavators serving Marshalltown and Marshall County
JLB company warehouse and fleet — exterior view of facility

Numbers That Speak for Themselves

0+
Homes Restored
Across Kansas City & Des Moines
0+
Years in Business
In Midwest soil conditions
0%
Customer Satisfaction
Based on post-project surveys
0
Metro Areas Served
With local offices in each

Even Newer Marshalltown Homes Get Foundation Problems

Modern construction doesn't make your home immune to Marshall County's clay soil. Settling, cracking, and water intrusion affect homes of all ages. If you're seeing the signs, our free estimate will give you clarity — and honest pricing if anything needs fixing.

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.

Why Do Marshalltown Homeowners With Older Foundations Trust JLB?

Iowa Licensed & Marshall County Experienced

We're fully licensed in Iowa and experienced with Marshall County's building requirements. Permit applications, structural inspections, code compliance — we handle the process so you don't have to learn it.

Dedicated Crew, Start to Finish

In Marshalltown, you get the same team from the first inspection through the final walkthrough. No subcontractors, no handoffs between crews. One team that knows your project inside and out.

Stone and limestone Experience

Marshalltown's stone and limestone foundations require specific repair techniques that differ from modern poured concrete. Our crews are trained in wall stabilization, pier installation, and masonry-specific methods designed for these older construction types.

Straightforward Pricing

We give Marshalltown homeowners a clear written estimate with no hidden costs. If financing helps, we have flexible plans available — but either way, you'll know exactly what the project costs before we start.

VERIFIED · LICENSED · TRUSTED BY DES MOINES HOMEOWNERS
2,000+
Homes Restored
11+
Years in Business
A+
BBB Rating
100%
Locally Owned

What Marshalltown, IA ZIP Codes Does JLB Cover for Foundation Repair?

50158

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."

Mike & Sarah T.
Overland Park, KS
★★★★★

"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."

David R.
Lee's Summit, MO
★★★★★

"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."

Jennifer K.
Ankeny, IA

Real Team. Real Work.
Right Here in Kansas City & Des Moines.

Multiple JLB branded trucks parked in company fleet warehouseJLB team group photo at excavation site serving Marshall County areaJLB crew duo on the job: foundation repair work in progress in Marshalltown, IAJLB service truck — branded work vehicle serving Marshalltown, IAJLB branded company truck — front quarter view at Marshalltown service areaJLB Foundation Repair warehouse filled with tools and materials — serving Marshalltown, IAJLB crew members working ICF foundation pour at residential construction site

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.

JLB crew completing the final framing steps of an egress window well in Marshalltown
Foundation Repair
Egress Window Install
Kansas City, MO
Perforated drain tile channel at footing level in a Marshalltown basement — JLB Waterproofing
Waterproofing
Interior Drainage System
Overland Park, KS
JLB Foundation Repair crew pouring an ICF foundation in Marshalltown, IA
Foundation Repair
ICF Foundation Pour
Des Moines, IA
JLB crew digging exterior anchor trench alongside a bowing foundation wall in Marshalltown
Foundation Repair
Exterior Foundation Dig
Ankeny, IA
Older 1940s foundation in Marshalltown getting attention from JLB — truck and skid steer staged
Foundation Repair
Excavation & Piering
Blue Springs, MO

Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Questions for Marshalltown Homeowners

The most common issues we see in Marshalltown are wall cracks (mortar deterioration and inward leaning in stone walls), basement water intrusion, uneven or settling floors, and doors or windows that stick. Marshalltown's proximity to the Iowa River leads to high soil saturation. Fluctuating temperatures and heavy rainfall create 'stair-step' cracks in the older block foundations common in the central neighborhoods. All of these trace back to how Marshall County's expansive clay interacts with the specific foundation types in your neighborhood. For homes with crawlspaces, stop moisture from rising through your floors addresses the moisture side of the equation.

Many of Marshalltown's homes date to the Predominantly 1940s-60s residential stock with a significant historic core that survived or was rebuilt post-2018 tornado. and sit on stone and limestone foundations. These older construction methods are more susceptible to Marshall County's clay pressure than modern poured concrete. However, they're absolutely worth repairing — modern engineering solutions like push piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber reinforcement can stabilize and extend the life of these foundations for decades.

Yes. Located along the Iowa River; characterized by flat floodplains and gentle uplands. Higher water tables mean more persistent hydrostatic pressure against basement walls, and clay soil near waterways stays saturated longer. Marshalltown homes in low-lying areas or near creeks often face more severe waterproofing challenges than homes on higher ground.

Foundation repair costs in Marshalltown vary widely based on the scope of damage and the solution needed. Minor crack repairs may cost $500-$2,000. Pier installation for settling foundations typically ranges from $5,000-$15,000. Full waterproofing systems run $3,000-$12,000. We provide free estimates with detailed, written estimates — no surprises and no pressure.

JLB provides 5 services to Marshalltown homeowners: foundation repair (push piers, wall anchors, carbon fiber), basement waterproofing (interior drainage, sump pumps, crack injection), crawlspace encapsulation (spray foam + vapor barriers for both crawlspace and basement), foundation wall replacement, and a drainage system designed for your lot. Every service starts with a free estimate.

A JLB technician visits your Marshalltown home and examines the foundation inside and out — checking for cracks, wall movement, floor levelness, moisture, and drainage. For concrete block basement foundations common in Marshall County, we look for the specific failure patterns associated with that construction type. The inspection takes about 45 minutes and ends with a clear explanation of what we found, what (if anything) needs repair, and exactly what it costs. There's no obligation.

Get Your Free Foundation Assessment in Marshalltown

Even newer Marshalltown homes are affected by Marshall County's clay soil. Fill out the form for a free estimate — we'll assess your foundation, identify any issues, and give you honest pricing if anything needs fixing.

100% free estimate, no obligation
Written estimate with clear pricing
Response within 24 hours
Financing available
JLB Foundation Repair team headquarters serving Marshalltown and the Des Moines metro

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

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