Serving Iowa including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and More.

Cracked foundation or wet basement?

Des Moines Foundation Repair & Basement Waterproofing

Trusted by Central Iowa homeowners for lasting fixes to foundation cracks, bowing walls, wet basements, and water damage. Transparent pricing, free inspections, lifetime warranty, and no high-pressure sales — just honest work from a local team.

Dry Duck Basement Waterproofing service truck — foundation repair and basement waterproofing, Iowa

Why Des Moines basements take a beating

The ground under Des Moines is rough on foundations. You get dense clay, silt near the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, and wind-blown loess. The clay is the main problem: it swells when wet and shrinks when dry, and it presses your basement walls a little harder every season.

Iowa's frost line runs about 42 inches deep, deeper than much of the Midwest. Each winter adds freeze-thaw stress. Over the years that turns into cracks, bowing, and seepage, especially in homes built before modern drainage.

If you're noticing any of these signs, you're not imagining it, and you're not alone. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll come take a look. No pressure, no jargon, just a clear explanation of what's going on and what your options are.

Basement and foundation stresses typical in Des Moines, Iowa — drainage, clay soils, and frost
Des Moines sits in one of the deepest frost zones in the Midwest. Every winter, water freezes 42 inches below grade and pushes against foundations. That drives long-term cracking and bowing in walls that weren't built with modern drainage.

Trusted by local homeowners

Real Results From Iowa Homeowners

Dry Duck Basement Waterproofing crew installing DMX AG foundation wrap during exterior waterproofing in the Des Moines and central Iowa area

Solutions that fit your home and your budget.

Every Basement Problem Has a Clear Fix

Every home's different. The options below are how we typically tackle damp basements, leaks, and foundation stress for Des Moines and the surrounding area - open whatever sounds closest to what you're seeing. Not sure where to start? Call us and we'll help you sort it out, with a free estimate when you're ready.

Foundation Repair for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Foundation Repair

Structural foundation repair - carbon fiber bracing, steel braces, and replacement when the wall cannot be saved.

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Foundation Waterproofing for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Foundation Waterproofing

Expert foundation waterproofing to prevent water from entering through your foundation walls.

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Exterior Foundation Waterproofing for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Exterior Foundation Waterproofing

Comprehensive exterior waterproofing to protect your foundation from the outside in.

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Basement Repair for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Basement Repair

Comprehensive basement repair services for all types of foundation and structural issues.

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Egress Window Installation for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Egress Window Installation

Code-compliant egress windows and wells for safe exits, daylight, and legal bedrooms in your basement.

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Basement Leak Repair for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Basement Leak Repair

Fast and effective repair solutions for existing basement leaks and water damage.

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Basement Sealing for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Basement Sealing

Professional basement sealing services to keep moisture out and protect your home's foundation.

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Basement Vapor Barriers for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Basement Vapor Barriers

Installation of vapor barriers to control moisture and improve indoor air quality.

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Crawl Space Encapsulation for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Crawl Space Encapsulation

Full crawl space encapsulation — liner, sealing, and moisture control so humid air stops feeding mold and rot under your home.

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Waterproofing Basement Walls for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Waterproofing Basement Walls

Specialized waterproofing solutions for interior and exterior basement walls.

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Basement Waterproofing for Des Moines and central Iowa homes

Basement Waterproofing

Complete waterproofing solutions to protect your basement from water intrusion and moisture damage.

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Des Moines and central Iowa

Areas We Serve in Greater Des Moines

We're based in Des Moines and serve the greater metro and central Iowa - within about about 120 miles of Des Moines. If you're in Des Moines or one of these areas, we can help:

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No runaround. No surprises.

Three Steps to a Basement You Trust

We keep it simple so you know what to expect from day one.

1

We listen and inspect

You tell us what you’re seeing: damp spots, leaks, musty smells. We do a thorough inspection and explain what’s going on and what you need, with no pressure.

2

You get a clear plan and price

We give you a written estimate and a simple plan. No hidden fees. You decide when, or if, you want to move forward.

3

You get a dry basement and peace of mind

The outcome: a basement you’re not afraid to use. No more worrying when it rains. A warranty so you’re protected. We show up, do the job right, and clean up, so you get the result you wanted.

Call (515) 420-1384 now

Risks of waiting or cutting corners

Foundation Damage Gets Worse and More Expensive the Longer You Wait

Putting off foundation repair, or hiring a contractor who cuts corners, can lead to:

  • Cracks that grow into bowing walls, leaning chimneys, and structural movement
  • Settled corners and uneven floors that pull doors, windows, and finishes out of square
  • Bigger repair bills when small carbon fiber jobs turn into steel bracing or full wall replacement
  • Recurring basement leaks and moisture damage when drainage isn’t addressed alongside the repair

Get a trusted solution

Exterior foundation repair and waterproofing in Iowa: excavation trench along a stone-veneer wall with DMX AG membrane, white perimeter drainage pipe in the trench, and aggregate bags ready for backfill

Straight answers

What to Know About Foundation Repair in Des Moines

What causes most foundation problems in Des Moines homes?

Expansive clay soils, a 42-inch frost line, and ~36 inches of annual precipitation flex Des Moines foundations every year. Hydrostatic pressure plus freeze-thaw causes horizontal cracks, bowed walls, and settled corners — especially on older block foundations, but newer poured walls are not immune. We assess the crack pattern, soil conditions, and drainage before recommending carbon fiber, steel bracing, replacement, or a combined approach.

How much does foundation repair cost in Des Moines?

Most projects fall between $1,500 and $15,000+ depending on the fix. Carbon fiber straps for a single bowed wall typically run $3,500–$7,500; steel I-beams cost more; full wall replacement is the most expensive option. We provide a written, itemized estimate after a free on-site inspection — no high-pressure sales.

Do I need basement waterproofing if I'm already repairing my foundation?

Often, yes. Foundation repair stabilizes the wall, but waterproofing addresses the water pressure that caused the damage in the first place. We frequently pair carbon fiber bracing or steel braces with interior drainage and a sump pump so the original problem doesn't return. We'll tell you straight whether you need both or just one.

Ready to Stop the Water for Good?

Get a free estimate. No obligation, no pressure, just a clear recommendation and a fair price.