Cracked foundation or wet basement?

Foundation Repair & Basement Waterproofing in Ames, IA

Foundation repair and basement waterproofing in Ames, Story County. Free inspections, transparent pricing, lifetime warranty, and no high-pressure sales — dispatched from Des Moines with regular routing to Ames.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (515) 420-1384 now

Financing available

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

Why Ames basements take a beating

Story County mixes till, loess, and clay layers similar to Des Moines. Squaw Creek and the South Skunk lift water tables nearby. Anyone here in 2010 saw how fast conditions can turn wet.

Even without a headline flood year, frost still goes deep and clay still cycles against walls. Campus rentals and Old Town wear it differently; the pressure pattern underneath is familiar.

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.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (515) 420-1384 now

Basement and foundation stresses typical in Ames, Iowa — drainage, clay soils, and frost — The 2010 Squaw Creek flood damaged hundreds of Ames properties. Homes repaired afterward can still show lingering foundation stress from long saturation.

Trusted by homeowners in Ames and central Iowa

Dry Basements Worth Coming Home To in Ames

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

Sebastian Gutierrez

★★★★★

Honestly the best people I hired to fix my foundation and it came out amazing and at suchhh a good budget well recommended and the best in business to do it !!!!

Melissa Garrett-Nelson

★★★★★

Great company and employees! Appreciative for the hard work on the waterproofing.

Linda Roberts

★★★★★

Jon from dry duck was great he was very transparent and walked us through every step of our foundation repair we definitely recommend dry duck for all your foundation problems! They also were very reasonably priced.

Lori Clark

★★★★★

We called several companies and decided to go with dry duck! We couldn't be happier with the quality and customer service they did a great job with our foundation repair 10/10 recommend.

Terri Akins

★★★★★

We were so pleased with our foundation repair! Dry duck did a excellent job they were very affordable we highly recommend!

Ronnie Fritz

★★★★★

Punctual, affordable, reliable company. They do great work for a great price! Highly recommend!

Solutions that fit your home and your budget.

Full Basement Solutions for Your Home

We service Ames with the same full range of services. Whether you need foundation protection, a single leak fixed, or full basement waterproofing, we have a clear plan and a fair price. Not sure which service fits your situation? Get a free inspection and we'll recommend the right approach.

Foundation Repair

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

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Foundation Waterproofing

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

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Exterior Foundation Waterproofing

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

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Basement Repair

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

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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

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

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Basement Sealing

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

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Basement Vapor Barriers

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

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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

Specialized waterproofing solutions for interior and exterior basement walls.

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Basement Waterproofing

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

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No runaround. No surprises.

Three Steps to a Dry Basement You Trust

Same simple process whether you're in Ames or elsewhere in our service area.

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.

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.

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

Ames is home to Iowa State and Cyclone pride. We service Ames and the area, and we’re used to the soil and weather that affect basements in central Iowa. Putting off foundation repair, or hiring someone 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 near Ames, Iowa: excavation trench with membrane on the wall, perimeter drainage pipe, and aggregate ready for backfill

Straight answers

What to Know About Foundation Repair in Ames

What causes most foundation problems in Ames homes?

Expansive clay soils, a 42-inch frost line, and about 36 inches of annual precipitation stress foundations across Iowa every year. Hydrostatic pressure plus freeze-thaw causes horizontal cracks, bowed walls, and settled corners, especially on older block foundations, though newer poured walls are not immune. In Ames we see the same patterns as the wider central Iowa market. We dispatch from Des Moines and serve Ames regularly. We assess crack pattern, soil conditions, and drainage before recommending carbon fiber, steel bracing, replacement, or a combined approach.

How much does foundation repair cost for homeowners in Ames?

Most projects fall between $1,500 and $15,000 or more 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. Pricing is based on scope, not zip code: we provide a written, itemized estimate after a free on-site inspection in Ames, with 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.

Protect Your Basement in Ames Today

We're located in Des Moines and service Ames. Get a free estimate: no obligation, no pressure, just a clear recommendation and a fair price.

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