Lifetime transferable warranty
Protection that stays with the home, including when ownership changes. See the written warranty for covered work.
Leaking Crack Repair
At Anchored Walls, we’ve been helping homeowners in Winterset and the surrounding areas protect their homes from basement water for over 40 years.
Reliable Foundation Crack Repair for Iowa Homes
At Anchored Walls, we’ve been helping homeowners in Winterset and the surrounding areas protect their homes from basement water for over 40 years. If you’ve noticed a leaking crack in your foundation, we’ll find the right solution and fix it with care and precision.
Why Foundation Cracks Start to Leak
Foundation cracks are common in homes throughout Iowa. Some form during the curing process as concrete settles, while others are caused by shifting soils, temperature swings, or poor exterior drainage. Over time, these cracks can widen or deepen, especially when exposed to hydrostatic water pressure from the surrounding soil. Once water gets in, it doesn’t stop on its own.
Fixing a leaking crack early can prevent much bigger repairs down the road.
Left untreated, even small leaks can lead to structural deterioration, mold growth, ruined finishes, and increased energy bills due to humidity. Over time, water infiltration can widen cracks and weaken foundation walls—especially during Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles. Timely repairs protect both your home’s structure and indoor air quality.
Signs You May Have a Leaking Crack
Not all cracks look threatening at first glance. Some may not even be visible behind finished walls or stored items. Keep an eye out for these common signs that water is entering through a foundation crack:
- Damp or discolored spots on basement walls or floors
- Musty odors or increased humidity in the basement
- Efflorescence (white, chalky residue on walls)
- Paint bubbling or peeling
- Mold or mildew growth near cracks or wall edges
- Visible water seeping during or after rainstorms
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it’s time to take action.
Our Approach to Interior Crack Repair
Anchored Walls offers interior repair options based on the foundation type and the severity of the leak.
For poured concrete foundations, we typically use a two-step injection process to seal the crack from the inside. After cleaning the area and placing injection ports along the crack, we apply a surface sealant to hold the material in place. Once cured, the crack is filled with either polyurethane or epoxy resin—polyurethane is ideal for stopping active leaks with its flexible, expanding form, while epoxy provides a strong, rigid bond for structural stability. Both materials penetrate the full depth of the wall for a lasting, watertight seal.
Think of injection like filling a crack in a windshield—if it’s sealed early, it won’t spread. The resin fills every crevice, even the ones too small to see, and bonds with the concrete to prevent future leaks. Our team makes sure the repair isn’t just watertight—it’s built to last.
Depending on the size and severity of the crack, we may adjust the repair approach:
- Small Cracks: Standard injection with polyurethane or epoxy typically resolves the issue quickly, often in a single visit.
- Large Cracks: For deeper or more compromised cracks, we may excavate a shallow trench along the wall, perform the injection, then install a vapor barrier and drain board before re-pouring concrete over the area. This provides a buffer for any potential excess water to keep it contain from affecting the interior of your basement.
- Cracks to Large for Injection Alone: In severe cases, we may recommend a full interior waterproofing system to manage water across a broader area and ensure long-term protection.
Why Homeowners Trust Anchored Walls
We’re proud to be a locally operated company that has served Iowa families for generations. Our team doesn’t rely on sales gimmicks or cookie-cutter solutions. We take the time to assess every crack, explain your options clearly, and provide a repair that’s done right the first time. Anchored Walls stands for honesty, quality, and dependable service, and we treat every home like it’s our own.
Protect Your Basement from Future Water Damage
A leaking crack is more than a nuisance. It’s a sign that water is pushing against your foundation and finding its way inside. The sooner you repair it, the better your chances of avoiding long-term damage.
Contact Anchored Walls today to schedule a free foundation inspection. We’ll take a close look at the issue, talk through your options, and help you keep your basement clean, dry, and protected.
Google reviews
What homeowners say.
4.9 / 5 from 286 Google reviews.
★★★★★ Google
After getting bids and talking with a few different contractors regarding what we needed for waterproofing our basement, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, anxious and stressed out. Elliott...Read full review
After getting bids and talking with a few different contractors regarding what we needed for waterproofing our basement, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, anxious and stressed out. Elliott was a breath of fresh air. He's a very nice, respectful guy. He is very knowledgeable and was easy to talk to. After speaking with him, I felt more at ease and less anxious about the whole process. Because of Elliott, we plan to move forward with Anchored Walls for our basement waterproofing.
ME
★★★★★ Google
Anchored Walls techs, Zach and Kyle, came ready to work!!! They added 9 anchors to 2 of my basement walls to stabilize them. Those 2 men worked hard! I have attached 2 pictures, the...Read full review
Anchored Walls techs, Zach and Kyle, came ready to work!!! They added 9 anchors to 2 of my basement walls to stabilize them. Those 2 men worked hard! I have attached 2 pictures, the first shows shovels over the holes so no one would fall in, and the finished yard. You cannot tell where the holes had been. Both men also added waterproofing to my basement floor. If Zach and Kyle are an example of what to expect when you hire Anchored Walls, then the company gets 5 stars from me. Great work Zach and Kyle !!! * * * * *
MH
★★★★★ Google
I bought an old townhouse and found leakage into the basement under a window well. I had Anchored Walls come out to inspect. Roger diagnosed the problem as 30-yr buildup of silt preventing...Read full review
I bought an old townhouse and found leakage into the basement under a window well. I had Anchored Walls come out to inspect. Roger diagnosed the problem as 30-yr buildup of silt preventing water from draining down to the tile. He recommended excavation and rebuild with clean pea gravel fill. A 2-man crew accomplished that in half a day. I withheld submitting a review for 2 months until I could see if it fixed the problem. Over the July 4th weekend we got 9 inches of rain. The basement was bone dry. So I was pleased and impressed. The guys from Anchored Walls are experienced and know what they are doing. FIVE STARS!
BD
★★★★★ Google
From the project manager through all the folks working this huge mess, I am so thankful for the job that was completed. Kyle and team put up with all my questions and dealt with temporary...Read full review
From the project manager through all the folks working this huge mess, I am so thankful for the job that was completed. Kyle and team put up with all my questions and dealt with temporary fencing for my dogs. Always rrspectful and polite. I can't rate them or Anchored Walls high enough! Also Deb in the office keeping me updated and answering more questions. Lucas and Carson putting in the sump pump. If you have basement issues, definitely call this company!!
KL
★★★★★ Google
Anchored Walls of Winterset stabilized our Basement walls, leveled our driveway, and found an incredible and invisible solution to our 25 year sump pump drain exit. Matt Clayton was...Read full review
Anchored Walls of Winterset stabilized our Basement walls, leveled our driveway, and found an incredible and invisible solution to our 25 year sump pump drain exit. Matt Clayton was consistently kind and patient. He nailed our estimate and was Readily available for questions before, during, and after the project. Debbie was quick, responsive, and friendly to give us speedy and accurate answers to many questions. Finally, Brad was the man who finally solved our 25 year sump pump problem. He was super respectful with my wife, and somehow installed 30 foot of PVC into our yard, leaving zero evidence. You're work is amazing and we are more thankful for you than we can express! All this to say, we strongly recommend and refer Anchored Walls of Winterset. Great job and God bless you for your Efforts.
DT
Experienced hands. A clear plan.
Helping Iowa homeowners since 1978.
A repair plan built around your home.
Start with a free inspection. We explain what we find and put the recommended work in writing, so you can make an informed decision.
★★★★★Google review
“Gabe & Taxson did a wonderful job of waterproofing our basement. They worked so hard chiseling concrete, carrying it up the stairs in buckets, then carrying rock and replacement cement down the stairs to fill in the dug up places, but most of all, they cleaned up the mess! Kip McMillen from United Services…”
Marjorie M.Verified Google review · Winterset, IA · Sep 2025
Money-back guarantee
Your money is never at risk. We stand behind our work with a written money-back guarantee.
Five-star service guarantee
A clear plan, respectful crews, and a commitment to the experience as well as the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my crawl space needs repair?
Look for signs like sagging subflooring, musty smells, mold growth, high humidity, standing water, or visible rot on floor joists and beams. These often show up first in closets or laundry rooms above the crawl space. All of these issues point to possible structural or moisture problems below.
Why is there mold in my crawl space?
Mold is a result of excessive moisture in the crawl space of your home. It’s very important that you take care of a moldy crawl space problem as soon as you notice that something is wrong. If left untreated, mold can cause a number of problems for the structural integrity of your home, as well as your family’s health. If you don’t repair your foundation, water will eventually seep in. This causes an assortment of additional problems for the structural integrity of your home.
What causes crawl space moisture?
Crawl space moisture comes from water seepage, improper yard drainage systems, soil settlement and condensation. Regardless of whether your crawl space is dirt, concrete, vented or unconditioned, these lower areas underneath the home tend to endure the most damage due to the many changes in weather conditions, high temperatures and humidity levels. Humidity and moisture easily travel through your crawl space and can begin to infiltrate the structure of your home.Damp or wet crawl spaces are perfect homes for insects, rodents and other critters. This area underneath your home can be extremely unhealthy, destructive and dangerous. Your wet crawl space can also act as a breeding ground for mold and mildew growth. Mold spreads easily throughout your home when it begins in your crawl space. Mold, as well as wood rot, can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality. That’s why it’s important to take care of crawl space moisture problems as soon as you notice them.
Are foundation cracks serious or just cosmetic?
Some small, vertical cracks may be normal settling, but if a crack is widening, leaking water, or forming a stair-step or horizontal pattern, it could signal a structural issue. It’s always best to have cracks professionally evaluated to determine whether repair is needed.
If I don't repair my foundation, what could happen?
If you don’t repair your foundation, water will eventually seep in. This causes an assortment of additional problems for the structural integrity of your home.
Explore basement waterproofing
Interior Drain Tile System
At Anchored Walls, we install interior drain tile systems designed to manage groundwater before it ever reaches your basement floor.
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Sump Pump Installation & Replacement in Iowa
Anchored Walls has been in the business of repairing and protecting foundations, basements, crawl spaces, concrete slabs, and sump pump installation services in the Des Moines area for over 40 years.
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Rust Stains on Basement Walls and Floors
Rust stains on basement walls or floor might seem harmless at first, just a few orange streaks near a drain or a faint outline around a metal post.
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Efflorescence in Basements and Water Stains on Basement Walls and Floors
Efflorescence in basements and water stains are two of the most common warning signs that something is going on behind your basement walls or beneath your slab.
ExploreA local team for your Iowa home.
From our Winterset location, we serve Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Ames, and surrounding communities. Check your ZIP for service at your address.
Highlighted counties contain service ZIP codes. Coverage varies within each county; check your ZIP and confirm your address when scheduling.