Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Expert in Des Moines, Ames, & Nearby | Crawl Space Repair in Greater Des Moines

4th Annual Mudd Foot Riverbillies Carp Fishing Tournament

2024-07-11T15:25:47.05Z

Once again Midwest Basement Systems is proud to announce its participation and sponsorship of this years Mudd Foot Riverbillies Carp Fishing Tournament. The design of the fishing tournament is to raise money for local children the suffer from Cystic Fibrosis in the Perry, Iowa area.

Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder. The daily regimented treatment for Cystic Fibrosis is costly and most health insurance policies do not cover treatment. Nonetheless the children still need professional care and consultation, physical therapy, and medications. By using this fishing tournament as a fundraiser it helps offset the high costs of daily care experienced by these local families.

This is a modest tournament with the entry fee at $25.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids under 15 years of age. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tournament, but we suggest you register early. Pre-registration information can be obtained by calling 515 577-1099 or by mailing your check or checks to Mudd Foot Riverbillies Club 23497 128th Pl, Bouton Iowa 50039. Please include your name, complete mailing address and phone number, and your fishing license number. Make sure you have a current and valid fishing license for the fishing tournament. The fishing area is set from Highway 30 to Highway 6 on the mighty Raccoon River.

Once again there will be raffle prizes and they will include such items like a boat, motor and trailer, a flat screen TV, and many more items as well.

In addition, there will be a bake sale going on through out the day, as well as, food and drinks for sale to the tired, hungry and thirsty fishing tournament participants and their families.

There will be a live eagle display again this year from the "Saving Our Avian Resources" organization. Saving Our Avian Resources takes in these majestic birds which in general terms can not sustain themselves in the wild and helps bring them back to good health. All of the carp caught is donated to this organization to help feed the eagles.

What is it: 4th Annual Mudd Foot Riverbillies Carp Fishing Tournament

When does it all get started: 8am to 5pm - on August 24th 2013. The weigh-in is from noon to 5pm.

Where do you meet: Patee Park Shelterhouse in Perry, Iowa

Why participate? This a noble and needed fund raiser with proceeds going to the local area families.

How do you win: Heaviest Stringer and Biggest Fish. Plus your opportunities at the raffle.

Midwest Basement Systems Won Several Awards at the 2013 Team Basement Systems Dealer Convention

2024-07-11T15:24:11.05Z

Midwest Basement Systems was recently honored at the Annual Team Basement Systems Convention, a gathering with dealers located across the United States, Canada and the UK.

The annual convention is held each year at the Basement Systems headquarters in Seymour, CT and the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. The three day event brings together dealers in the international network for training, seminars, networking, vendor and team building events, and celebration.

This year, Midwest Basement Systems received four awards at the Team Basement Systems International Convention.

Out of 221 active dealers, Midwest Basement Systems was awarded:

Top 50 Basement Systems Dealers by Purchases (Ranked 17th)
CleanSpace Million Square Foot Award - Quad Winner
Top 50 Foundation Supportworks Dealers - Total Sales (Ranked 11th)
Top 10 Foundation Supportworks Dealers - Piers (Ranked 10th)

The high-powered event featured best-selling author and motivational speaker Aron Ralston. His book, Between A Rock And A Hard Place, was turned into the critically acclaimed movie 127 Hours starring James Franco. Ralston moved the crowd with his inspirational story of survival and posed for pictures afterwards with attendees.

Google also had a presence at this spectacular event. Two Google representatives delivered a behind the scenes peek at how to best utilize the search engines tools for successful business results.

Close to eleven hundred people attended the annual Basement Systems Convention this year, which is the highest attendance to date. The flagship event is held each August in Connecticut.

About Midwest Basement Systems

Midwest Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks dealer providing both residential and commercial repairs to residents throughout Iowa. In business since 1995, Midwest Basement Systems have provided their award-winning services to thousands of basements. Specializing in basement waterproofing, Midwest Basement Systems also provides professional crawl space and foundation repair services and are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.

About Foundation Supportworks, Inc.

Foundation Supportworks is an international network of independently-owned and operated foundation repair dealerships across North America. Each dealer is authorized, trained and certified at one of two Foundation Supportworks headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and Seymour, Connecticut. Foundation Supportworks maintains a staff of both geotechnical and structural engineers to assist in product design, dealer support, and quality assurance of all their state-of-the-art structural repair products.

About Basement Systems, Inc.

Basement Systems, Inc. is the leader in the development of products used to provide a dry, below-grade space. These waterproofing solutions are delivered through a network of trained, experienced dealers. Basement Systems is a network of more than 300 dealers throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Each dealer receives comprehensive, on-going training at company headquarters in Seymour, Connecticut. All Basement Systems dealers have the same goal: to provide a permanent solution for healthier basement environments.

Midwest Basement Systems is now Midwest Foundation Repair

2024-07-11T15:19:29.05Z

Midwest Basement Systems, headquartered in Des Moines, IA, is changing their name and will operate as Midwest Foundation Repair. The change will go into effect on March 2, 2020.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the company, and to celebrate Midwest Foundation Repair, formally Midwest Basement Systems, is updating their name and look. It was important for the company to retain the word “Midwest” because the company has been a household name in Central Iowa for several years. Former customers were told about the change on February 24, 2020. This change doesn’t affect how the business operates or warranties for former customers.

Midwest Foundation Repair, formally Midwest Basement Systems, has served homeowners in the greater Des Moines and central Iowa area for basement waterproofing and foundation repair since 1995. Midwest Foundation Repair started from modest beginnings and has grown to be Iowa’s premier basement waterproofing, foundation repair and concrete repair contractor.

Midwest Foundation Repair has also merged with Thrasher Foundation Repair, headquartered in Omaha Nebraska. Former owners, Tim and Bill Heady decided to focus on the improvement and development of their product manufacturing business. “We have had a great partnership with Thrasher and Supportworks for many years, and know we made the right choice in having Thrasher continue the Midwest Basement Repair legacy.” said the Heady family.

With a 44-year history in the basement and foundation repair industry, Thrasher currently serves homeowners in Nebraska, Kansas, northwest Missouri and Western Iowa.

Midwest Foundation Repair is currently located at 5153 N.E. 17^th street in Des Moines but will be moving to their new location at 9850 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322, which is the current Royal Flooring building. That move will happen sometime late summer 2020.

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Sump Pumps to the Rescue!

2023-06-21T12:29:28.05Z

During the rainy season, homeowner Shane gets an extreme amount of water coming into his basement. He was worried that if he doesn't update his sump system he will continue to get water in his basement. He fears that his basement will flood someday and will ruin the finished part of his basement. He also wants to be able to leave his home for the week or weekend and not have to worry about if his basement will be dry when he comes home.

Shane did extensive research on what type of system he wanted. He considered water backups, multiple sump systems, and several different items. He decided to have Midwest come out and take a look at the problem.

Kevin, one of Midwest's Service Design Specialists, helped Shane out. He found that even in dry times Shane's sump pump was being overrun. The amount of water coming in was way more than the pumps could handle. Shane explained that he was constantly purchasing pumps at hardware stores and was always replacing them himself. When Kevin arrived, Shane already had two ready to go to replace the current pumps.

Shane was looking for a more permanent solution so that he didn't have to work so hard to keep his basement water-free. After inspecting, our team came up with a system that could handle the amount of water it was receiving.

Resolving Basement Moisture and Mold: A Flexible Solution Case Study

2023-06-19T16:37:05.05Z

Samantha is a young professional aged between 25 and 30, who encountered a moisture and mold/mildew problem in her basement. The issue first became apparent with a peculiar odor permeating the house after rainfall. Upon investigation, Samantha discovered mold on the walls in the northwest corner of her basement, along with some belongings near the area that had absorbed the seeping water. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Samantha realized that she needed to address the problem promptly, not only to protect her newly purchased home but also to safeguard her cousin, who resided in the basement, from potential health risks and damage to her belongings. After exploring various options by consulting different companies, Samantha came across Midwest Foundation Repair and reached out to us for a complimentary estimate.

Did You Know?

The health of your family can be significantly affected by mold and mildew, as these harmful substances spread quickly and can infiltrate your entire house if they are present in the basement. This can lead to additional complications. It is crucial to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, especially considering the prevalence of mold allergies among children. When there is excessive moisture or humidity, wood rot can occur, causing the wood to break down and mold to develop. This can become a serious issue if your home's structure primarily consists of wood, as it weakens the wood and potentially impacts the foundation.

Moisture or water accumulation on the exterior of a wall can lead to cracked or crumbling walls. The pressure exerted by the moisture can create cracks or sections that crumble over time. This compromises the structural integrity of the home, especially when existing cracks expand due to the presence of water and moisture.

Damp air and musty smells are often a result of wood rot, mold, mildew, and excessive moisture and humidity in the air. When a basement experiences water problems, the associated odors can spread to the upper levels of the home due to the movement of warmer air. Wet drywall or flooring occurs when there are elevated moisture levels in the air or water seepage through cracks in the walls or floor. This water can leave behind puddles and create a conducive environment for mold growth, which, if left unchecked, can weaken the foundation of a home.

The Diagnosis

Despite receiving bids from other contractors, Samantha expressed her appreciation for the flexibility and cooperative approach of our System Design Specialist, Kevin. He later stated, "I worked closely with Samantha to tailor a solution that met her desired level of protection. She also valued the time I spent with her and our willingness to accommodate her schedule, allowing her to save money for the project." Kevin visited Samantha's home to assess the issue. As seen in the provided pictures, he identified excessive moisture seeping through the cement blocks of her foundation walls, resulting in efflorescence and mold/mildew growth in the northwest corner.

Did You Know?

Several factors can contribute to basement leaks, starting with an aspect known as fill soil. The soil surrounding a home is typically less adept at absorbing water due to its backfilling during the foundation construction process. As a result, the soil becomes less dense than natural soil and more susceptible to expansion when it rains. Water can infiltrate cinder block wall foundations due to various reasons:

Hydrostatic pressure: This occurs when water accumulates in the soil surrounding the foundation. Rising water tables or heavy rainfall increase the pressure exerted on the foundation, forcing water through cracks, gaps, or porous areas in the concrete blocks and leading to infiltration.

Capillary action: Concrete blocks contain small pores and capillary channels. When the soil around the foundation becomes saturated with water, moisture can be drawn upward through capillary action. This can result in water seeping through the concrete blocks, especially if they lack proper sealing or coating.

Poor drainage: Inadequate or malfunctioning drainage systems can contribute to water penetration through concrete block wall foundations. Improper soil grading or issues with gutter systems, downspouts, or French drains can lead to water accumulation and increased pressure against the foundation, making water infiltration more likely.

Foundation cracks: Over time, foundations may develop cracks due to settling, soil movement, temperature fluctuations, or structural stress. These cracks provide direct pathways for water to enter the basement or crawl space. Concrete blocks are also prone to cracking, allowing water to infiltrate through the block itself.

Insufficient waterproofing: Inadequate waterproofing during construction or deterioration of existing waterproofing over time can increase vulnerability to water penetration. Waterproof coatings, sealants, and membranes are typically applied to the exterior or interior of foundation walls to create a barrier against water intrusion.

Freezing and thawing cycles: In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles contribute to water infiltration through concrete block foundations. Water can penetrate small cracks in the blocks, and when it freezes and expands, it widens the cracks, making them more susceptible to further water infiltration.

Regardless of the exact cause of the moisture in Samantha's basement, it was evident that action needed to be taken to address the issue.

Comprehensive Crawl Space Solution by Midwest Foundation Repair, A Case Study

2023-06-16T16:47:33.05Z

Crawlspace encapsulation is a proven and effective solution to mitigate the problems associated with vented dirt crawl spaces. It involves sealing off the crawl space from the outside environment and implementing a comprehensive moisture control system. By creating a conditioned space, encapsulation helps maintain stable humidity levels, prevent moisture intrusion, and improve indoor air quality.

Vapor Barrier Installation: One of the key components of crawl space encapsulation is the installation of a high-quality vapor barrier. This barrier is typically made of thick, durable material such as polyethylene or reinforced plastic. It is placed on the crawl space floor and extended up the walls, effectively creating a moisture barrier that prevents ground moisture from entering the space.

Sealing Foundation Vents: Encapsulation involves permanently sealing off foundation vents that were originally intended for ventilation. These vents, which contribute to moisture and humidity issues, are closed to prevent outside air and moisture from entering the crawl space. By eliminating the entry points for excess moisture, encapsulation helps maintain a dry and controlled environment.

Insulation and HVAC Integration: Encapsulation also includes insulating the crawl space walls and sometimes even the floor above. This insulation helps to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs by preventing heat loss or gain. Additionally, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems can be extended to include the crawl space, providing conditioned air and further enhancing the overall comfort and efficiency of the home.

Dehumidification and Moisture Control: To address the issue of excess moisture, encapsulation systems often incorporate dehumidifiers or other moisture control mechanisms. These devices help maintain optimal humidity levels in the crawl space, preventing mold growth, musty odors, and structural damage. By effectively controlling moisture, encapsulation improves air quality and protects the home's overall integrity.

Pest Control Measures: Encapsulation acts as a barrier against pests and insects that can infest crawl spaces. The sealed environment prevents easy access for rodents, termites, and other pests, reducing the risk of damage to the home's structure. This aspect of encapsulation helps homeowners protect their investments and avoid costly pest-related repairs.

Long-Term Benefits and Cost Savings: Investing in crawl space encapsulation provides numerous long-term benefits. By addressing moisture issues and improving air quality, encapsulation promotes a healthier living environment for occupants. It also helps protect the home's structural integrity, reducing the likelihood of expensive repairs in the future. Furthermore, encapsulation can lead to energy savings by reducing heating and cooling costs, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Increased Home Value and Marketability: Encapsulating a crawl space can significantly enhance a home's value and marketability. Potential buyers recognize the benefits of a properly encapsulated crawl space, including improved air quality, energy efficiency, and protection against moisture-related issues. Homes with encapsulated crawl spaces often command higher resale values and attract more interested buyers.

By considering these facts about crawl space encapsulation as a solution, homeowners like Alexandria can make informed decisions to improve the conditions of their crawl spaces, leading to a healthier, more energy-efficient, and valuable home.

The Results

After the completion of the crawl space encapsulation and other measures, Alexandria experienced a remarkable transformation in her home. The persistent moisture problems that plagued her crawl space were effectively resolved. With a dry and encapsulated crawl space, Alexandria's basement became free of mold growth, unpleasant odors, and excess humidity. The increased usability of the crawl space allowed for additional storage, further improving the functionality of her home. Moreover, Alexandria's concerns about the health and well-being of her children were addressed. The encapsulation system, along with the Sanidry Sedona system, improved the air quality within the home, reducing the risk of asthma and allergies.

At Midwest Foundation Repair, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide effective solutions to homeowners facing moisture-related issues. Alexandria's story showcases our commitment to transforming homes and lives by resolving crawl space problems. Through meticulous diagnostics, tailored solutions, and the expertise of our dedicated team, we ensure that homeowners like Alexandria can enjoy a safe, healthy, and comfortable living environment for years to come.

Restoring the Foundation of Your Forever Home: A Solution That Lasts

2023-06-15T17:01:43.05Z

With a comprehensive understanding of Martha's concrete settlement issues, we moved forward with implementing our innovative solution: the PolyLevel System and NexusPro Sealant.

PolyLevel System:

PolyLevel is a cutting-edge solution offered by Midwest Foundation Repair to address sinking and uneven concrete surfaces. This innovative system revolutionizes traditional methods of concrete repair, providing homeowners with a long-lasting and efficient solution.

PolyLevel utilizes high-density, lightweight, structural-grade polymers to lift, level, and stabilize sunken concrete slabs. These polymers are injected into the affected areas through small, strategically placed holes in the concrete. The injection process is minimally invasive, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area and preserving the aesthetics of your property.

One of the significant advantages of PolyLevel is its ability to achieve precise and controlled lifting of the concrete. The expanding properties of the specialized foam ensure that the slab is raised to the desired level, eliminating trip hazards, uneven surfaces, and other safety concerns. Unlike traditional mudjacking methods that use heavy concrete and mud mixtures, PolyLevel's lightweight foam provides a reliable and long-lasting solution.

PolyLevel offers several key benefits that make it an ideal choice for homeowners:

Durability and Strength: The high-density polymer foam used in the PolyLevel system provides exceptional load-bearing capacity. It effectively supports the weight of the concrete slab while remaining lightweight itself. This ensures that the lifted concrete remains stable and resistant to future settling.

Minimal Disruption: The installation process of PolyLevel is quick and efficient. The small injection holes made in the concrete are carefully patched, leaving behind a clean and finished appearance. The fast curing time of the foam allows for minimal downtime, allowing you to resume regular use of the repaired area within a short period.

Versatility: PolyLevel can be applied to various concrete surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and even interior slabs. Whether you are dealing with minor settlement or significant sinking issues, PolyLevel offers a versatile solution that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Longevity: PolyLevel is designed to last. The polymer foam is waterproof and resistant to erosion, ensuring that it remains stable and intact even in challenging weather conditions. It outperforms traditional concrete repairs and provides a reliable, long-term solution for your sinking or uneven concrete surfaces.

Environmentally Friendly: PolyLevel is an environmentally conscious choice. By opting for PolyLevel instead of complete concrete replacement, you reduce the demand for new concrete production, which has a significant environmental impact. The foam does not deteriorate over time, minimizing waste and ensuring the longevity of the repaired concrete surfaces.

NexusPro Sealant:

In conjunction with the PolyLevel System, we applied NexusPro joint sealant to address the cracks and protect Martha's concrete from further damage. NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant specially formulated to resist UV rays, temperature changes, and natural wear and tear. Its advanced composition remains pliable, ensuring a tight seal and preventing water infiltration, which can lead to soil erosion and additional settling.

Prior to applying NexusPro, our team thoroughly prepared the joints, seams, and cracks in Martha's concrete. The surfaces were meticulously cleaned to remove debris, and any necessary grinding and filling were performed to ensure a smooth and uniform appearance. Finally, the sealant was skillfully applied, creating a clean and finished look that seamlessly matched Martha's existing concrete.

At Midwest Foundation Repair, we take pride in delivering comprehensive, long-lasting solutions to address our clients' foundation issues.

If you're experiencing similar problems with your home's foundation, don't wait for the issues to worsen. Take action today by scheduling a free consultation with our team of experts.

Street Creep Scares Garage Stability

2023-06-13T17:32:36.05Z

Luckily, Midwest took the stress of the concrete and street creep off of Matt's mind. We installed a CompressionGuard to create a true barrier between the driveway and the home. CompressionGuard fights back against Street Creep to protect against long-term damage to concrete driveways, garage slabs, and foundation walls. It is an engineered expansion joint that can bend with concrete movement during changes in the seasons. This is different from the fiberboard expansion joints used in most residential driveways.

We then used PolyLevel to lift and stabilize the driveway lip that enters the garage. It's possible that this will also steer damaging rainwater away from the foundation and will divert it to a nearby drainage ditch.

Matt is excited to take one more project off his list and no longer feels that stress! Are you feeling spooked out by Street Creep? Click here to get a free estimate!

Resolving Foundation Woes: PowerBrace™ System to the Rescue

2023-06-09T16:42:26.05Z

To alleviate Anne's concerns and restore the structural integrity of her home, we recommended the installation of our trusted PowerBrace™ system. This innovative solution provides permanent stabilization for foundation walls. The system consists of custom-fit, zinc-plated steel beams that are securely fastened against the basement walls using brackets anchored to the basement floor and floor joists. What sets the PowerBrace™ system apart is its unique, patented design, which allows for tightening over time without invasive drilling or excavation.

The PowerBrace™ system is backed by a remarkable 25-year warranty, providing reassurance not only to Anne but also to future homeowners. This warranty remains attached to the property, ensuring that it transfers seamlessly to subsequent owners, safeguarding their investment in the home.

The installation process is straightforward, guided by our experienced foundation experts. They determine the appropriate number and height of braces required to stabilize the walls, considering the strength of the floor joists near the mudsill. Each brace is then attached to a special bracket bolted near the floor joist in the basement ceiling, allowing for easy adjustment and tightening. Lastly, the PowerBrace™ is bolted to the floor, ensuring consistent vertical straightening from top to bottom along the length of the wall.

The PowerBrace™ system excels in scenarios where obstacles or obstructions are present near the foundation, such as trees, property lines, or sidewalks. Constructed with heavy-duty galvanized steel and coated with rust-resistant zinc, the system guarantees long-term stability and protection against corrosion.

Benefits of the PowerBrace™ System:

Gradual wall straightening over time.
Resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness.
Quick and efficient installation process.
Minimal disruption to lawns and landscaping.
Cost-effective compared to exterior excavation.
Suitable for installation year-round, regardless of weather conditions

By understanding and addressing Anne F's concerns, we were able to provide an effective solution to her destabilized wall using our trusted PowerBrace™ system. The installation process, backed by a 25-year warranty, ensured the longevity and value of her investment. Through our commitment to excellence and innovative solutions, we continue to deliver peace of mind to homeowners like Anne, helping them create a secure and worry-free environment within their homes.

Restoring Stability and Peace of Mind: A Case Study on PowerBrace Foundation Wall Repair System

2023-06-09T16:23:30.05Z

To address the structural instability, we recommended the installation of the PowerBrace Foundation Wall Repair System. This solution offered the ideal balance between strength and aesthetics, meeting Jamisen's expectations while ensuring long-term stability. The PowerBrace system involved the installation of custom-fit zinc-plated steel beams that were anchored tightly against the basement walls using brackets secured to the basement floor and floor joists. Importantly, this unique and patented design allowed for periodic tightening over time, potentially reversing wall failure without any invasive drilling or excavation.

The PowerBrace system boasts numerous features and benefits that set it apart as a reliable and efficient solution. The heavy-duty galvanized steel construction, coated with rust-resistant zinc, ensures long-term stability and protection against corrosion. Moreover, the system's adaptability makes it a viable option even when faced with obstructions or obstacles near the foundation, such as trees, property lines, or sidewalks. The quick and efficient installation process minimizes disruption to the homeowner's lawn or landscaping. Additionally, the PowerBrace system offers a cost-effective alternative to exterior excavation, making it a preferred choice for many homeowners.

In the case of Jamisen N.'s farmhouse, the PowerBrace Foundation Wall Repair System provided the much-needed stability and peace of mind they sought. By addressing the root cause of bowing and cracked walls, our solution not only resolved the structural issues but also aligned with the customer's emotional attachment to their home. The 25 year warranty attached to the property ensures lasting protection and can be transferred to future homeowners. With the PowerBrace system's ability to straighten walls over time and its non-invasive installation process, Midwest has once again delivered a reliable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for our valued customers. If you’re experiencing similar problems with your home, you can contact us to book a free appointment with our System Design Specialists here.