Protecting Your Home's Structural Integrity
Your foundation is the most critical structural component of your home. When foundation problems develop, they can threaten the safety of your family and the value of your property. Bi-State Masonry, Inc. has been providing professional foundation repair services to homeowners throughout the Quad Cities since 1999. Our team brings the same commercial-grade expertise and precision we apply to large-scale projects to every residential foundation repair we undertake.
Foundation issues in Iowa and Illinois homes often stem from our region's challenging climate conditions. The Quad Cities area experiences significant freeze-thaw cycles throughout winter, combined with humid summers and heavy rainfall that can saturate the soil around your foundation. These conditions place tremendous stress on masonry foundations, leading to cracks, settling, bowing walls, and water infiltration problems that demand professional attention.
Warning Signs Your Foundation Needs Repair
Foundation problems rarely appear suddenly. Most issues develop gradually over months or years, which means early detection can prevent minor repairs from becoming major structural projects. Homeowners in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities should watch for these warning signs:
Visible Cracks in Walls and Foundation
Cracks in your foundation walls, basement walls, or the exterior masonry of your home are the most obvious indicators of foundation stress. Horizontal cracks in basement walls often indicate soil pressure pushing against the foundation from outside. Stair-step cracks following mortar joints in block or brick foundations typically signal settling or shifting. Vertical cracks may indicate concrete shrinkage or minor settling, though they can widen over time if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Doors and Windows That Stick or Won't Close
When your foundation shifts or settles unevenly, it throws your home's frame out of square. This causes door frames and window frames to become misaligned. If you notice doors that suddenly won't latch, windows that stick, or gaps appearing around frames, foundation movement may be the cause.
Uneven or Sloping Floors
Floors that slope, bounce, or feel uneven underfoot can indicate foundation settling. You may notice a marble rolling to one side of a room, or furniture that wobbles on floors that previously seemed level. These symptoms often accompany other foundation problems and should prompt a professional inspection.
Water Infiltration and Moisture Problems
Cracks in your foundation provide pathways for groundwater to enter your basement. If you notice water seepage, damp spots on basement walls, efflorescence (white mineral deposits), or a musty odor in your lower level, foundation cracks may be allowing moisture intrusion. Beyond the inconvenience, ongoing moisture problems can lead to mold growth and further structural deterioration.
What Causes Foundation Problems in the Quad Cities
Understanding why foundation problems occur helps homeowners take preventive measures and make informed decisions about repairs. Several factors common to Iowa and Illinois contribute to foundation issues in our region.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
The Quad Cities experiences approximately 100 freeze-thaw cycles each winter. When water enters small cracks in masonry and then freezes, it expands with tremendous force—up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. This expansion widens existing cracks and creates new ones. Over many seasons, this repetitive cycle causes progressive deterioration that demands professional repair.
Soil Conditions and Drainage
Many homes in Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding areas sit on clay-heavy soils that expand when wet and contract when dry. This seasonal movement places cyclical stress on foundations. Poor drainage around your home compounds the problem by keeping soil saturated during wet periods and allowing it to dry and shrink during droughts.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water, it exerts tremendous pressure against basement walls. This hydrostatic pressure can bow masonry walls inward, crack block and concrete foundations, and force water through any available opening. Homes near the Mississippi River or in low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to high water table conditions.
Age and Original Construction
Many homes in the Quad Cities were built 50 to 100 years ago with construction methods and materials that don't meet modern standards. Older stone foundations, lime mortar joints, and undersized footings can all contribute to foundation problems as homes age. Even well-built foundations eventually require maintenance and repair as materials naturally deteriorate over decades.
Our Foundation Repair Services
Bi-State Masonry provides comprehensive foundation repair services tailored to the specific needs of each project. Our skilled masons have experience with all types of residential foundations found in the Quad Cities region.
Foundation Crack Repair
We repair cracks in poured concrete, concrete block, brick, and stone foundations using appropriate methods based on the crack type and severity. For stable cracks that are not actively moving, we inject specialized epoxies or polyurethane foams that bond with the concrete and prevent water infiltration. For structural cracks indicating ongoing movement, we address the underlying cause before sealing the crack to provide a lasting repair.
Wall Rebuilding and Underpinning
When foundation walls have deteriorated beyond the point where surface repairs are sufficient, we can rebuild sections of wall or underpin existing foundations to restore structural integrity. Underpinning involves extending your foundation deeper into stable soil, which is sometimes necessary when original footings are inadequate or soil conditions have changed. This work requires careful engineering and execution, and our team has the experience to perform it correctly.
Bowing Wall Repair
Basement walls that bow inward due to soil pressure require stabilization to prevent further movement and potential collapse. Depending on the severity, we may install wall anchors, carbon fiber reinforcement straps, or steel I-beams to stabilize the wall. In severe cases, we can excavate from the exterior and rebuild the wall to its original position.
Foundation Waterproofing
Many foundation repairs are not complete without addressing water infiltration. We provide interior and exterior waterproofing solutions including drain tile systems, sump pump installation, and waterproof coatings. Our approach is to stop water at its source whenever possible, rather than simply managing it after it enters your basement.
Tuckpointing and Mortar Joint Repair
For block and brick foundations, deteriorated mortar joints are a common source of structural weakness and water entry. Our masons carefully remove failed mortar and repoint the joints with mortar matched to the original in composition and appearance. Proper tuckpointing extends the life of your foundation and prevents moisture problems.
Our Foundation Repair Process
Every foundation repair project at Bi-State Masonry follows a systematic process designed to identify the root cause of problems and implement effective, lasting solutions.
Inspection and Assessment
We begin with a thorough inspection of your foundation, both interior and exterior. Our team examines crack patterns, wall alignment, moisture conditions, and drainage around your home. We document our findings and explain what we observe, including whether issues are cosmetic, structural, or both. This assessment forms the basis for our repair recommendations.
Repair Planning
Based on our inspection, we develop a repair plan that addresses the underlying causes of your foundation problems, not just the visible symptoms. We explain the recommended repairs, alternative approaches where applicable, and what you can expect in terms of timeline and disruption to your property.
Professional Execution
Our skilled masons perform repairs using proper techniques, quality materials, and attention to detail. We work efficiently to minimize disruption while maintaining the high standards that have earned our reputation over more than 26 years in business. Throughout the project, we keep work areas as clean and safe as possible.
Quality Assurance
Upon completion, we review the work with you to ensure it meets your expectations and our standards. We address any remaining concerns and provide guidance on maintenance steps you can take to protect your foundation going forward.
Why Choose Bi-State Masonry for Foundation Repair
Selecting the right contractor for foundation repair is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. Here's why Quad Cities homeowners trust Bi-State Masonry with their foundation projects.
Commercial-Grade Expertise
While many foundation repair companies focus exclusively on residential work, Bi-State Masonry has built our reputation on large-scale commercial masonry projects for government facilities, universities, and major corporations. We bring this same level of expertise, precision, and professionalism to every residential foundation repair. You benefit from commercial-grade knowledge applied to your home.
Experienced Local Team
Our masons understand the specific challenges that Quad Cities homes face. We've repaired foundations in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline, Rock Island, and communities throughout the region for over 26 years. This local experience means we know the soil conditions, building practices, and climate factors that affect foundations here.
Fair and Competitive Pricing
As a merit-based shop with lower overhead than many competitors, we can offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. We provide free estimates for all foundation repair work, and our quotes reflect the actual scope of work required—no unnecessary upselling or inflated prices.
Comprehensive Service
Foundation problems often involve multiple issues: structural damage, water infiltration, deteriorated masonry, and drainage concerns. Because Bi-State Masonry offers complete masonry services including waterproofing, tuckpointing, wall rebuilding, and concrete work, we can address all aspects of your foundation repair in a coordinated manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a foundation crack is serious?
Not all foundation cracks indicate serious structural problems, but all cracks deserve evaluation. Horizontal cracks in basement walls, stair-step cracks in block foundations, cracks wider than one-quarter inch, and cracks that are actively growing typically require professional repair. Hairline vertical cracks in poured concrete may simply result from normal curing and shrinkage. The safest approach is to have a professional assess any crack you're concerned about—our estimates are free, and we'll give you an honest evaluation of whether repair is needed.
How much does foundation repair cost?
Foundation repair costs vary widely depending on the type and extent of damage. Minor crack repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while major structural repairs involving wall rebuilding or underpinning can run into thousands. We provide free, detailed estimates that outline exactly what work is needed and what it will cost. We don't believe in high-pressure sales tactics or unnecessary upselling—we tell you what we find and recommend only the repairs that are actually needed.
Can foundation problems be prevented?
While you cannot prevent all foundation issues, proper maintenance significantly reduces the risk. Keep gutters clean and ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Grade soil around your home so it slopes away from the foundation. Address drainage problems promptly. Avoid planting large trees near your foundation, as roots can affect soil moisture and stability. Inside, maintain consistent humidity levels and address any water leaks immediately.
How long does foundation repair take?
The timeline depends on the scope of work. Minor crack repairs may be completed in a day. More extensive projects involving multiple walls, excavation, or underpinning may take several days to a week or more. During your estimate, we'll provide a realistic timeline for your specific project.
Do I need a permit for foundation repair?
Permit requirements vary by municipality and scope of work. In general, structural repairs that affect the load-bearing capacity of your foundation require permits, while minor crack repairs and cosmetic work do not. We handle permit requirements for projects that need them and ensure all work complies with local building codes.
Will foundation repair disrupt my home?
We work to minimize disruption while performing quality repairs. Interior work in basements is typically contained to that area. Exterior repairs may require excavation along foundation walls. We'll explain what to expect before beginning any project so you can prepare accordingly. Our crews maintain clean, organized work sites and respect your property throughout the process.
Schedule Your Free Foundation Inspection
If you've noticed signs of foundation problems in your home, don't wait for issues to worsen. Contact Bi-State Masonry, Inc. today to schedule a free inspection and estimate. Our team will assess your foundation, explain what we find, and provide honest recommendations for any repairs that are needed. We serve homeowners throughout the Quad Cities including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities within 50 miles.
Call us at (309) 786-8800 or request your free estimate online. With over 26 years of experience serving Iowa and Illinois homeowners, Bi-State Masonry has the expertise to protect your home's foundation and your peace of mind.