Lifetime transferable warranty
Protection that stays with the home, including when ownership changes. See the written warranty for covered work.
Signs & symptoms
Basement Mold
If you've noticed musty odors, dark spots on your basement walls, or patches of mold spreading near the floor, you're not alone.
Basement Mold Is More Than a Moisture Problem
If you've noticed musty odors, dark spots on your basement walls, or patches of mold spreading near the floor, you're not alone. Basement mold is a common issue in homes across our Iowa service area, especially in older foundations or homes with block walls. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that mold isn’t just a moisture problem. It’s often a warning sign of pressure, foundation movement, or hidden wall damage.
As seasonal storms raise the water table and clay-heavy soil holds moisture near your foundation, that pressure has to go somewhere. If your basement walls are cracked, bowing, or shifting, even slightly, that pressure forces moisture inward. Mold quickly takes hold on cold concrete, behind insulation, or inside wall cracks that let water and humidity seep in unnoticed.
At Anchored Walls, we don’t treat mold with temporary fixes. We address what causes it. If you’re seeing signs of basement mold, you may be dealing with unstable foundation walls or uncontrolled hydrostatic pressure, and the longer you wait, the worse it gets.
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
What Causes Basement Mold?
Cracked or Bowing Walls Let Moisture In
When basement walls begin to shift or bow inward, even slightly, they create hairline cracks that allow water vapor and humidity to enter. Over time, these damp areas become the perfect breeding ground for mold, especially if insulation or storage hides the problem.
Hydrostatic Pressure From Saturated Soil
In our Iowa service area, heavy spring rains and poor soil drainage increase hydrostatic pressure around the foundation. That pressure pushes moisture through porous concrete or weak wall seams, raising humidity inside your basement and feeding mold growth behind walls, under flooring, or on exposed concrete.
Ineffective Drainage Outside the Home
Clogged gutters, short downspouts, or negative yard grading allow water to pool along your foundation. That constant contact keeps basement walls damp, and if those walls are already shifting or leaning, the intrusion only gets worse.
Lack of Airflow and Drying
Basements are naturally cooler and more enclosed. Without proper stabilization and sealing, the environment stays damp and stagnant, giving mold everything it needs to thrive, especially on block walls, wood framing, or unfinished drywall.
Why Mold Is More Than an Eyesore
Most homeowners think of mold as a cosmetic issue. But when it starts in the basement, it’s almost always a sign of something deeper and more dangerous. What looks like surface discoloration is often tied to cracked walls, water intrusion, and ongoing foundation stress.
Health Risks That Linger
Mold spores thrive in dark, damp environments. Once airborne, they can aggravate allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions, especially in children and older adults. If your basement smells musty or feels humid, mold may already be active behind insulation, in carpet, or along framing.
Damage That Spreads
Basement mold doesn’t stay put. It breaks down organic materials like wood, paper, and even some types of insulation. Left unchecked, it can weaken framing, ruin drywall, and make storage areas unusable. Worse, the moisture feeding that mold can lead to rot, settlement, or wider wall damage.
It Hurts Your Home’s Value
If you’re thinking about resale, visible mold or the smell of it will send buyers running. It raises questions about drainage, foundation condition, and air quality. Repairing the root cause now protects not just your structure, but your home’s future on the market.
How Anchored Walls Fixes the Root Cause
At Anchored Walls, we know that mold isn’t the problem; it’s the symptom. That’s why we don’t just clean the surface or install a dehumidifier. We correct the conditions that allowed mold to grow in the first place, with targeted repairs designed to restore both strength and dryness to your basement.
Stabilizing Walls and Stopping Leaks
If water is entering through cracked or bowed foundation walls, our first step is structural. We use proven wall stabilization methods, such as steel I-beams, anchors, or carbon fiber reinforcement, to halt further movement and close entry points. Once the walls are stable, we seal cracks to block moisture from seeping in.
Redirecting Water and Controlling Humidity
Our waterproofing systems are designed to move water out of your basement and away from your home’s foundation before it becomes a problem. Whether that’s a drainage system along the interior perimeter or vapor barriers paired with a sump pump, we create a dry environment that mold can’t survive in.
Permanent Protection, Backed by Experience
With over 40 years in the industry, Anchored Walls brings both the tools and the trust to solve your mold issue for good. We don’t offer temporary fixes; we build lasting solutions that keep your home healthy, clean, and dry from the ground up.
Schedule Your Free Basement Mold Inspection Today
If you've noticed musty odors, peeling paint, or visible mold growth in your basement, don’t wait for the problem to spread. Mold isn’t just unpleasant; it’s a warning sign that something deeper is wrong with your foundation or waterproofing system.
At Anchored Walls, we don’t just treat mold; we stop what’s causing it. Our team will inspect your home, identify where moisture is entering, and provide a clear, professional recommendation for repair. With more than 40 years of experience and trusted solutions that last, we’re proud to help homeowners across our Iowa service area reclaim their basements.
Request your free inspection today and take the first step toward a dry, mold-free basement.
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
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.
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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.
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.