How to Inspect Your Foundation for Cracks — West Des Moines, Iowa
Complete checklist with climate-adjusted recommendations for West Des Moines, Iowa
Overview
Walk the perimeter looking for new cracks. Check basement walls for water stains or efflorescence.
Step-by-Step Guide
Walk the exterior perimeter
Walk slowly around the outside of your home, examining the visible foundation wall from ground level to the sill plate. Use a flashlight if shadows make it difficult to see. Look for new cracks, crumbling morite, gaps between the foundation and siding, and any areas where the soil has settled or pulled away from the wall.
Identify and classify crack types
Vertical hairline cracks (under 1/8 inch) are usually caused by concrete curing and are rarely structural. Horizontal cracks are more serious — they indicate lateral pressure from soil or water. Stair-step cracks in block foundations follow the mortar joints and suggest settling. Diagonal cracks from corners of windows or doors indicate point-load stress. Measure and photograph each crack.
Check for wall bowing or bulging
Stand at one corner of a foundation wall and sight along the surface toward the opposite corner. The wall should be flat and plumb. Any visible curve or lean inward (even 1/2 inch) indicates lateral pressure that may require professional stabilization. Use a 4-foot level held vertically against the wall to check for plumb.
Inspect interior basement walls
Examine the inside of foundation walls for water stains (brown or yellow discoloration), efflorescence (white crystalline deposits from mineral salts), and active moisture. Run your hand along the wall — dampness suggests water infiltration. Check the wall-floor joint where most water enters.
Check floors for cracks and heaving
Walk the basement floor looking for cracks, especially near the perimeter. Place a marble or ball on the floor in several locations — if it rolls consistently in one direction, the floor may be settling unevenly. Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or raised edges (heaving) may indicate hydrostatic pressure from below.
Examine windows, doors, and frame alignment
Check whether basement windows and doors open and close freely. Sticking or misaligned frames can indicate foundation movement. Upstairs, look for cracks above door frames and diagonal cracks in drywall radiating from window corners — these can be early signs of foundation settling.
Monitor existing cracks over time
For any crack you find, mark both ends with a pencil and write the date. Place a piece of clear tape across the widest point, or use an inexpensive crack monitor (adhesive card with grid lines, about $10). Check monthly — if the crack grows in length or width, it is active and needs professional evaluation.
What You'll Need
Tools
- - Flashlight
- - Tape measure
- - 4-foot level
- - Smartphone or camera
- - Pencil or marker
- - Crack monitor or clear tape
Cost Estimates
DIY Cost
$0–$10 (crack monitors)
Professional Cost
$300–$800 for a structural engineer inspection; $2,000–$15,000+ for foundation repairs depending on severity
Safety Tips
- Wear a dust mask if your basement has visible mold or mildew.
- Watch your footing in dark or cluttered basements — use a bright flashlight.
- Do not disturb any asbestos-containing materials that may be present in older basements (white fibrous insulation on pipes).
When to Call a Professional
Call a structural engineer or foundation contractor if you find horizontal cracks, any crack wider than 1/4 inch, stair-step cracks that run most of the wall length, visible wall bowing or tilting, or if cracks are actively growing. Also call a pro if you see persistent water entry — waterproofing may be needed.
Pro Tip
Maintain proper grading around your foundation — the soil should slope away from the house at a rate of 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Poor grading is the number one cause of foundation water problems and is usually the cheapest fix.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Panicking over normal concrete curing cracks — vertical hairline cracks (under 1/8 inch) are common and usually harmless.
- Painting over efflorescence instead of addressing the moisture source behind it.
- Ignoring grading and drainage issues that direct water toward the foundation.
- Filling structural cracks with caulk instead of getting a professional assessment — caulk masks the problem without fixing it.
- Not monitoring cracks over time to determine whether they are stable or growing.
Local Contractors in West Des Moines
West Des Moines Housing Market
Median Household Income
$84,925
Median Home Value
$286,300
Median Rent
$1,194/mo
Homeownership Rate
57.4%
Population
69,893
Median Year Built
1993
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
Fair Market Rents — West Des Moines
Studio
$1,063/mo
1 Bedroom
$1,109/mo
2 Bedroom
$1,318/mo
3 Bedroom
$1,794/mo
4 Bedroom
$1,841/mo
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents — Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area