Q: What is considered the hearth of a fireplace?

• <div><p>A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they&rsquo;ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they&rsquo;ll simply go out.</p></div>

Q: What do I look for when buying a brick house?

• <div><p>There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.</p><ul><li><p><b>Lintels:</b> Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion</p></li><li><p><b>Mortar:</b> Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.</p></li><li><p><b>Walls:</b> Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.</p></li><li><p><b>Cracks:</b> If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What is the best tool to break up rocks?

• <div><p>This is largely dependent on the size and hardness of the rock, but a range of tools might work, including hammers, chisels, rock hammers, sledge hammers, and more. You'll need a jackhammer for the very biggest rock-breaking jobs.</p></div>

Q: Why is it called cobblestone?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s called cobblestone because it&rsquo;s made of stones that are &ldquo;cobbed&rdquo; together. A cob is a term that refers to rounded lumps. Originally, cobblestone streets were made from pebbles and stones gathered from riverbeds that had been rounded over time by the passage of water. The term has nothing to do with a cobbler, which is the term for someone who makes and fixes shoes. </p></div>

Q: Can you enlarge windows in a brick house?

• <div><p>Yes, you can enlarge windows in a brick house. Your masonry contractor will need to cut away exterior brick to make space for the larger window, and you may also need to consult a structural engineer to make sure the window is properly supported inside the frame of the house.</p></div>

Foundation Recovery Systems

Foundation Recovery Systems

Customers say: Super punctual

33 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Established in 1992, Foundation Recovery Systems stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With offices spanning across Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, and St Louis, Des Moines, Peoria, Decatur & Moberly, we bring our expertise closer to you. FRS proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Foundation Recovery Systems, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!

"Began with thorough inspection."

Nancy B on September 2025

Established in 1992, Foundation Recovery Systems stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With offices spanning across Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, and St Louis, Des Moines, Peoria, Decatur & Moberly, we bring our expertise closer to you. FRS proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Foundation Recovery Systems, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!

"Began with thorough inspection."

Nancy B on September 2025

Foundation Recovery Systems

Foundation Recovery Systems

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

33 years of experience

Foundation Recovery Systems (FRS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service throughout Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, FRS is here to restore your foundation or crawl space.

"Chet Kent was professional and honest. No sales “pitch”. A very small mostly cosmetic issue to watch."

Maria B on November 2025

Foundation Recovery Systems (FRS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service throughout Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, FRS is here to restore your foundation or crawl space.

"Chet Kent was professional and honest. No sales “pitch”. A very small mostly cosmetic issue to watch."

Maria B on November 2025

JSKAV, LLC

JSKAV, LLC

1 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

At Crack Guys, we’re your go-to experts for professional concrete crack repair, proudly serving Eastern Iowa. Specializing in foundation and structural concrete solutions, we tackle cracks of all sizes with precision and care. Using advanced polyurethane or epoxy injection techniques, our skilled team seals cracks, stops leaks, and restores your concrete’s strength, ensuring a watertight, durable fix. From free quotes to flawless repairs, Crack Guys delivers reliable service, protecting your home or business with results that last. Trust us to mend it right—because when it comes to cracks, we’re the guys to call!

"Crack guys came to our house and did the job correctly and efficiently! 10/10 recommend!"

Killian P on July 2025

At Crack Guys, we’re your go-to experts for professional concrete crack repair, proudly serving Eastern Iowa. Specializing in foundation and structural concrete solutions, we tackle cracks of all sizes with precision and care. Using advanced polyurethane or epoxy injection techniques, our skilled team seals cracks, stops leaks, and restores your concrete’s strength, ensuring a watertight, durable fix. From free quotes to flawless repairs, Crack Guys delivers reliable service, protecting your home or business with results that last. Trust us to mend it right—because when it comes to cracks, we’re the guys to call!

"Crack guys came to our house and did the job correctly and efficiently! 10/10 recommend!"

Killian P on July 2025

Thrasher, Inc.

Thrasher, Inc.

Customers say: True professional

11 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

With 50 years in the industry, Thrasher has helped homeowners preserve and improve the value of their homes using proven basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. We understand that home repairs can be stressful. That’s why our team will guide you through every step, addressing all foundation concerns, water intrusion, and concrete issues with the utmost care and expertise. By choosing us, you’re partnering with a compassionate team that cares deeply about your home’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. For more information on Thrasher or to schedule a free home inspection, please call us at 800.827.0702 or visit www.gothrasher.com.

"Prompt, efficient, good workmanship."

Jonathan F on December 2024

With 50 years in the industry, Thrasher has helped homeowners preserve and improve the value of their homes using proven basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. We understand that home repairs can be stressful. That’s why our team will guide you through every step, addressing all foundation concerns, water intrusion, and concrete issues with the utmost care and expertise. By choosing us, you’re partnering with a compassionate team that cares deeply about your home’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. For more information on Thrasher or to schedule a free home inspection, please call us at 800.827.0702 or visit www.gothrasher.com.

"Prompt, efficient, good workmanship."

Jonathan F on December 2024

AccuLevel, Inc. - Iowa

AccuLevel, Inc. - Iowa

Customers say: Quality work

29 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.

"I had a great experience with him. They are busy so takes a few weeks for work to be done."

Doug C on July 2023

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.

"I had a great experience with him. They are busy so takes a few weeks for work to be done."

Doug C on July 2023

Thrasher Foundation Repair – Des Moines

Thrasher Foundation Repair – Des Moines

Customers say: Quick response

50 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

With 50 years in the industry, Thrasher has helped homeowners preserve and improve the value of their homes using proven basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. We understand that home repairs can be stressful. That’s why our team will guide you through every step, addressing all foundation concerns, water intrusion, and concrete issues with the utmost care and expertise. By choosing us, you’re partnering with a compassionate team that cares deeply about your home’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. We proudly serve our customers in Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, Urbandale, Ankeny, and surrounding areas. For more information on Thrasher or to schedule a free home inspection, please call us at 515-289-1606 or visit www.gothrasher.com.

"Everything went as explained, diagramed, and promised by our System Design Specialist, Mr. Nicolas Hruska. We initially contacted just the top two Foundation Repair Experts listed on Angie's List because we can't afford to have our home repaired by anyone who lacks the proper credentials, staff, tools, training, techniques, supplies, 25 year transferrable warranty, and the hands on experience to deliver all services as promised. We are extremely pleased with the final results to take back our homes basement from poor workmanship done by the original builder and owner of our home back in 1979 We purchased the home in 2001 and unknown to us the foundation had been placed on top of clay based sub-soil which was an acceptable building practice back in 1979. Today's building codes prohibit this careless and costly practice of home site preparation for the homeowner. A word to the wise, do your home work first and then protect the biggest asset that most Americans have, their home. Respectfully, Kenny L. Hutcheson, CMSgt, USAF/USN, Ret. Indianola, Iowa"

Kenny H on April 2021

With 50 years in the industry, Thrasher has helped homeowners preserve and improve the value of their homes using proven basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. We understand that home repairs can be stressful. That’s why our team will guide you through every step, addressing all foundation concerns, water intrusion, and concrete issues with the utmost care and expertise. By choosing us, you’re partnering with a compassionate team that cares deeply about your home’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. We proudly serve our customers in Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, Urbandale, Ankeny, and surrounding areas. For more information on Thrasher or to schedule a free home inspection, please call us at 515-289-1606 or visit www.gothrasher.com.

"Everything went as explained, diagramed, and promised by our System Design Specialist, Mr. Nicolas Hruska. We initially contacted just the top two Foundation Repair Experts listed on Angie's List because we can't afford to have our home repaired by anyone who lacks the proper credentials, staff, tools, training, techniques, supplies, 25 year transferrable warranty, and the hands on experience to deliver all services as promised. We are extremely pleased with the final results to take back our homes basement from poor workmanship done by the original builder and owner of our home back in 1979 We purchased the home in 2001 and unknown to us the foundation had been placed on top of clay based sub-soil which was an acceptable building practice back in 1979. Today's building codes prohibit this careless and costly practice of home site preparation for the homeowner. A word to the wise, do your home work first and then protect the biggest asset that most Americans have, their home. Respectfully, Kenny L. Hutcheson, CMSgt, USAF/USN, Ret. Indianola, Iowa"

Kenny H on April 2021

Foundation Recovery Systems

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Foundation Recovery Systems

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

33 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Foundation Recovery Systems (FRS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service throughout Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, FRS is here to restore your foundation or crawl space.

Acculevel Inc

4.66(

181

)

Acculevel Inc

4.66(

181

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio and been in business since 1996. Most of our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- possibly the most valuable investment you'll ever make. A dry home is a healthy home. Acculevel is committed to providing the most technologically advanced repairs to help keep your home dry and on a safe foundation. A strong foundation protects your home's structure, lowers utility bills and maintains the value of your property. Check our pictures for the signs & symptoms of foundation & water damage, and then call Acculevel for your free visual inspection. 1-866-669-3349

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They took my 1st half deposit and then vanished. I have called multiple times. Spoke with someone once and they promised a call back. Never did. Emailed and no response. This was over 4 months ago. Nothing. They stole my money. Sales guy was John Mullikin. Here's their class-act response by chat. The best response I've had yet. "Conversation closed by Erika"."

Jeff N on September 2025

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio and been in business since 1996. Most of our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- possibly the most valuable investment you'll ever make. A dry home is a healthy home. Acculevel is committed to providing the most technologically advanced repairs to help keep your home dry and on a safe foundation. A strong foundation protects your home's structure, lowers utility bills and maintains the value of your property. Check our pictures for the signs & symptoms of foundation & water damage, and then call Acculevel for your free visual inspection. 1-866-669-3349

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They took my 1st half deposit and then vanished. I have called multiple times. Spoke with someone once and they promised a call back. Never did. Emailed and no response. This was over 4 months ago. Nothing. They stole my money. Sales guy was John Mullikin. Here's their class-act response by chat. The best response I've had yet. "Conversation closed by Erika"."

Jeff N on September 2025

Absolutely Dry Basement Waterproofing

4.81(

36

)

Absolutely Dry Basement Waterproofing

4.81(

36

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

Absolutely Dry basement Waterproofing, Inc. Is a family owned, basement specialty company. We service Eastern Iowa, and Western IL. We provide waterproofing services, inside or outside. We also repair bowed, or cracked walls. Walls can be replaced as well if need be. Egress windows can also be installed. We provide free estimates/ consultations, and travel up to 2 hours away from the Quad City area. Call us today to discuss your home's needs. Reclaim your wet basement!

"Every employee was respectful and competent. From the guys who bid the job, to the ones who did the hard work, to the after completion details, each employee did their job well. I was appreciative of their awareness for the safety of my house when they left for supplies or for lunch."

carol s on September 2021

Absolutely Dry basement Waterproofing, Inc. Is a family owned, basement specialty company. We service Eastern Iowa, and Western IL. We provide waterproofing services, inside or outside. We also repair bowed, or cracked walls. Walls can be replaced as well if need be. Egress windows can also be installed. We provide free estimates/ consultations, and travel up to 2 hours away from the Quad City area. Call us today to discuss your home's needs. Reclaim your wet basement!

"Every employee was respectful and competent. From the guys who bid the job, to the ones who did the hard work, to the after completion details, each employee did their job well. I was appreciative of their awareness for the safety of my house when they left for supplies or for lunch."

carol s on September 2021