Tomlinson Cannon: Your Trusted Foundation & Basement Repair Contractor in Dubuque – Structural Solutions Since 1948

If you’ve started noticing cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or water seeping into your basement–you’re not alone. Dubuque homeowners are all too familiar with the challenges our region’s expansive clay soil and dramatic weather shifts can cause. But the real issue? These signs often point to deeper structural concerns hiding below the surface. That’s where Tomlinson Cannon comes in. As one of the most experienced foundation contractors in Dubuque, we provide engineer-designed foundation and basement repair solutions that go beyond surface fixes. With more than 75 years serving Eastern Iowa, our approach is local, honest, and grounded in real results, not quick patches.

Why Foundation Repair in Dubuque Often Means Basement Repair Too

In Dubuque, foundation repair and basement repair are often part of the same story. That’s because issues like:

• Cracked basement walls
• Water pooling after storms
• Gaps around windows or doors
• Sagging floors

...all stem from the same root problem: unstable soil and shifting foundations. Dubuque’s clay-rich soil expands when wet and shrinks during dry spells. Combine that with freeze-thaw cycles and poor drainage, and it’s a perfect recipe for cracked walls and compromised basements. That’s why true repairs must address both foundation integrity and basement moisture protection.

Signs You Need a Foundation or Basement Contractor in Dubuque

Most homeowners don’t call until the problem is obvious. But these subtle signs are worth a closer look:

• Diagonal cracks in basement corners
• Doors sticking or not closing properly
• Floors that slope or bounce underfoot
• Efflorescence (white powder) on basement walls
• Pooled water after rain–even if it disappears

Ignoring early symptoms can lead to bigger structural issues, indoor air quality problems, and lost property value down the line.

Our Most Trusted Solutions: What Tomlinson Cannon Delivers

We don’t just plug a crack and call it done. Our team specializes in long-term, structurally sound repairs tailored to your home’s unique soil and age.

1. Helical Piers and Structural Stabilization

When a foundation starts to settle, we install helical piers–deep steel shafts driven into stable soil below the active clay layer. These lift and support your home permanently. We often combine them with:

• Push piers for deep foundations
• Wall anchors to stop basement wall bowing
• Carbon fiber straps for minimal-disruption wall support

2. Crack Injection and Wall Reinforcement

Cracks in walls aren’t just ugly, they’re entry points for moisture and signs of movement. We repair these using flexible polyurethane injections and epoxy sealants that expand with the structure, not against it.

3. Basement Waterproofing and Drainage

From interior drainage systems to sump pump installations, we help keep basements dry year-round. We also address exterior grading, downspout extensions, and hydrostatic pressure that forces water through foundation walls.

Why Choose Tomlinson Cannon Among Foundation Contractors in Dubuque

Local Expertise, Not Outsourced Estimates

We’ve been working in Dubuque since 1948. Our crews understand the quirks of local soil and construction types–from historic limestone basements to newer slab-on-grade homes.

Engineer-Backed Repairs

We don’t guess. Our repair plans are designed with structural data in mind. We offer you honest assessments, not inflated upsells or generic "packages."

Full-Scope Inspections

Because we handle both foundation and basement repair, we can spot issues that one-specialty companies might miss–like poor drainage causing foundation stress.

Warranty That Means Something

We stand behind our work with transferable warranties. When we stabilize a foundation or install a waterproofing system, it’s built to last.

Dubuque-Specific Considerations: What We’ve Learned

• Clay soil expansion is responsible for much of the movement we see in older Dubuque homes.
• The spring thaw and heavy summer rainstorms test even new foundations.
• Many historic homes here were built before modern codes, meaning they often lack basic drainage systems and rely on shallow footings.
• Seasonal inspections (especially in early spring and fall) can prevent the worst damage.

What You’ll Get Working with Us

• Free, thorough inspection
• Honest, jargon-free report
• Tailored plan with pricing options
• Clean, professional crews
• A home that’s safer, drier, and stronger

You won’t get scare tactics or hard sells, just answers.

Schedule Your Free Inspection

Your home is likely your biggest investment. Protect it with a contractor who’s seen it all and fixed it all for more than seven decades. Call Tomlinson Cannon today or use our quick online form. Let’s make sure your foundation (and basement) are ready for anything Iowa throws at them.