Foundation issues are one of the most costly repairs a homeowner can face. In some cases, foundation damage may require extensive and expensive repairs that could cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. If you’re facing such an issue, you may be wondering if your home insurance covers foundation repair costs.
This article will help you understand how homeowners insurance works when it comes to covering foundation repair costs. We explain what kind of coverage is available for foundations and why it’s important to work with a qualified contractor in order to get the maximum benefit from your home insurance policy.
When Is House Foundation Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
The foundation of a house serves as the base upon which your entire home is constructed, so it’s important to make sure it’s always in excellent condition. If there is ever any kind of damage to your foundation, you’ll want to ensure that it is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Generally speaking, most types of damage to a house’s foundation are accepted and covered by homeowners insurance policies, though some may exclude certain events.
Your policy should accept events such as fires or other unexpected phenomena for coverage under the standard provisions. However, some naturally occurring disasters such as earthquakes and floods may be excluded from your policy due to their high-risk potential. In order to make sure that you have adequate coverage for your foundation and the rest of your home’s structure in an emergency situation, it’s best to compare policies and discuss coverage options with reliable insurers. This way you will be able to rest assured knowing that should anything occur that causes damage to your home’s foundation that you won’t be stuck without viable financial coverage options.
How Can Your Home Insurance Company Help?
When it comes to foundation damage, knowing what your homeowner’s insurance covers is an important part of protecting your home. Faulty construction and normal wear and tear can both cause foundation issues that you may need help with.
Fortunately, dwelling coverage in most standard policies does cover some types of foundation repairs caused by poor construction or faulty materials. However, there are usually limits on how much will be covered for a claim. Your policy likely won’t cover damages related to settling due to age or from water flooding into the basement through cracks in the walls.
A claims adjuster will review your policy when filing a claim and determine whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of foundation repair. Before making any changes to the structure of your home, contact your insurer and discuss what type of foundation repairs they might cover. Understanding these details ahead of time can save you money if unforeseen problems arise during renovations or other projects involving the foundation.
What Can You Do If You’re Not Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
It is possible that your standard home insurance policy may not cover foundation repair. Coverage limits can vary from one homeowner’s insurance policy to another, so it’s important to review your own policy carefully. If your current home insurance does not provide any coverage for costly repairs due to foundation damage, then you should consider getting a separate policy to cover those expenses.
In some instances, filing a claim with both your homeowner’s insurance provider and an additional insurer could be beneficial as they could both contribute towards covering the costs associated with repairing foundation damage. It’s important to keep in mind though that no matter what route you take if your home experiences foundation damage without the proper insurance coverage, you will have to pay out of pocket for the repairs.
How Do You File A Claim For Foundation Damage?
Below is a step-by-step guide detailing exactly how you can file a claim for foundation damage:
- Assess the damages: In order to make a successful claim, it is essential to investigate the cause of the damage and find a foundation specialist in your area who can assess the signs of foundation damage.
- Make your claim: After consulting with a professional, if it is determined that you are covered for the damages, you can file a homeowners claim. It is highly recommended to contact your insurer after any sudden events such as a tornado or vandalism.
- Visit from a claims adjuster: Once the claim has been filed, your homeowner’s insurance company will send out an adjuster who will assess the damages and determine what needs to be done.
- Fix your foundations: The final part of the claim process is fixing the damage. Your insurer will give you a budget and it is down to you to find a builder who can fix the problem within the budget.
How much do foundation crack repairs cost?
How To Prevent Foundation Damage
Your home’s foundation is one of the most important parts of your property. It supports the weight of your entire house and keeps it standing upright. However, foundation damage can occur due to various reasons such as soil movement, water damage, and natural disasters. This can lead to serious issues in your home’s structure and can be extremely expensive to repair.
Here are some tips on how to prevent foundation damage:
- Keep water away from the foundation: Water damage is one of the most common causes of foundation damage. When water accumulates too close to the foundation, it can seep into the soil, causing it to expand and contract. This puts pressure on the foundation and can cause cracks to form. To prevent this, make sure that water is directed away from your home’s foundation. Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and properly channel water away from the foundation. Also, make sure that your yard is graded away from your foundation to prevent water from accumulating.
- Maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil: Soil movement is another major cause of foundation damage. When the soil around your foundation becomes too dry or too wet, it can shift and cause your foundation to move. To prevent this, maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil around your foundation. Ensure that you water your lawn and plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Additionally, you can use a soaker hose to water the areas around your foundation.
- Monitor for signs of foundation damage: Inspect your foundation regularly for any signs of cracks, shifting, or settling. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address them immediately. Small cracks can become larger over time, leading to more extensive damage and costly repairs. Regular inspections can help you catch any issues early on and prevent them from becoming worse.
- Invest in proper drainage: Proper drainage is essential for preventing foundation damage. If the soil around your foundation is constantly saturated with water, it can lead to soil movement and foundation damage. Consider installing French drains or other drainage systems around your home to channel water away from your foundation and prevent damage.
- Consult with a professional: If you’re not sure how to prevent foundation damage or if you suspect that your foundation may be damaged, it’s important to consult with a professional. A foundation expert can inspect your foundation, identify any issues, and recommend the best course of action to prevent further damage.
Foundation Damage Warning Signs
It’s important for homeowners to be aware of the warning signs of foundation damage so that they can address the issue before it’s too late.
Cracks in the Walls and Floors
One of the most obvious signs of foundation damage is cracks in the walls and floors. Cracks may appear in the foundation itself or on the walls and floors above it. These cracks may be vertical or horizontal, and they may be wider at the top or bottom. If you notice any cracks in your home, it’s important to have them inspected by a professional.
Uneven Floors
If your floors are uneven, it could be a sign of foundation damage. You may notice that your floors slope or dip in certain areas, or that doors and windows don’t open and close properly. Uneven floors can be caused by a sinking foundation, which can lead to serious structural problems if left untreated.
Sagging or Uneven Roofline
If your roofline is sagging or uneven, it could be a sign of foundation damage. A sinking foundation can cause the roofline to shift and become uneven, which can lead to problems with the roof itself. If you notice any changes in your roofline, it’s important to have your foundation inspected.
Cracks in the Chimney
Cracks in the chimney can be a sign of foundation damage, particularly if the cracks are located near the base of the chimney. A sinking foundation can cause the chimney to shift, leading to cracks and other types of damage. If you notice any cracks in your chimney, it’s important to have them inspected by a professional.
Doors and Windows That Stick
If your doors and windows are sticking or difficult to open and close, it could be a sign of foundation damage. A sinking foundation can cause the frame of your home to shift, making it difficult for doors and windows to operate properly. If you notice any changes in the way your doors and windows function, it’s important to have your foundation inspected.
Home Foundation Repair Services
If you have a problem with your foundation, it is essential to get it sorted as soon as possible, as ignoring it could make the problem a lot worse. Fissure Fondations has been in the foundation repair business since 1975, which means we have over 40 years of experience. Our specialized injection-based technique for concrete repairs is non-toxic, contains no solvent, gives off no odor, and attaches firmly to the walls, making it an ideal choice for your foundation repair.