Problems with the foundation are among the most unnerving issues for any homeowner. Not only is the foundation critically important for the structural integrity of a building, but foundation problems are typically well-hidden, difficult to diagnose and expense to repair. Encountering any type of problem can be highly frustrating and confusing for a homeowner. You need peace of mind. Here, our Fort Lauderdale property insurance attorneys discuss what you need to know about foundation damage and related insurance claims.
The Four Most Common Causes of Foundation Damage
- Movement of the earth: Earth movement is perhaps the most prevalent reason for why serious foundation damage occurs. While this is a bigger issue in earthquake prone regions, it does not take an actual earthquake to cause damage. Other earth movement issues, such as those related to sinkholes or major storms, can also cause severe foundation damage.
- Poor construction: In some cases, foundation damage can be traced back to shoddy construction work. This is why it is extremely important to investigate the foundation before buying a home. These cases can be challenging, as construction defects are often only a partial cause.
- Water leakage: Exposure to water will cause damage to even the hardiest of foundations. Whether it’s because of poor drainage after a tropical storm, or because of a leak in your home’s plumbing, water exposure can be a serious problem.
- Trees: Many people do not realize just how expansive a tree’s roots are. A large tree near your home will undoubtedly have wide ranging roots underground. Potentially, these roots could cause a crack in your home’s foundation or in your pipes.
Is Your Damage Covered? The Cause of Damage Matters
Ultimately, coverage will always depend on the specific terms of your individual Florida homeowner’s insurance policy. You should always be sure to review your policy so that you understand precisely when you are covered. This is a particularly important issue in foundation damage cases, as certain common causes of damage are not covered by most standard insurance policies, whereas other common causes of damage are almost always covered.
For example, many, but certainly not all, Florida policies exclude coverage for earthquakes. Additionally, many policies exclude coverage for construction defects. Though, in that type of case, you may be able to hold the responsible party (the contractor) liable for your damage. On the other hand, damage caused by plumbing issues or storms (tornados, hurricanes) is often covered by policies Florida. Still, it will always depend on the terms of your policy.
Get Property Insurance Help Now
If your property insurance claim was denied, and you feel that the decision was made in error, our team can help. All too often, insurance companies will try to deny or underpay valid foundation damage claims. At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our Broward County property insurance dispute lawyers have helped homeowners recover fair compensation for their losses. To learn more about how we can help you, please call our Sunrise, Florida office today at (954) 990-5251 to set up a free review of your claim.
