The foundation of your home supports the entire structure. It maintains stability and adds strength to the core of the structure. Without a good foundation, the other parts of the home would eventually shift and start to weaken. A solid, well-built foundation will keep your home in good condition for many years to come. When it comes to homeowners insurance, you must understand what is covered and what is not. Having a reputable insurer beside you will help.
It's important to remember that your homeowners insurance does contain exclusions that will prevent certain types of damage from being covered. In most cases, this can mean that you must have certain types of policies in place, such as flood, hurricane, and earthquake insurance. Natural wear and tear, such as shifting, may also be one of the exclusions that you need to be prepared for.
Preconstruction and ground preparation are key factors affecting the quality of your foundation. Improper ground prep can cause your foundation to settle unevenly. This can result in cracks and weakened areas that may compromise the structure of your home. While this may have occurred before you purchased your home, it's important to monitor your foundation for abnormalities. If you are building your home, ask questions when your foundation is being poured. Make sure that you have it inspected before you allow the work to progress much further.
Poor drainage is often a primary cause of damage to your foundation. To prevent poor drainage, make sure that your gutters lead water away from your foundations. Use extenders that carry water away from your foundation instead of letting it pool next to it. You should also check the slope of the ground next to your foundation. Make sure the ground level is highest next to your foundation and slopes down and away to prevent water from pooling or standing next to the foundation.
Trees that are too close to your home can have large root bases that eventually will push against your foundation and may eventually cause damage. Tree roots also absorb water from the soil, which may cause shifting in the soil if there is not enough moisture to stabilize the soil. If a tree is growing near your home, you may want to remove it to ensure that your foundation isn't damaged. While we may not see the tree roots and how far they can go, remember that almost two-thirds of the tree makes up its root system.
Temperature changes will cause the water in the soil to expand and shrink as it becomes ice and then thaws. This can have a devastating impact on your foundation. This can be a problem if you have poor drainage and water is allowed to stand next to your foundation for long periods. Monitoring your foundation as the seasons change is the best way to stay prepared for any disturbances or abnormalities that may appear over time.
If you have concerns about your foundation and whether or not your homeowners insurance policy covers any issues you are having, you need to talk to an agent. Contact our agents at Fuller Insurance Agency and ask for a consultation. We will help you determine what is covered and what is not. Call our office today and set up an appointment to review your policy and get the answers you will need.
