Homeowners insurance is an invaluable tool, yet some issues still occur that don’t seem covered. A common example involves stucco damage caused by water, particularly around doors and windows.
Are Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Damage? It depends on several factors. First and foremost is whether or not the damage occurred as a result of an insured loss that resulted in covered losses.
Water Damage
Stucco siding options provide both aesthetic and practical value to homes. Stucco keeps homes cool in summertime while offering fire resistance; however, when installed improperly it can wick moisture up into walls, leading to structural damage or even collapse of buildings. Whether homeowners insurance will cover these problems depends on several factors including type of damage done and whether work was performed by licensed contractor.
Many homeowners discover stucco issues years after remodeling or purchasing their home. Because of this, it is imperative that a comprehensive inspection be conducted as soon as any suspected damage arises in order to address any problems immediately before serious issues develop. Left untreated, mold, mildew and rot could destroy wooden studs and wall sheathing underneath stucco; additionally holes and cracks allow pests entry.
Public adjusters can assist with the claims process for stucco damage. They can file your claim with your insurer and negotiate on your behalf to get you what compensation is due. If they deny or undervalue your damages, an experienced Tampa insurance dispute attorney can file an appeal and fight to have it reinstated or revised accordingly.
Stucco damage can be very expensive to fix and can result in extensive interior damages to your home. For instance, water can get behind the stucco and cause extensive rot and mold growth on plywood studs and wall sheathing as well as other areas within your home – even leading to potentially toxic black mold spores which are health risks to both you and your family.
If your stucco installation was mishandled, homeowner’s insurance may cover it; however, your policy likely only extends coverage if it was completed by a certified professional and you were aware of it prior to buying or remodeling your home. In some instances, however, the error lies with the homebuilder themselves; Clarke & Cohen can help pursue compensation against them via their insurer to cover your damage.
Mold Damage
Stucco siding is a popular choice in warm climates for its aesthetic qualities and ability to keep a home cool in summer, though it may attract more moisture than other siding choices. Unfortunately, improper stucco installation can cause serious structural problems for its homeowner as well as harbor water that leads to mold and mildew issues; leading to extensive remediation work such as replacing insulation, drywall wall coverings flooring cabinets cabinetry.
Homeowners insurance claims often result from discovering that their stucco is no longer working properly, typically manifested through signs such as staining or bubbling on the stucco surface and leakage around windows and doors. When this happens, homeowners typically contact a stucco remediation company to assess what their best course of action might be in order to claim on their homeowners insurance and cover damages caused by it.
Most carriers won’t cover stucco damage caused by earth movements like earthquakes or erosion, nor staining or wear-and-tear that occurred long before your policy came into force. Repairs that arise as a result of earth movements might also fall outside coverage, however such repairs may be covered under your builder’s warranty should you have worked with a reliable construction company.
If you’re experiencing issues with your stucco, the first step should be obtaining a professional inspection from a certified stucco inspector. This will allow them to diagnose what the issue is and why it occurs; if due to improper installation it could even allow you to file an insurance claim and have repairs covered.
Before purchasing or remodeling, it’s essential that your stucco is thoroughly inspected. Most states have statutes of repose that restrict any claims for problems in its installation if you move into or remodel within certain time frames after the date of installation. Clarke & Cohen can recommend an experienced stucco inspector who can guide this process for you.
Earth Movements
Earth movements pose a great danger to homes covered with stucco. Earth movements include landslides, mud flows, earthquakes and earth sinking or shifting events – such as sinkholes – which may result in pipe cracking, breaking or other structural issues in addition to cracking or breaking of pipes. Earth movements typically are covered by homeowners insurance but only when damage results from sudden events; gradual erosion or an earthquake do not qualify.
Stucco can become susceptible to moisture damage through improper installation or extreme weather conditions such as rain and wind, leading to mold growth or mildew growth that threatens health issues or even causes rot in some instances. One effective solution for avoiding stucco moisture damage is installing a flush fin – a metal device which redirects water away from key joints within your house structure – such as installing flush fins which help divert it.
Moisture problems may also stem from improper drainage. If your lot slopes downward or is located near an outcropping, installing a drain system to keep water away from pooling around its foundation may be necessary to keep moisture at bay.
Purchase of a Difference in Condition (DIC) policy can provide protection from earth movement. DIC policies are available as standalone policies or as part of standard home insurance policies, though it’s worth keeping in mind that most carriers do not cover problems that existed prior to taking out this coverage; for instance if the land beneath your stucco begins shifting prior to purchasing this coverage.
Faulty Installation
Stucco is a versatile building material and often chosen by homeowners looking for the Mediterranean feel in their homes, while providing protection from weather and environmental elements. However, it must be remembered that stucco is porous material which could potentially cause costly damages if installed incorrectly.
If the home builder failed to install stucco properly, a homeowner’s insurance claim can likely be filed to cover any damages caused by its improper installation. This is particularly applicable with EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) stucco which must be installed by certified professionals. Several prominent home builders have come under scrutiny due to subpar stucco installations on new homes they were involved with building projects.
At its core, the problem lies in that stucco is failing to effectively protect a home from moisture intrusion. When contractors don’t mix concrete correctly or employ effective techniques, moisture may seep through and cause mold and other structural damage inside of their houses – potentially leading to mold growth or other serious structural issues.
Cracked stucco walls allow moisture to enter from behind via erosion and leaks; cracks should always be investigated immediately when detected; should you find cracks appearing, call in a professional to evaluate immediately.
Note that any cracks in your stucco that lead to water damage are most likely covered under your homeowner’s policy, since water intrusion can damage drywall, wall coverings, carpeting, and cabinetry among other materials in your home.
Mold growth caused by poorly installed stucco is oftentimes remediated through insurance claims; to maximize this coverage and your claims payout, contact a Tampa insurance adjuster as soon as possible.
If your Florida home has sustained stucco damage and you need assistance filing an insurance claim, AllCity Adjusting can assist with filing the claim with the insurer and acting as an expert witness if necessary to get it approved.