When we think about drought, most of us picture struggling crops, dry reservoirs, brown lawns, and government-issued water restrictions. But the truth is, the real cost of drought can strike much closer to home—specifically, in the foundations of the houses we live in.
As climate change intensifies, droughts are no longer rare, one-off events. They are becoming a regular part of life across many regions of the United States. This shift means homeowners need to be proactive, because the damage caused by soil movement during prolonged dry periods is often not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. At Skyscraper Insurance, we believe awareness and prevention are your best defenses.
How Drought Affects Home Foundations
The soil beneath your home is not static. It expands when saturated with water and contracts during extended dry spells. This constant push and pull can create gaps around a home’s foundation, leading to uneven settling. When that happens, homeowners may begin to notice:
- Cracks forming in walls and ceilings
- Doors or windows that no longer open and close properly
- Warped or sloping floors
What makes drought-related foundation damage especially concerning is that it is not always immediately obvious. Homeowners may not notice the warning signs until repairs become extensive and expensive.
Why Insurance Often Doesn’t Cover Drought-Related Damage
It’s easy to assume that foundation damage caused by drought would fall under natural disaster protections in a homeowners policy. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners policies exclude earth movement, even when that movement is a result of drought conditions.
Insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental risks—not long-term, gradual issues caused by environmental changes or lack of maintenance. That’s why proactive steps are essential for homeowners in drought-prone areas.
Proactive Tips for Homeowners
At Skyscraper Insurance, we encourage homeowners to take steps now to minimize the risk of drought-related damage. Here are some practical strategies:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture: Consider installing soaker hoses around your foundation during dry periods to keep soil moisture balanced. Be careful not to overwater, which can cause the opposite problem.
- Control landscaping: Large trees and shrubs near your home can pull moisture from the soil, contributing to shrinkage. Root barriers or relocating thirsty plants further from your foundation can help.
- Inspect regularly: Keep an eye out for cracks, sloping floors, or sticky doors and windows. Early detection can make repairs easier and less costly.
- Keep thorough documentation: Record the maintenance steps you take. Documentation could support future claims and demonstrates proper upkeep of your property.
How Skyscraper Insurance Can Help
While standard homeowners insurance may exclude drought-related foundation damage, our team at Skyscraper Insurance works with clients to evaluate endorsement options, supplemental coverages, and specialized policies that may provide added protection against evolving climate risks.
Your home is more than just a building—it’s your foundation for family and financial security. Protecting it starts with understanding the hidden risks and ensuring you have a strong insurance strategy in place.
👉 Reach out to Skyscraper Insurance today to review your homeowners policy and explore additional options that keep you protected from the growing threat of drought-related damages.
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