You look up at the ceiling and there's a crack. You walk
to another room, and another crack maps its way around
the doorframe. Then you see up and down cracks, and
cracks that are sideways. Your first thought is
foundation problems. Then you instantly think the
correction is piers. But cracks can indicate much more,
such as a slab leak. Or, it can be less - a simple
settling crack. And better yet, simple yard maintenance
might correct some of the foundation issues.
Before
you jump to conclusions, first notify your insurance
provider. "It's amazing how many homeowners call a
foundation company before the insurance company," says
Todd Stephens, vice president of JS Engineering.
"There're necessary steps to take in evaluating a
problem before deciding that the foundation needs
repairing."
After an insurance claim is filed, the insurance
company will send an adjuster to photograph and look at
the damage. According to the information on the report,
then the insurance provider will decided what licensed
professionals to send to the home. If there is a
plumbing leak suspected, then a leak locating service
will test and isolate any suspected leaks. If no leaks
are found, the claim is ended at this point, and the
homeowner can do what he feels necessary.
In many states, insurance companies investigate
foundation concerns due to an "accidental discharge of
water." This includes water leaking from the sewer
system, water system, bathtub and shower drains, and the
sprinkler lines next to the house. All of these will be
tested as part of the forensic investigation at no cost
to the homeowner.
If there is a leak indicated during the plumbing
test, the insurance company contacts an engineering firm
to perform further testing. There is a misconception
that the engineering firm works directly for the
insurance company. This is incorrect. The company is
employed by the insurance provider and acts as an
unbiased third party. "We record data and base our
opinions on the data and on the statements by the
homeowner solely," says Stephens. "We do not get
involved on the insurance coverage side of the
investigation - that is between the homeowner and the
insurance company. We do our job, and the end result
doesn't effect the engineering firm."
During the structural investigation the house is
measured and drawn to scale. Then floor elevations are
measured. An interior and exterior site inspection is
performed with photographs. A crack inventory is made
and the residential history is discussed with the
homeowner. "These are the pieces of the puzzle that help
us determine whether or not the plumbing leak caused any
structural damage," says Stephens.
After the investigation is complete and a report is
submitted to the insurance company, the insurance
adjuster will typically meet with the homeowner and
discuss the findings. This entire process usually takes
30 to 45 days from start to finish. The homeowner
receives the original copy of the report for his
records. The report includes recommendations on how to
correct and stabilize the foundation, whether it is from
foundation repair from the insurance company or a lawn
maintenance program - such as sprinkler system or root
barriers.
Many homeowners are surprised at the extent of the
investigations performed at no cost. The only cost
incurred by the homeowner is the deductible that is
often paid during the plumbing repairs, following the
completion of the structural inspection.
Homeowners need to be aware of the time needed for
inspections and repairs. Therefore, if you are
considering listing your home for sale, these issues
need to be tended to before putting the home on the
market. Give yourself at least 60 to 90 days to check
foundation or plumbing issues in your home.
So the next time you see sheetrock cracks, get
prepared. Structural cracks are a good indication that
there’s possibly a problem with your home.
