Foundation Damage in Georgia: What You Need to Know

If you are a homeowner in Georgia, it is important to be aware of the potential for foundation damage and to take steps to protect your home. This includes inspecting your foundation regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, sloping, or unevenness. It is also important to have a home insurance policy that covers foundation damage.

Georgia is a state that is prone to foundation damage. The hot, humid summers can cause the soil to expand and contract, which can put stress on foundations. Additionally, the state is home to a number of sinkholes, which can also damage foundations.

What is Covered by Home Insurance

Not all home insurance policies cover foundation damage. Some policies may only cover foundation damage that is caused by a specific event, such as flooding or a sinkhole. Other policies may not cover foundation damage at all.
It is important to read your home insurance policy carefully to determine what is covered. If you are not sure whether your policy covers foundation damage, you should contact your insurance company.

Here are some foundation issues that are covered by home insurance:

• Foundation cracks: Home insurance policies typically cover foundation cracks that are caused by sudden and unexpected events, such as earthquakes, sinkholes, or flooding.
• Foundation settlement: Home insurance policies may cover foundation settlement that is caused by a sudden and unexpected event, such as an earthquake or sinkhole. However, they may not cover foundation settlement that is caused by gradual soil movement over time.
• Pest damage: Home insurance policies typically cover pest damage to foundations that is caused by termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-eating insects.
• Water damage: Home insurance policies typically cover water damage to foundations that is caused by flooding, sewer backups, or leaky pipes.

It is important to note that not all home insurance policies cover foundation damage. Some policies may only cover foundation damage that is caused by a specific event, such as a sinkhole or flooding. Other policies may not cover foundation damage at all.

Common Causes of Foundation Damage in Georgia

The following are some of the most common causes of foundation damage in Georgia:

• Soil Expansion and Contraction: As the soil in Georgia expands and contracts due to the hot, humid summers, it can put stress on foundations. This can cause cracks, sloping, and other damage.
• Sinkholes: Georgia is home to a number of sinkholes, which are formed when the ground collapses due to the dissolution of limestone or other soluble rocks. Sinkholes can damage foundations, as well as other structures, such as homes and businesses.
• Water Damage: Foundation damage can also be caused by water, such as from flooding, sewer backups, or leaky pipes. Water can seep into the foundation and cause it to weaken and crack.
• Pest Damage: Termites and other wood-eating insects can also damage foundations. These pests can burrow into the foundation and weaken it, which can lead to cracks and other damage.

How to Protect Your Foundation

There are a number of things you can do to protect your foundation from damage:

• Inspect your foundation regularly: This will help you identify any potential problems early on.
• Have your foundation repaired as soon as possible: If you do find any damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent the damage from getting worse.
• Install a sump pump: A sump pump can help to remove water from around your foundation, which can help to prevent foundation damage.
• Grade your yard properly: This will help to direct water away from your foundation.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from your foundation: Trees and shrubs can put stress on foundations, so it is important to plant them away from your foundation.
• Avoid overloading your foundation: This means avoiding storing heavy objects on your foundation or in your basement.

Get Straight-Shooting Help from Arrow
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Foundation damage is a serious problem that can be costly to repair. If you are a homeowner in Georgia, it is important to be aware of the potential for foundation damage and to take steps to protect your home. This includes inspecting your foundation regularly, having any damage repaired promptly, and taking steps to prevent damage, such as installing a sump pump and grading your yard properly.

If you have any questions about foundation damage or home insurance, you should contact your insurance agent. They can help you determine if your policy covers foundation damage and can answer any other questions you may have.

Here at Arrow Insurance, we call Loganville, Georgia our home and welcome our neighbors in the city and surrounding areas to reach out to us for honest evaluation of your current policy. 

As an independent insurance agency, we can find solutions from a variety of carriers if you prove underinsured.

Contact us today for an evaluation!

GET your Insurance on target!

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​Zaheed Hussain
​​Co-Owner/Licensed Agent 

Our aim is to hit the bullseye every time when it comes to providing our clients with the best insurance coverage available at the best value

​Phone: (770) 692-7500
Email: [email protected]