It’s never a good idea to avoid having foundation or slab repair done on your home or business. Too many people make this mistake due to their concerns about foundation repair costs, but the fact is that the longer problems are left unaddressed, the worse they will become. Cracks and chips will only get larger, which means that more moisture will seep into the foundation, causing more and more damage as it goes. The best option is always to repair those issues as soon as possible to keep the costs as affordable
Look at it this way. You can expect on average to pay north of $4000 for slab repair. That means that your repair could cost anywhere between $1800 and $6500. However, if your chips or cracks only need to be filled in or patched, the cost can be around $500. Which one would be better to you? Of course, if you need a major structural repair or reconstruction, you could be looking at foundation repair costs that are more than $10,000. It pays to call in an expert as soon as you think you might have foundation issues.
Insurance for Foundation Repair Costs
As you can see, foundation repair can be pricey, especially if you’re a homeowner or small business owner in San Antonio on a limited budget. You may hope that you can have your foundation repair covered by insurance. However, most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover foundation repairs. This is because doing maintenance on your foundation, such as repairing cracks that have appeared as the building ages or settles on the soil, is considered by the insurance industry as regular home maintenance. That means that they expect you to be doing these things on a regular basis.
There are some circumstances when your insurance policy will cover the cost of your slab repair, however. If the damage done to your foundation was caused by something else for which you are covered, you may be able to claim it. For instance, many people have flood insurance, and flooding can cause foundation problems. You may also be covered for certain plumbing issues that can cause foundation problems. It is always best to ask your insurance provider before you need that coverage. That way you fully understand what you’re covered for so you can be prepared. You may even want to alter your coverage so that you know you are protected for everything you want.
Foundation Repair Prevention
Your foundation may seem very strong, but unfortunately even concrete has its weaknesses. Cracks can appear for several reasons. One of the biggest is water. When the soil around the foundation gets saturated after heavy rains or because of drainage issues, it can start to place pressure on the foundation, which will lead to damage. Small cracks are normal, and usually nothing to worry about, especially if they are vertical. However, horizontal cracks could be a sign of danger. If you see any, call in a professional foundation contractor right away for help. You should also keep a watch for doors and windows that stick, and cracks in your drywall.
One of the best things you can do for your foundation is to make sure that your eavestroughs are in good shape, and that your property has proper grading. This will keep water away from your foundation, and prevent you from having to shell out big bucks for foundation repair costs.