We’ve heard this story too many times before; a homeowner finds out too late that there is significant water damage behind their stucco. When the extent of the damage is discovered, the homeowner is left with a lot of questions. One of which is, “Does Homeowners Insurance cover stucco damage?”
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Stucco Damage?
The short answer is: It depends.
The type of damage will dictate whether or not homeowners insurance will cover stucco damage. How the damage occurred also plays a factor in whether the damage will be covered by homeowners insurance.
Take for instance the water damage often found in homes that used EIFs in the construction. EIFS, which stands for “exterior insulation and finish system”, is often referred to as synthetic stucco. There is a higher likelihood that water and moisture will get behind the wall if the EIFs wasn’t properly applied and sealed. The moisture can’t drain or dry once it gets behind the walls. The trapped moisture results in mold and rot, severely damaging wooden studs and wall sheathing underneath. The resulting damage can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. And your homeowners insurance might not cover it.
Why?
Because homeowners insurance often does not cover damage that results from work done by an unlicensed professional. EIFS distributors sell their product directly to the applicators. The distributor is responsible for ensuring that applicators are properly trained and certified and that EIFS is sold only to those certified applicators. However, if the construction job wasn’t done by a properly trained professional, there is a chance your homeowners insurance won’t cover the damage.
Adding insult to injury, many homeowners insurance policies don’t cover water damage. In the case of EIFs-related water damage, the policy may suggest it is the responsibility of the builder or contractor. That is why many homeowners have filed suit against the builder or contractor in attempt to recoup their losses. Recently, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has filed a civil suit against a local building company, alleging they failed to follow manufacturers’ recommendations. That case is still pending.
Call Ai Restoration at the First Signs of Stucco Damage
When you first spot signs of damage to your stucco, you need to have your home inspected by a professional who has expertise in stucco. Ai Restoration is a stucco repair company outside of Philadelphia with 17 years of experience in stucco and EIFS remediation.
Call us today at (215) 794-6858 for an estimate!
