3 Questions To Ask About Water-Related Structural Claims

Water damages accounted for nearly 20% of property claims in 2020, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Water intrusion or leaks can lead to structural failures, and the damage can range from a small area to a whole building. Here are three questions you should ask to more confidently reach an accurate claim solution that accounts for the entire loss.

How Did It Get In?

Water in a home can originate from one or more sources. External factors include ground water, floodwater, and precipitation, such as rain or ice damming and snow loads. Internal sources entail failed appliances, supply line leaks, and other plumbing or septic malfunctions.

These damages tend to be more difficult to diagnose when dealing with problems around the exterior of a structure, as this is where numerous potential sources may intersect. For example, an exterior wall may have multiple window openings and sidewall penetrations, while also containing water and waste lines. However, indicators such as the extent of the affected area help an investigator reach a reliable, scientific conclusion.

(From left to right) Clogged drains, leaking roof penetrations, and windows and doors without adequate flashing are just a few places where water can enter a home.

Whether the damage is local or global can help isolate the point of origin. Local damage tends to be more prevalent in plumbing losses or leaks. Damages are usually concentrated near the water source and then lessen away from the source. A global issue is more widespread and typically worsens in areas with inadequate ventilation or air circulation.

Using evidence to verify the point of origin is necessary for a more accurate settlement. Water damage may be the result of weather, poor construction practices, or neglected maintenance, and knowing the water source helps investigators home in on the cause of loss.

What Caused It?

While there are many issues that may result in a water loss, here are a few of the most common ones.

Improper Ground Slope and Drainage

The International Residential Code (IRC) cites a minimum required vertical slope of 5 percent away from building foundations to prevent water from damaging the foundation system. Best construction practices comply with this requirement, as it diverts surface water away from the foundation, which can be toward a storm sewer or other drainage point. Similarly, local, state, and national building codes dictate that drain pipes should empty runoff a prescribed distance from the foundation to avoid water pooling on or seeping into the ground next to the structure.

Hydrostatic Pressure on Walls

Groundwater exerts horizontal pressure on walls as it collects within the soil. The water pressure against a basement wall when the soil is thoroughly saturated, such as during a flood event or after heavy rains, is called hydrostatic pressure. The force from this pressure can be so great that the basement wall can crack and buckle, which can lead to further water intrusion.

Cracks due to hydrostatic pressure allow groundwater to seep into basements, leading to potential long-term moisture damage or flooding.

Identifying cracks as a result of hydrostatic pressure is vital not only to an accurate settlement but to avoid recurring claims. Even if the damaged wall is repaired, proper drainage is the long-term solution to the problem. A reliable assessment should examine historical weather data and consider all possible sources of damage.

HVAC System Failures

HVAC systems pull moisture from the air during the heating and cooling process. This moisture collects in a drain pan, and a condensate drain line carries it outside. However, cracks in the drain pan may occur due to rust, which can cause water to leak into the surrounding area. Dirt and dust can build up in the drain line, causing water to back up into the pan and overflow into the home. These issues can be avoided with routine maintenance and adherence to the International Plumbing Code.

Missing or Inadequate Flashing

Flashing is a thin sheet of material the prevents water from penetrating into a building or allows water that does enter a wall to drain out. It should be installed at several points throughout the structure, including roof intersections, wall interruptions like windows or doors, chimneys and roof vents, and other junctions. Normal age-related deterioration, improper material or installation, or simply missing flashing can threaten the integrity of these interfaces and lead to water damage throughout the home.

Flashing is designed to keep water from entering a building and causing leaks at key intersections, such as where a chimney penetrates the roof.

These are just a few of the many factors that can make a structure susceptible to water damages. An onsite assessment is important not only to identifying the cause and source but also to confirming the duration.

How Long Has It Been Happening?

One of the big questions you often need to answer is how long water has been affecting the building materials, because the answer may influence your claim decision. Knowing if damage is due to a single event or a recurring issue can affect how it needs to be addressed to avoid repeated claims. Evidence that indicates whether the damage is days, weeks, or years old can corroborate weather data and policyholder statements to verify a cause of loss.

Rings of different colors indicate that this drywall ceiling has been exposed to multiple wet-dry cycles over a long period. The darker outer rings are the result of earlier exposure.

Different materials react differently to water damage. Wood tends to darken, swell, and deteriorate over time, whereas wood composites delaminate. Concrete and masonry also stain and show signs of mineral deposits like efflorescence. Drywall develops rings after multiple wet-dry cycles to indicate recurring events, and older rings will be darker. On these materials, constant moisture produces a defined pattern while wet/dry cycles create unique, overlapping patterns.

Now that you know these three questions to ask when handling water loss claims, you need someone who can answer them. Donan engineers gather evidence to determine the source, cause, and duration of water damage. Get objective answers to these questions and more about water claims and other mechanical, electrical, and structural property damage. Submit an assignment today.