Homeowner's insurance claim for stucco damage in Florida.
What is stucco and how does it get damaged?
Plaster is basically cement plaster that is applied to the exterior or interior of buildings and is designed to provide a seamless finish to the wall. It can be produced in many different textures and is available in a wide range of colours.
While it may look nice on the exterior of your home, stucco can be a big issue for homeowners because water can actually become trapped behind the exterior layer and cause significant damage to your walls.
Often, this damage is caused by the use of external insulation and finish systems. This system, if not implemented properly in your home, will break down and allow water to seep inside your walls. Once water gets in, it can seriously rot. The result is a rotting foundation and a potential stability issue in your home.
This problem is especially a problem in homes that were built before 2009. Most homes built before that year were never inspected to make sure the building envelope didn't need to be replaced, and almost always, water is left behind that damages the plaster and underlying structure.
Stucco can be a major issue not only for homeowners, but for businesses as well, especially those that are on or near water here in Florida.
Common Forms of Plaster Damage
Plaster is a big issue for home and business owners, not only because of how much damage it can do, but because of the myriad ways it can potentially damage a home or business.
As mentioned earlier, plaster damage can damage walls and undermine the integrity of the building. Moisture that contributes to plaster damage can result in black mold that causes serious health problems.
The moisture coming from plaster damage can also lead to infestation of insects like termites which can further damage the structure of your home. Dampness can also cause an increase in humidity in the home which in some cases can damage property or cause illness.
What should you do if you have plaster damage?
The first thing you should do is to identify the signs of damage. These can include:
Water dripping, stains, or condensation on windows
Black streaks where the roof and walls meet
Cracks or breaks on the building exterior
Water damage to the structure
Dark spots or stains below the corners of windows
AroundMissing
Dampness Increased Moisture and Dampness at the Base of Windows Dampness
Discoloration
Mold and Odor
Damp or Wet Carpet or Floors
Warped Base Trim
Leaking Windows or Doors
The next most important thing you can do is have a certified plaster specialist come out and inspect your home. This inspector will be able to tell whether or not you may have a problem with trapped water, and give you the documentation you need to deal with the insurance company.
These inspections will be able to pinpoint the location of damaged plaster, and give you a better idea of how much damage has occurred, and the measures needed to repair the walls.
What to do if you are afraid of plaster damage?
The first and most important thing you can do is document the damage to the home and report the problem to your homeowner's insurance company. Adequate documentation is important for handling a home owner's insurance claim.
Make sure you have photos of the damage or defective plaster, and if you have the inspectors' report, provide that to your insurance company as well. The more information they have, the better they can help you.
But you should know that not all plaster claims will be covered by insurance. Insurance companies are in the business of saving you as much money as possible, and if they can find a way to refuse to honor your claim, they will.
Typically, for a plasterer claim to be successful, the plasterer must have been applied by someone who holds a license, the damage must have occurred after the insurance policy is in effect, and you must be able to prove the damage.
For more information, read our in-depth article on making a home insurance claim.
Should You Consult An Attorney About Your Stucco Damage?
It is always important to consult an attorney regarding any home owner's insurance claim, especially one where the insurance company has failed to properly compensate you for your losses.
If you have plaster damage caused by water seeping into your walls, there may actually be more than one party to blame.
On some properties, it is faulty construction. During the construction of the house, there may be faulty design or inadequate workmanship that allows water to seep into the plaster to reach your wall.
In other cases, it may be a repair that was done after construction that caused the leak. Either way, depending on your specific homeowner's insurance policy and its language, water damage caused by faulty plaster is probably a covered loss.
What remedies are available to me for plaster damage?
If you are successful on your plaster claim, the treatments available may vary.
Typically, the costs associated with the inspection and the cost of removing and replacing damaged plaster are items that the insurance company may potentially be liable for reimbursement.
It is important, even if you have submitted and been denied a plaster claim, to contact an attorney.
Often times, insurance companies will deny a claim in the hopes that you will accept the denial and look no further to find what is known as an "advance covered loss" policy.
Even if the homeowner's insurance contract does not specifically state that it covers damage caused by plaster, other provisions in the contract can usually be invoked to ensure that you are still covered for your damages. is reimbursed.
Looking for an Experienced Stucco Damage Lawyer?
If you believe you have suffered plaster damage and your insurance company has denied your claim or is refusing to pay for the damages, contact Geoffrey Pfeiffer at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA today. From_
Our attorneys have experience identifying stucco damage that may be covered under your policy, and presenting a strong case to the insurance company.
This results in home owners getting the maximum amount they are entitled to.
The initial consultation is free and will give you a better understanding of whether or not you have a claim, and the possible recourse available.
Our Clearwater office number is 727-451-6900. Do our contact form or the chat live chat button in the top right corner
n't wait a second longer to get the justice you deserveThe longer you wait, the greater the potential for losses, and the more money you could lose. Contact Us Today!
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Attorneys, PA
(727) 451-6900