Is Spalling Brick Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Understanding Spalling Brick and Its Causes

Spalling brick describes a condition where the face of a brick peels, crumbles, or flakes off, exposing the inner material. This process can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of brickwork on a home. Homeowners often observe spalling as small pieces of brick detaching, indicating a deeper issue within the masonry.

The primary cause of spalling is moisture penetration into the brick, followed by freeze-thaw cycles. When water saturates a brick and then freezes, it expands, creating internal pressure that forces the brick’s surface to flake away. This cycle of freezing and thawing exacerbates the damage, leading to progressive deterioration.

Other factors contributing to spalling include poor initial installation practices, such as improper mortar mixtures or inadequate drainage around the foundation. Bricks can also spall due to chemical exposure, like de-icing salts splashing onto the masonry, or certain types of efflorescence, which is the white powdery residue left by salt deposits.

Standard Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies, often referred to as HO-3 policies, provide coverage for dwelling and personal property damage under specific conditions. Dwelling coverage operates on an “open perils” basis, meaning it covers all causes of damage unless specifically excluded. This broad coverage for the structure contrasts with personal property coverage, which is usually on a “named perils” basis, covering only losses caused by events explicitly listed in the policy.

However, these policies contain various exclusions that limit coverage for certain types of damage. Common exclusions relevant to brick deterioration include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and damage resulting from a lack of maintenance or neglect. Policies also often exclude damage caused by earth movement, such as earthquakes, and flood damage.

Insurance policies cover sudden and accidental losses, meaning damage that occurs unexpectedly and is not the result of a slow, ongoing process. For example, damage from a sudden fire or windstorm is typically covered, whereas damage that develops over many months or years due to environmental exposure or deferred upkeep is usually not.

Factors Influencing Coverage Decisions

Whether spalling brick damage is covered by a homeowners insurance policy largely depends on the direct cause of the damage. If the spalling is a direct result of a sudden and accidental event that is a covered peril under the policy, such as impact from a falling tree or damage from a burst pipe that saturates the brick, then coverage may apply.

Conversely, if the spalling is attributed to gradual deterioration, long-term moisture exposure, poor construction, or a lack of routine maintenance, it is typically excluded from coverage. Damage resulting from inherent defects in materials or original construction flaws is also usually not covered under standard policies.

Some homeowners may obtain additional endorsements or riders to their standard policy to extend coverage for specific situations not covered by the base policy. These endorsements might offer protection for certain types of water damage or other perils that could indirectly lead to spalling. These additions are specific and must be explicitly purchased.

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process

If spalling brick damage is discovered and a homeowner believes it may be covered by their policy, initiating the claims process promptly is important. The initial step involves thoroughly documenting the damage with clear photographs and videos, capturing its extent and location. It is also helpful to note the date the damage was first observed.

After documenting the damage, the homeowner should review their specific insurance policy to understand its terms, conditions, and coverage limits. Contacting their insurance agent or directly notifying the insurance company about the potential claim is the next step. This notification should be made as soon as reasonably possible after discovering the damage.

The insurance company will typically assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage. Homeowners should cooperate fully with the adjuster, providing all requested documentation and access to the property. Maintaining detailed records of all communications, estimates for repairs, and any related expenses is beneficial throughout the claims process.