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If your foundation repair claim gets denied, the first step is to carefully read over your policy and denial letter so you understand the reason for the denial. Then, gather evidence and documents that can support your case and appeal the denial with your insurance company. If your insurer does not eventually honor your claim, you may want to file a complaint with the insurance department in your state. In some cases, it may make sense to work with an attorney and file a lawsuit.

Some foundation repairs are permanent, like underpinning and exterior drainage systems like the French drain. These fixes address the underlying problems—insufficient support from the soil and hydrostatic pressure on your foundation walls, respectively—so they can last for many decades, making them “lifetime fixes.” There are other solutions to address these issues that will last for up to a decade, making them temporary. These include slabjacking to raise concrete slabs back into place and dampproofing to reduce the water in the soil that interacts with the concrete foundation.

Foundation settlement should be a concern if you notice it happening suddenly and years after construction, if the settlement results in signs of structural damage in your home, or if it happens after a flood, nearby sinkhole, or earthquake. Some signs of severe foundation settlement that should prompt you to call a repair specialist include sloping or uneven floors, large cracks in your foundation, moisture issues or pest infestation in your basement or crawl space, and an uneven roofline.

Sometimes cracked brick can mean a foundation problem, such as when the crack appears indoors and is vertical, or long horizontal cracks either inside or outside. If the crack widens at the top, then it’s safe to assume there is structural damage. Other things to look for are uneven floors, diagonal cracks indoors, and doors and windows that stick.