Common Causes of Property Damage in Texas Homes: A Homeowner’s Legal & Practical Guide

Texas is famous for many things: its vast landscapes, booming economy, and independent spirit. Unfortunately, it is also gaining a reputation for having some of the most volatile weather and difficult soil conditions in the country. For Texas homeowners, property damage isn’t just a possibility; it is often an eventuality.

Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a hailstorm in Dallas or watching cracks form in your San Antonio living room wall, understanding Texas home property damage causes is the first step toward protecting your investment. More importantly, knowing when that damage is covered by insurance—and when you need legal help to enforce that coverage is critical.

This guide breaks down the specific environmental and structural risks facing Texas homes, offering expert insights into prevention, identification, and the legal realities of insurance claims.

The Silent Destroyer: Foundation Damage, Texas Homes, and Clay Soil

If you own a home in Texas, you have likely heard the joke: “There are two types of homes in Texas: those that have foundation problems and those that will.” The culprit is almost always the soil beneath your feet.

Understanding Expansive Clay Soil

Much of Texas, particularly the North Texas and Gulf Coast regions, sits atop “expansive clay soil.” Unlike sandy or loamy soils that drain water quickly, foundation damage to Texas homes caused by clay soil arises because clay acts like a sponge.

• Wet Season (Expansion): When it rains, the clay absorbs water and swells significantly. This upward pressure (heaving) can lift your home’s foundation, sometimes unevenly.

• Dry Season (Contraction): During Texas’s scorching summers, the moisture evaporates, causing the soil to shrink and pull away from the foundation. This leaves the concrete slab unsupported, leading to cracking and settling.

Signs Your Foundation Is Failing

Early detection can save you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Look for these “telltale” signs:

• Stair-step cracks in exterior brickwork.

• Doors and windows that suddenly stick or won’t latch.

• Cracks in drywall, specifically extending from the corners of door frames.

• Gaps between the wall and the floor or ceiling.

Expert Insight: Many insurance policies in Texas exclude “earth movement” or “settling” from standard coverage. However, if the foundation damage was caused by a sudden plumbing leak (slab leak), coverage might apply. This is a common area of dispute where a property damage attorney becomes essential.

The Water Threat: Drainage Issues and Flash Flooding

While drought causes soil shrinkage, the sudden, violent storms common in Texas bring a different threat: water intrusion.

Poor Drainage and Hydrostatic Pressure

Water damage from Texas home drainage issues is frequently caused by improper grading. If your yard slopes toward your house rather than away from it, rainwater pools against the foundation.

• Hydrostatic Pressure: As water accumulates, it exerts immense pressure on your foundation walls. Eventually, water forces its way through porous concrete or tiny cracks, flooding basements or crawl spaces.
• Erosion: Rapidly moving water can wash away the soil supporting your foundation, compounding structural instability.

Burst Pipes and Freezes

The Texas electrical grid failure and freeze of 2021 taught millions of homeowners a hard lesson: Texas homes are not always built for cold. Uninsulated pipes in attics or exterior walls can freeze, burst, and flood a home in minutes.

Tip for Homeowners: Ensure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water immediately can mitigate the damage.

Above and Within: Roof Leaks and The Risk of Mold

Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims. From golf-ball-sized hail to hurricane-force winds, your roof takes a beating. But the damage often doesn’t stop at missing shingles.

The Hidden Mold Danger

A compromised roof allows water to seep into your attic, insulation, and walls. In the humid Texas climate, this creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. The roof leak mold risks that Texas homeowners face create “secondary damage” that can be even more expensive—and dangerous—than the initial leak.

• The Timeline: Mold can begin to grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours.
• The Insurance Trap: Many Texas insurance policies have strict “Mold Limitation” endorsements, capping coverage at $5,000 or excluding it entirely unless it directly results from a covered peril (like a storm-damaged roof).

If your insurance carrier agrees to fix the roof but denies the resulting mold remediation, they may be acting in bad faith. The health risks associated with black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) make this a non-negotiable repair.

When Insurance Says “No”: The Legal Reality

You pay your premiums on time, so you expect your insurance company to be there when disaster strikes. Unfortunately, the reality for many Texas homeowners is a denial letter, a delayed payment, or a settlement offer that barely covers the deductible.

Common Tactics Used by Insurers

• “Pre-existing Condition”: Claiming the roof damage was from an old storm, not the recent one.
• “Wear and Tear”: Arguing that your foundation failed because the house is old, not because of a plumbing leak or covered soil event.
• Undervaluing Claims: Agreeing to replace a few shingles rather than the entire damaged roof, leaving you with a mismatched and structurally unsound repair.

At United Law Group, we see these tactics daily. Whether it is a denied hurricane claim or an underpaid water damage invoice, having legal representation levels the playing field. We understand the specific language of Texas insurance policies and hold carriers accountable to the contracts they signed.

Conclusion: Be Proactive, Be Protected

Owning a home in Texas requires vigilance. By maintaining your drainage systems, watering your foundation during droughts, and inspecting your roof after every storm, you can mitigate many common causes of damage.

However, when the elements win and your home is damaged, do not let an insurance denial be the final word. If you are facing significant property damage and an uncooperative insurance carrier, you have rights.

Jack’s Got Your Back. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, contact United Law Group for a free case evaluation. We fight to ensure your home is restored and your financial future is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foundation repair covered by homeowners insurance in Texas?

Typically, standard policies exclude foundation damage caused by “earth movement” or natural soil settling. However, if the damage results from a covered peril, such as a sudden plumbing leak (slab leak), you may have coverage. A “Foundation Water Damage” endorsement is often required for broader protection.

What should I do if I find mold after a roof leak?

Document the damage immediately with photos and video. Mitigate further damage by stopping the leak (tarping the roof), but do not destroy the evidence of the mold. Contact a remediation specialist for an estimate and review your policy limits on mold coverage before filing a claim.

Can I claim water damage from a flood on my standard home insurance?

Generally, no. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage (rising water from outside). You typically need a separate flood insurance policy (via FEMA/NFIP or a private insurer) to be covered for flood events.

My insurance company says the damage is “wear and tear.” Can I fight this?

Yes. Insurance adjusters often use “wear and tear” as a blanket denial tactic. An independent assessment by a contractor or engineer—backed by a property damage attorney—can often prove that the damage was sudden and accidental, triggering coverage.