The drought abysses thousands of houses in France each year. A crack appeared on your walls after an episode of heat? Here is how to know if it is linked to drought and what steps to take for your work.
Drought can weaken your home by causing cracks. What do they look like? What if you spot it? We explain everything to you.
What are the characteristics of a house crack due to drought?
Some signs do not deceive when damage to a house is caused by an episode of heat:
- Of the cracks Say “in staircase” which follow the joints of masonry (concrete blocks, bricks, etc.) are visible on the facades, the bases of the base and/or the interior walls
- Of the Backings of joints appear in the partitions, the terrace, the veranda, the garage or an outdoor staircase
- A removal is significant at the level of the frames of frame or chaining
- Sags or detachment of paving and tiles can testify to the sagging of the slab itself
- The doors and windows are difficult to close or more at all after distortion
What to do in the event of a house crack due to drought?
The first reflex to adopt if you notice the slightest sign of crack on your home is to act quickly and follow a very specific procedure:
- Check if your municipality is the subject of a ministerial decree declaring the state of natural disaster. If this is not the case, report the problem to the town hall services as quickly as possible because they are the only ones who can start a state recognition procedure by the state within the time limit.
- Declare (preferably by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt) The damage due to drought to your insurance within 30 days of the publication of the natural disaster decree in the Official Journal.
What about insurance?
If you have taken out insurance including a “Natural disasters” warrantyyour company can provide you with care provided that cracks are caused by a natural drought, flood, storm or other climate phenomenon.
You can thus benefit from a drought compensation Subject to an inter -ministerial decree has been published in the Official Journal and that you have declared the claim on time. The amount of this compensation is variable depending on the nature of the damage and the necessary work.
A insurance expert is systematically mandated to estimate the extent of the damage and the work to be carried out. THE compensation period supervised by law is 3 months From the date of delivery of the estimated state of damaged goods.
Note: a legal franchise Apply for drought compensation, its amount varies depending on the companies and the contract subscribed.
To declare this type of claim to the town hall of your municipality as well as to your insurance company, it is essential to establish a letter to be sent preferably in registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. Think of:
- Describe the cracks due to drought
- The date of appearance
- The reference and date of the natural disaster decree
- Specify short -term risks
- Note your insurance policy number
If you want to be sure not to miss essential elements in your mail, do not hesitate to get closer to the services of your town hall and your insurer, which will be able to guide you.
