ST. LOUIS (AP) — The withering drought that has baked much of the nation's farmland, fields and forests this summer is hitting too close to home for thousands of Americans. More and more shocked homeowners are getting stuck having to pay tens of thousands of dollars to repair cracked foundations, basements and even aboveground walls, ceilings and windows because of shifting caused by the drying of underground soil. Foundation and basement repair specialists say they can barely keep up with demand. Dan Jaggers, a board member for Ohio-based industry trade group Basement Health Association, says the drought-caused damage to homes is probably the worst since the 1950s and could end up costing over $1 billion. Insurance rarely covers the drought-caused damage, and some homeowners are left with bills of more than $100,000.
US homes cracking due to drought-parched soil
You are here
-
Corey Grotefendt, left, and colleague Don Baykowski drive pears into the ground in an effort to stabilize the foundation of Carl DeVaughan's settling home Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Manchester, Mo. Home repair businesses that fix basements and foundations are busy this summer because the drought is sucking moisture from the soil, causing homes to settle, foundations to crack more than normal. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
-
Carol DeVaughan, left, pauses to talk with Don Baykowski, right, and Corey Grotefendt, center, as they work to stabilize DeVaughan's settling foundation on Aug. 29, 2012, in Manchester, Mo. Home repair businesses that fix basements and foundations are busy this summer because the drought is sucking moisture from the soil, causing homes to settle, foundations to crack more than normal. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
-
Corey Grotefendt, right, and colleague Don Baykowski drive pears into the ground in an effort to stabilize the foundation of Carl DeVaughan's settling home Aug. 29, 2012, in Manchester, Mo. Home repair businesses that fix basements and foundations are busy this summer because the drought is sucking moisture from the soil, causing homes to settle, foundations to crack more than normal. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
-
Carol DeVaughan, left, stands in her house as Corey Grotefendt, right, works to stabilize DeVaughan's settling foundation on Aug. 29, 2012, in Manchester, Mo. Home repair businesses that fix basements and foundations are busy this summer because the drought is sucking moisture from the soil, causing homes to settle and foundations to crack more than normal. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Comments