Drought in Virginia—What Homeowners Should Know
Drought patterns in Virginia
In Virginia, shifting weather patterns and changing climate conditions mean drought can develop almost anywhere. Virginia generally receives over 40 inches of precipitation per year and is historically considered “water rich." However, droughts are not uncommon, and Virginia has a history of multi-year droughts.
When we think about droughts, most of us picture struggling crops, dry reservoirs, brown lawns, and government-issued water restrictions. In reality, prolonged dry spells, especially when paired with extreme heat, can introduce distinct hazards to your home and property—from an immediate increase in wildfire risk to a slow, cumulative impact on your home’s structure. While damage cause by wildfire is covered by home insurance, damage caused by soil movement during prolonged dry periods is typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Here at NNIC, we know that awareness and prevention can help protect what matters to you most.
How prolonged drought conditions affect Virginia homes
How drought can increase the risk of wildfire damage to your home
Spring and fall are both seasons of elevated wildfire risk in Virginia. In the spring, dry post winter vegetation combined with strong winds can create a higher-than-normal likelihood of seasonal wildfires. To help reduce this danger and limit destructive wildfire spread, Virginia’s 4 PM Burn Law is enforced February 15 through April 30. Prolonged periods without rain during spring wildfire season only exacerbates the problem, leading to the need for local burn bans which prohibit open air burning.
How can you protect your home from drought-related wildfire?
Homeowners can take several proactive steps to help protect their property and home from wildfire throughout the year, particularly when drought conditions increase the risk.
To protect your home from wildfire during a prolonged drought:
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Always follow local outdoor burn bans and restrictions.
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Properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable materials in the appropriate container.
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Use caution when operating machinery that may produce sparks and keep vehicles off dry grass.
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Be aware that grass, leaves, and other tree litter can ignite easily and spread fire quickly.
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Remove vines from exterior walls and trim tree limbs so that branches are at least 15 feet above the ground.
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Prune branches and shrubs within 15 feet of chimneys and stovepipes.
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Keep gas grills and propane tanks at least 15 feet away from any structure.
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Limit use of gas grills during periods of high wildfire risk and never leave them unattended.
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Clear leaves, debris, and trash from underneath decks and porches.
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Stack firewood at least 100 feet away from any structure and, if possible, on the uphill side.
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Choose fire-resistant materials when building, remodeling, or making repairs.
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Use non-combustible roofing materials, as roofs are particularly vulnerable in a wildfire.
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Create a defensible space around your home against wildfire.
How drought can damage the structure of your home
Drought can pose significant risks to the structural integrity of your home, and homeowners may not be fully aware of the damage it can cause until they experience it firsthand. We already know Virginia's extreme heat can weather your home over time; likewise prolonged dry conditions draw essential moisture out of the surrounding soil, causing it to shrink and leading foundations to shift, crack, or settle.
Drought problems are often more severe with Virginia's clay soil because it is more likely to shift when dry and swell with moisture similar to a sponge. When rain eventually returns and the soil reabsorbs moisture, it expands and can lift the foundation again—but this movement is often uneven. This may affect the way doors and windows open and close, warp flooring, crack pipes, and cause interior water leaks. Trees around your home can also suffer during drought conditions and even fall.
Additionally, your home’s foundation can crack or even settle unevenly when the surrounding soil becomes overly dry and tree roots compete for limited moisture. Areas around your property are also vulnerable; prolonged exposure to extreme heat and dry conditions can cause driveways, walkways, and other exterior surfaces to weaken and crack.
Structural areas of your home prone to cracking damage may include:
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Pavement and asphalt
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Chimneys
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Brickwork
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Stucco
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Drywall
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Tile work
How can you protect your home from drought-related structural damage?
We encourage Virginia homeowners to take steps to minimize the risk of damage during prolonged periods of drought. Here are a few easy and practical strategies:
1. Maintain consistent soil moisture
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If local officials warn that drought conditions are likely, walk around your home to note where the soil meets the foundation. Periodically dig down about six inches in a few spots and feel the soil below the surface to check for dryness.
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If the soil at that depth is completely dry, lightly moisten it around the base of your home—a soaker hose on a timer with a backflow preventer is a great way to moisten the foundation without over watering.
2. Control landscaping
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Be sure to plant large trees far enough away from the house to avoid tree root invasion. And arborist or horticulturist can help you predict the route and extent of tree root growth to determine a safe planting distance from your home.
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Planting small shrubs and flowers around the base of your foundation can help shade the soil and retain moisture—especially important during drought. A consistent, but not overcrowded, line of plants can support moisture retention without placing excessive demand on water resources.
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A two-to-three inch layer of mulch underneath and around your plants to help retain the soil moisture and prevent erosion.
- Regularly check the health of the trees around your home and remove any that are dead.
3. Inspect your home's interior regularly
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Inspect and get to know your home on a regular basis to check for damage and address any issues before they progress beyond repair. All homes experience some natural settling; however, significant cracks—especially those in your foundation—should be evaluated and addressed promptly.
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Watch for other warning signs such as uneven or sloping floors, or doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, or small water leaks, particularly in a basement. Identifying these issues early can make repairs more manageable and help reduce overall costs.
Does home insurance cover drought damage to your home?
Owning a home is a significant responsibility, and staying ahead of slow, harder-to-detect damage is essential. Home insurance can cover some damage to your home from drought, like a broken pipe or wildfire damage while coverage for ground movement is generally excluded. Keep in mind that homeowners insurance is intended to cover sudden and accidental losses—not gradual, long-term issues related to environmental changes or deferred maintenance. For that reason, proactive prevention is especially important for homeowners during prolonged droughts.
Sources:
https://www.drought.gov/states/virginia
https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/drought
https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/fire-danger/fire-weather/
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
