Many homeowners in Missouri are seeing the impact of the drought with cracked walls in the basement, forcing thousands of dollars in repair bills that insurance generally doesn’t cover.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that basement repair companies are overwhelmed with calls from customers about cracking and shifting foundations.
The drought has drained moisture from the soil for several feet underground. Drying clay shrinks, which undermines support beneath basements.
Firms say the average repair cost is running in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, but some have exceeded $30,000 — costs that homeowner insurance policies seldom cover.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.

California Governor Signs Act to Create Smoke Damage Presumption
What If Employer’s Secret Identity Causes Workers’ Comp Claim to Be Filed Late?
Magnum Says Ben & Jerry’s Chair Fostered Toxic Culture
Where Have all the Atlantic Hurricanes Gone? 

