Following an unusually dry summer in 2026, France is now facing a shift in weather patterns as autumn brings the possibility of heavy rains and flooding. This transition has raised concerns about the stability of homes, especially those built on clay soils. According to Géorisques, a government website focused on territorial risks, extreme weather conditions like drought, high temperatures, and significant evaporation can cause clay soils to shrink during dry periods and expand again when they absorb water. This back-and-forth movement, known as RGA (Rétrécissement et Gonflement des Argiles), can weaken building foundations and structures. In 2026, the Commissariat Général au Développement Durable and Géorisques estimate that 12 million single-family homes in France are at risk from this phenomenon, accounting for 61% of the country's villa stock. Around 55% of the French metropolitan area is affected by this risk, with the most vulnerable regions including parts of central France, Île-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. These areas are particularly susceptible due to the combination of clay-rich soils and the recent extreme weather conditions. Not all wall cracks are a sign of serious structural issues. A thin crack less than two millimeters wide, affecting only the plaster or paint and not changing over time, is generally not a cause for concern. However, cracks that widen or lengthen over time, or those that are more than two millimeters wide and run through both sides of a wall, should be evaluated by a professional. Other signs of ground movement include doors or windows that become harder to open or close, uneven floors, loose tiles, sagging floors, tiling that separates from walls, or visible gaps between walls and the floor. Large trees planted near ground-level homes can worsen these problems by affecting the soil stability. Damage related to drought may be covered by home insurance, provided certain conditions are met. An interministerial decree must officially recognize the state of drought for the affected commune. Once recognized, homeowners must report the damage to their insurer within 30 days of the decree being published in the Official Journal. A legal deductible of 1,520 euros remains the homeowner's responsibility, with the average cost of a claim estimated at around 16,500 euros. Insurers are required to process claims and provide compensation within three months after the damage has been reported. The summer of 2026 was marked by a series of heatwaves and an unusually severe drought, which has now set the stage for a potential flood risk in autumn due to the "hydroclimatic whip effect"—a phenomenon where extreme dryness is followed by heavy rainfall. Homeowners are encouraged to closely monitor their properties and consult a professional if they suspect any structural issues. Taking proactive steps can help mitigate risks and ensure the safety and stability of homes in the face of changing weather conditions.