Don’t Let A Sinkhole Destroy Your Valuable Assets!
Cracks, holes, and a shifting foundation will only get worse with time. Fortunately, the foundation repair specialists with Stable Foundation Solutions, Inc. have been stabilizing residential and commercial properties throughout Florida for over a decade. With a team consisting of licensed contractors, certified engineers, inspectors, and repair specialists, there is no other company like ours to bring your home or business back to solid ground! Contact us today to get a free sinkhole repair estimate.
The tell-tale signs that a sinkhole may be developing at your property are similar to those of other foundation issues. If you are able to identify a developing sinkhole before it collapses, you could save yourself significant time and money. The following includes a list of the most common signs of a developing sinkhole.
A sinkhole is a depression in the ground with no natural external surface drainage. Any water that enters the sinkhole remains inside or typically drains into the subsurface. Sinkholes are most common in karst terrains. In these regions, the rock below the land surface can naturally be dissolved by groundwater circulating through them. These soluble rocks are often comprised of salt beds, limestone, gypsum, and other carbonate structures. Unfortunately, Floridian soil features significant amounts of limestone, making the ground highly susceptible to sinkholes.
Sinkholes are particularly hazardous because the topsoil can remain solid and intact for extended periods of time before holes in the ground underneath get big. If there is not enough support for the soil above these holes, then a sudden collapse of the ground can occur.
There are a few ways sinkholes can be repaired, depending on the type and size of the sinkhole.
One common method is compound grouting when a special type of concrete (grout) is used to stabilize the damaged or at-risk structure and seal any cracks below it. Using a map of the area, workers are able to mark grout-point locations with a pin. Grout is then pumped into the ground to fill any gaps. However, the material does not mix well with the soil or limestone.
On the other hand, chemical grouting is a process used for stabilization and ensuring proper density. It fixes loose soil, base, and sub-base, within the first 10 feet underground. The process uses specialized machines to inject polyurethane into the soil to fill in holes or weak spots giving them support and strength needed.
Another method to remediate sinkhole damage is underpinning, which involves drilling metal piers (underpins) into the ground and embedding them to support the structure above. This method can repair newly damaged structures or older buildings that have settled from previous sinkhole activity.
If a sinkhole threatens the stability of your property, call Stable Foundation Solutions, Inc. right away for a free sinkhole repair estimate. Avoid trying to fill the sinkhole yourself because sinkholes are a direct route to the underground water supply below. By filling the sinkhole with compost or trash, you can easily contaminate your water supply!