Port Richey, FL Evacuation Due to Sinkhole
Three large holes opened up in the backyard of a Port Richey home, forcing a homeowner to evacuate. Thankfully the sinkhole caused no injuries, but experts say that this type of occurrence is not rare. Authorities suspect the sinkhole may have developed after repairs were recently made to the home. One hole measured 10 to 20 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep. As a safety precaution, six nearby homes were notified and had the option to leave. Nearby residents were amazed by the size of the hole. This incident is just one of many sinkhole stories in Florida. In fact, Florida has more sinkholes than any other state.
In 2013, one Tampa man died after a sinkhole swallowed his bedroom. So why are sinkholes prevalent in Florida? Since Florida’s peninsula consists of limestone, water erodes this type of rock formation. It creates holes in the ground that expand over time. Acidic water causes the limestone to dissolve faster, creating a sinkhole. Sinkholes can form under foundations, in streets or in yards. If you suspect sinkhole activity on your property, don’t try to make DIY repairs. Filling sinkholes add pressure to the sinkhole, causing them to cave-in over time. Also, it causes multiple sinkholes to form. Contact the professionals at Foundation Pros of Florida, so we can look for sinkhole activity on your property. Our team of experts are trained to spot sinkhole formations before they cause a natural disaster.
What are the warning signs of sinkhole activity? Although Florida is known for having sinkholes, they occur all over the United States and all over the world. Some sinkhole activities are subtle, which is why they go undetected. Some crucial signs include:
- Cracks in windows, doors or interior joints
- Hard to close windows and doors
- Yard depressions
- Depressions in neighbor’s yard or street
- Cracks in concrete surface
- Separating concrete
- Wilting vegetation
- Neighbors with sinkhole activity
- Opening sinkhole cavity Sediment in water
Sinkhole Repair in Port Richey, Florida
At Foundation Pros of Florida, we offer sinkhole repair for residents in Florida. Our methods include compaction grouting and void filling. Compaction grouting is a sinkhole repair method designed to firm loose soil to close the cavity. Polyurethane foam is injected into the soil, causing the foam to expand. The foam helps compact the soils in the cavity and increases the load bearing capacity.
Void filling is a method designed to fill in gaps and spaces beneath the concrete surface where settlement has occurred. Both compaction grouting and void filling help prevent future foundation problems.
Get peace of mind by investing in sinkhole remediation for your Florida home. Foundation Pros of Florida serves the state of Florida, including the following cities: Hollywood, Miami, Tampa, Lake City, Live Oak and more. Contact us today for an estimate.
