Sinkholes in Sinkhole Alley

Sinkhole activity seems to be increasing over the years. On the news, you hear stories about the major destruction it causes, swallowing everything in its path. However, this growing problem is simply due to Florida’s expanding population. As Florida continues to grow, more people are moving to Central Florida, also known as Sinkhole Alley. Sinkhole Alley includes the following three counties: Hernando, Hillsborough, and Pasco. Why are sinkholes susceptible in this area? These counties are located where the limestone depth surface is high. With the presence of nearby caves and springs, limestone dissolution is prevalent. Also, there is very little separation between clay soils and loose sand from the limestone.

Although sinkhole activity is common in Sinkhole Alley, soluble limestone can be found throughout the entire state of Florida. Most of Florida’s terrain consists of limestone that lies beneath the ground’s surface. Acidic rain dissolves the limestone, creating cavities in the ground. However, sinkholes can also be caused by human activity due to farming and pipe installation beneath the roadways.

How do sinkholes damage foundations? Not all sinkholes go detected. Some develop beneath foundations, which pose a problem for homeowners. There are common warning signs to be aware of. Some include:

  • Exposed tree roots
  • Hard to open and close windows and doors
  • sinkhole alley floridaInterior joint area cracks around windows or doors
  • Deep cracks in driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete surfaces
  • Floor, wall, and ceiling cracks
  • Standing water in the yard
  • Soft, physical depressions in the yard
  • Neighbors with sinkholes
  • Actual opening of a cavity
  • Circular patches of wilting plants
  • Sinking or leaning fence posts and trees
  • Nail popping out or pushing through
  • Stair step cracks in the wall structure
  • Separating walls from floors and ceilings
  • Plumbing issues and high water bills

SINKHOLE REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR SINKHOLE ALLEY IN FLORIDA

If you’re a homeowner with sinkhole activity, consult with your insurance company first. Second, contact our sinkhole repair specialist at Foundation Pros of FL. We’ll assess your sinkhole signs and provide the best services to prevent sinkhole damage. We offer sinkhole repair solutions, such as underpinning and grouting to prevent these sinkholes from causing foundation damage.

  • Grouting: Grouting is a cost effective method that involves pumping material under the ground. It can be combined with underpinning to provide foundation stability. There are two types of grouting methods – chemical and cement. Chemical grouting is a void filling method that uses resin, such as polyurethane foam to support the foundation above. It is used in shallow soils to fill voids underneath the slab. Cement grouting, also known as compaction grouting, is a cement-based grout that is pumped into the soil using steel casings. Cement grouting can be used to fill large sinkholes by sealing the limestone surface. This also makes the soil more dense, stabilizing the ground underneath the foundation.
  • Underpinning: Underpinning is a popular foundation repair method that requires piers to be driven into the soil and in the underlying limestone. Once the piers are securely fastened into the limestone, the weight of the structure can be transferred on the pier to lift and stabilizes the foundation. To solve most foundation issues, it is best to install one or more foundation pier.

For more information check out – Grouting vs underpinning

Sinkholes are particularly common in the Sinkhole Alley cities of Spring Hill, Tampa, and Brandon, FL. If you live in one of these places or somewhere else in Sinkhole Alley Florida and suspect a sinkhole, contact our professionals for an assessment. Foundations Pros of Florida works diligently to ensure our customers are completely satisfied. Contact us today for an evaluation.