Sinkholes in Gainesville, FL – Why are they so Common?

Sinkhole repair in Gainesville, FLIf you live in Gainesville, FL you are probably well aware that sinkholes can be a common issue for residents living in Gainesville, FL. You may wonder why they are so common in Gainesville, FL and the entire state of Florida for that matter. There are several reasons, but the main reason is that the entire state of Florida has limestone as its soil. Limestone if porous so when the acid in rainwater runs through it, it washes the limestone away, creating cavities. Once these cavities form, the top layer of soil falls into the cavities, creating a sinkhole.

Sinkholes in Gainesville are formed naturally through periods of heavy rainfall along with drought followed by tropical storms. Even though sinkholes form naturally, humans can promote the development of sinkholes. Some of the things that can promote sinkhole development by humans are:

  • Well drilling
  • Excavating
  • Creating landfills
  • Leaking, broken water lines
  • Pounding or blasting from construction
  • Pumping of groundwater

There are some signs that you can look for that may indicate that a sinkhole if forming on your Gainesville, Florida property. Some of these signs are:

  • Depressions in your yard or neighbors yard
  • Trees or fences that are leaning
  • Vegetation starting to wilt
  • Cracks along joints, windows or doors
  • Large cracks in walls, floors, sidewalks or driveways
  • Sediment in yard
If you see any of these signs, it is important to contact the experts at Foundation Professionals of Florida. We will come and give you a free inspection of your Gainesville, FL home and property. If we find that you may have a sinkhole forming, we have the solutions to prevent it.

Sinkhole Repair and Remediation in Gainesville, FL

Foundation Professionals of Florida uses two methods for stabilizing the soil for sinkhole repair in your Gainesville, FL property, permeation grouting and compaction grouting.

Permeation grouting the injection of resin into the ground to permeate the soil before reacting. Once reacted, the soil and resin form a strong, solid, impermeable mass in the ground that increases the load bearing capacity of the soil.

Compaction grouting is a method where fast setting polyurethane foam is injected into loose soil. The foam expands rapidly forming balls or columns of dense structural foam. The expansion compacts the surrounding soils and increases the load bearing capacity.

If you are concerned about a sinkhole forming on your Gainesville, FL property, let Foundation Professionals of Florida give you a free inspection. We use only the best products in the industry manufactured by Earth Contact Products (ECP). Let us give you peace of mind by stabilizing your soil to prevent sinkholes.

We have over 30 years of experience and built an outstanding reputation in the Gainesville, FL are and in the entire state of Florida. Sinkholes in Florida are common and Florida has more sinkholes that in any other state in the US. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help with any of your sinkhole prevention or remediation needs.