Sinkholes form in open areas, under roads and under structures.
Sinkholes pose a serious risk to your home's stability and are a serious issue in areas where the natural geological structure contributes to formation. If you have a sinkhole on your property, it's crucial to act fast and follow the proper channels to ensure you have a safe living environment and protect the investment you have in your home.
Formation
Sinkholes form when sediment or rock moves into empty spaces created when water-soluble rock dissolves. Areas prone to sinkholes are those with thick carbonate deposits deep underground. Changes in weather and increased water usage due to urbanization and the formation of suburbs contribute to increased sinkhole formation.
Signs of a Sinkhole
To minimize damage, it's necessary to detect sinkhole activity as soon as possible before the damage intensifies and costs increase significantly. Cracks are the most visible sign of damage and occur in floors, on walls or in pavement. They also form around the corners of windows and doors and, while they begin small, can spread to much larger proportions if ignored. Smaller signs, but equally important, are when doors and windows don't close properly anymore, which signify that the foundation may be shifting.
Testing
Before you can take action to repair damages to your home, you must determine whether or not the damages are actually a result of a sinkhole. A professional geologist or engineer must come to the premises to perform tests including floor evaluations, ground penetration radar and standard penetration test borings. The average cost for an insurance company to perform the necessary tests was approximately $9,466, while the cost for individuals ranged from $8,061 to $10,116, at the time of publication.
Stabilization Techniques
Geologists employ two primary techniques for stabilizing the area, grouting and underpinning. Grouting involves injecting a mixture of grout, which is various amounts of cement, sand, flyash and water, into the ground to stabilize the subsurface soils. In underpinning, steel pipes are drilled into the ground to stabilize the home's foundation. Both procedures are pricey, with the average cost for grouting a $150,000 home at $75,000 and underpinning costing an estimate of $35,000, at the time of publication.
Tags: costs, repair, sinkhole, your home, average cost, ground stabilize, into ground, into ground stabilize, Sinkholes form, time publication
Related Posts:
Repair An Above Ground Pool Leak
If your pool is losing water quickly in a short time span, you might have a leak.Leaks are common occurrences with above ground swimming pools. They spring up any time of the year and have several...
Send A Montblanc Pen For Repair
Send A Montblanc Pen for repairThere is a feeling of class and elegance writing with a Montblanc pen. The feather-like way it glides over the paper creates sentimental value for any individual. Th...
Repair High Sierra Luggage
High Sierra Luggage is designed with rough travels and adventures in mind.The High Sierra Luggage Company features products for adventure-seeking individuals during their travels. Considered a spo...
Repair A Philip Stein Watch
Philip Stein watches use Natural Frequency Technology.Unlike traditional timepieces, Philip Stein watches utilize Natural Frequency Technology that aims to harmonize the earth's energy with that o...
Engine Block Repair
A cracked engine block can be devastating to your car--not to mention your wallet. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are several repair options that range in cost and difficulty. Howeve...
