Sinkhole Information
A sinkhole is a depression in the ground that naturally forms because of either a lack of rainfall or a large period of rainfall that makes the limestone in the ground dissolve. Sinkholes can be a major issue for homeowners, businesses and government entities who maintain infrastructure. A homeowner should be aware of issues that sinkholes can cause, as the damage they cause may cost thousands of dollars to repair. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Sinkholes
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Three main types of sinkholes exist. They can occur in various phases, or different types of sinkholes may exist in the same area. It is important to know that each type can cause damage to your home. Collapse sinkholes occur when the ground has a rapid drop from a heavy load above it, and the bedrock underneath dissolves. These sinkholes can cause major damage and usually are the ones shown on the news. Subsidence sinkholes occur when sand replaces the area where limestone dissolved. It causes the ground to sink over a long period of time. Solution sinkholes form over time. Erosion wears the bedrock down. You may notice small cracks appearing in your foundation; over time the cracks may grow.
Signs of Sinkholes
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Several signs accompany a sinkhole below your foundation. You may notice cracks in interior joints, such as near windows or doors. Cracks may begin to form in exterior block or stucco. Windows and doors may become more difficult to open or close. Depressions in the ground may form around your yard or in your neighbor's yards. The driveway can get large cracks in it, and you may have silt or sediment in your water that was not there before.
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How to Address a Sinkhole Problem
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Issues with sink holes do not get better and they do not go away. To help remedy their effects, you need to understand how to address a sinkhole problem. Call your homeowners insurance company. Ask for an adjuster to inspect the damage to your home. Once the adjuster agrees that you have a sinkhole issue, the insurance company will have engineers drill to test the sinkhole. The engineers perform a test bore to analyze the condition of your soil. The test confirms the issue is a sinkhole and not other natural phenomena. At this point, your insurance company can handle your claim if the tests confirm a sinkhole. If your insurance company refuses your claim, you may need to hire an attorney.
Problems That Appear to Be Sinkholes
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Other issues can cause sinkhole symptoms. Large amounts of clay underground can result in sinkhole symptoms. Clay absorbs water during heavy rains and can lose it. This process can cause the clay to expand and contract, which may affect the foundation of a structure. If debris was buried in your yard or foundation during construction, then the burial can cause sinkholes. Sinkholes tend to be circular, while debris piles have irregular shapes. A tree's roots may cause foundation damage. A large tree root system may lift the foundation of a house. Area's rich with decaying organic content can damage a foundation. As the material decays, it leaves a depression in the ground, which can have the same effects as a sinkhole.
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References
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