Sinkholes occur when water accumulates underneath the floor surface. As the moisture builds up, it begins to soften the floor, eventually turning it to a slushy mix of liquid and debris that caves in under its own weight. While sinkholes typically occur outdoors, they can also occur in the first floor of a house. As a homeowner, you should learn to recognize the signs of a potential sinkhole waiting to happen. Even if the signs are subtle, you should contact sinkhole repair in Gainesville to have a professional take a look at your home.
Begin by inspecting your home for cracks. If your home is built from bricks or masonry blocks, then cracks normally occur in a vertical direction and in the shape of a staircase. For homes where the walls are covered in plaster, the cracks may take on a more random shape and form. Aside from the walls, also check for cracks in your sidewalk, driveway, and the ground adjacent to the exterior wall.
Also perform an inspection of the exterior and observe for cracks near the outer corners. As a sinkhole begins to slowly form, one corner or side of the structure will begin to sink lower into the softened floor, causing the cracks to appear. Sinkhole repair in Gainesville can assess existing cracks and determine whether the cause is from a sinkhole or merely from old age.
You should also check the doors and windows and see if they open and close properly. If the door or window scrapes against the frame due to the alignment being off, then the cause is likely due to an uneven foundation.
Aside from the home, also check within the perimeter of your property. Examine nearby bushes, fence posts, and even your neighbor’s yard to see if anything appears slightly tilted. If objects look as if they’re sagging into the ground, then that is a dead giveaway of an emerging sinkhole.
Believe it or not, your water bill may also be an indicator of a sinkhole. A sinking hole can damage the foundation, which in turn disrupts the pipeline running through your home. If your water bill has been unusually high for the past few months despite normal usage, then a sinkhole could be the culprit.
If you detect any of these signs, then contact sinkhole repair in Gainesville right away. While an occurrence inside a home is rare, they can and do occur and can put your family in danger if the warning signs are ignored. Contact Ram Jack Solid Foundations to have an inspector take a look at your property.
Sinkhole repair in Gainesville can perform a thorough evaluation of your home. Call sinkhole repair in Gainesville if you suspect your home is sitting in a precarious area that is about to give way to a weakened surface.
