Sinkhole Warning Signs: Is Your Home at Risk?
There are many different issues that can contribute to foundation failure. Depending on where you live and the soil your home is built on, sinkholes could be one of them. The symptoms range from subtle to sudden, so it is very important that you recognize sinkhole warning signs. Let’s take a closer look at what causes sinkholes, and what you should on the lookout for.
How Do Sinkholes Form?
Most of the time we do not give much thought to sinkholes until we see a news story about an unusually large one. The scary thing is, there could be one forming right under your nose, or under your foundation at least! Sinkholes happen when the land surface up above collapses and falls into a void that has formed below it. They are common when the rock below the surface is comprised of limestone, carbonate rock, salt rock, or other types of dissolvable rock that can be washed away by water saturation. When these materials wash away a void forms and eventually the surface above no longer can support itself.
6 Sinkhole Warning Signs
If you live in an area where the soil contains the above-mentioned types of rock, then you need to be aware of the symptoms:
- Cracks in the ground around your home
- Newly formed depressions in the ground
- Fresh cracks in your foundation or other walls around the home
- Fences and trees that were straight but are now leaning or tilting
- Sticking doors or windows
- The sudden appearance of a hole in the ground
Have Any of the Above Symptoms? My Foundation Repairs Can Help
If you live in an area prone to sinkholes and have sinkhole warning signs, My Foundation Repairs can help. First and foremost, if a hole has opened up stay away from the area for your safety. If you contact My Foundation repairs, we can connect you with a contractor in your area that specializes in the diagnosing and remediation of sinkholes. Depending on your specific needs there are varying forms of repair possible, so an MFR contractor can help you understand the solution that is right for you. Contact us today to get connected with a licensed and certified contractor in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinkholes
What is a sinkhole and how does it form?
A sinkhole forms when the land surface collapses into a void that has developed underground. This typically happens when the bedrock below is made of limestone, carbonate rock, salt rock, or other dissolvable rock that gets washed away by water saturation over time. As the material dissolves and washes away, a void forms below the surface, and eventually the ground above can no longer support itself.
What are the warning signs of a sinkhole?
Common warning signs include cracks in the ground around your home, newly formed depressions in the yard, fresh cracks in your foundation or walls, fences and trees that begin leaning or tilting, and doors or windows that suddenly start sticking. In more advanced cases, a hole may appear in the ground suddenly.
Am I at risk for a sinkhole?
Homes built on soil containing limestone, carbonate rock, salt rock, or other water-soluble rock types are more prone to sinkhole formation, since water saturation can gradually dissolve these materials and create underground voids. If your property sits on this type of geology, it's worth watching for the warning signs described above.
What should I do if I notice sinkhole warning signs?
If you notice cracks, depressions, or other warning signs, contact a foundation professional for an assessment as soon as possible. If a hole has already opened in the ground, stay away from the area for your safety and reach out to a specialist right away.
Can sinkholes be repaired?
Yes. Repair options vary depending on the specific cause and extent of the sinkhole, so a qualified contractor will need to assess the situation to determine the right remediation approach for your property.