Sinkhole Remediation in Ocala: It’s a Dirty Job, but Someone Has to Do It

by | Dec 29, 2014 | Construction and Maintenance

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Sinkholes are large holes that form in the ground, and they are quite common in central Florida towns like Ocala. Man can cause sinkholes during the process of drilling wells, even though they also occur naturally. Regardless of the cause, if there is one on your property or near your home, you will need to find a company that performs sinkhole remediation in Ocala.

How Do Sinkholes Form?

Naturally occurring sinkholes form over a long period of time. Rainfall mixes with carbon dioxide as it seeps through the top layer of the ground, creating very acidic water. The acidic water causes the limestone in Florida’s terrain to erode over time, which causes cavities to form in the ground. The cavities grow larger and larger and, eventually, the ground collapses into them.

I am sure you have seen images in the news of really large sinkholes. Sinkholes this large are rare, but they do occur. In fact, many of the lakes in central Florida now used to be sinkholes. The average sinkhole is only ten to twelve feet in diameter but it still can cause significant damage.

Will a Sinkhole Damage My Home?

The answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!” In rare cases, sinkholes have been known to swallow entire houses, damage buildings, and destroy highways. A sinkhole will not always cause foundation problems. However, these problems in the foundation should not be taken lightly. You may have foundation problems if you begin to notice any of the following warning signs: sloping floors, cracks in your walls or concrete floors, windows or doors that either stick or do not close properly, or garage doors that begin to crack or have difficulty opening and/or closing. If you see any of these signs, you may need sinkhole remediation.

What is Sinkhole Remediation?

Sinkhole remediation is fancy terminology for sinkhole repair, the process by which skilled technicians fill the sinkhole and stabilize your home. Most companies who provide sinkhole remediation in Ocala utilize a compact grouting process. A limited access drill is used in this process to drill a hole to the appropriate level based on the size of the sinkhole. A high-pressure pump then forces a thick mixture of grout and cement into the ground until it reaches a depth of 200 vertical feet. This grout mixture compacts the soil, fills the voids, and seals the layer of limestone that is closest to the top. Finally, the casings are removed and the grout increases the density of the soil. This process not only repairs the sinkhole, but it stabilizes your home as well, making foundation problems a thing of the past.

Click here to learn more about sinkhole remediation in Ocala.

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