Sinkhole Damage Claims

There has been recent posts and news articles about problems of sinkholes appearing in Florida. Although Central Florida is commonly referred to as “sinkhole valley,” we see our fair share in South Florida as well.

Signs of a sinkhole:

• Starts with structural damage
• Cracking on exterior walls
• Thick cracks in a step shape
• Uneven walls or floors

Sinkholes emerge naturally within the Earth’s surface due to abrupt weather fluctuations, leaks, well excavation, construction-related blasting, and significant events like hurricanes. The sequence of events that typically leads to sinkhole formation involves intense rainfall succeeded by a period of drought, followed by another bout of heavy rainfall. This climatic pattern can result in land fissures and uneven water absorption, concentrating the flow in certain regions. Consequently, the movement of water triggers shifts in the earth’s layers, creating unstable bases for the edifices resting upon them. Indications of structural deterioration in a building become apparent long before it becomes susceptible to sinkhole engulfment.

• Subsidence Sinkholes: These occur as the Earth’s surface experiences a gradual settling or abrupt sinking, brought about by the subterranean displacement of geological materials.
• Collapse Sinkholes: This type emerges when a solution cavity forms within limestone, expanding to a size where the overlaying material can no longer bear its own weight, resulting in a collapse.
• Solution Sinkholes: Accumulated water triggers chemical weathering of rock encompassing a fissure or joint, contributing to the formation of these sinkholes.
• Land Surface: Underground voids and caverns develop naturally due to the dissolution of land caused by groundwater, affecting the landscape above.

If your property has been affected by a Sinkhole, give us a call or fill out the form today to get a free inspection.