Signs of Florida Foundation Problems
Signs of foundation problems usually appear on the exterior of a home or building in the form of a sinking foundation, cracks in mortar, bricks or stucco exterior walls. On the interior, these problems show up as uneven floors, sticking doors, cracks in sheetrock as well as many other signs.
Once it has been determined that you have a foundation problem you need an experienced, reputable company that can get the job done and stand behind its work.
For foundation repair in Florida, including, Gainesville, Williston, Jacksonville, Ocala, Palatka, Lake City, Orlando, Tampa, Kissimmee, St Petersburg, Sarasota, and Palm Bay, Olshan recommends Foundation Technologies.
Causes of Foundation Problems
Foundation problems can develop under any home in Florida regardless of the neighborhood. Florida has a geologically weak limestone substructure (clay and sands). This substructure which helps support your home’s foundation is weakened over time by Florida’s tropical climate. Rain and other ground water find their way into the limestone and begin to erode the substructure, a base your home depends on for structural support.
When this happens, the ground shifts causing telltale signs of foundation problems to appear. The catastrophes caused by sink hole damage can be far greater, often resulting in major structural damage and loss of property. We’ve seen many example of nature’s destructive sinkhole power in Florida.
The Sinkhole Solution
Olshan has been at the forefront of developing innovative, long-lasting solutions to help property owners as well as homeowners deal with foundation problems for over 90 Years. Over the years, we’ve been able to earn the trust of Florida homeowners, insurance companies and Geo-technical and structural engineers through valued partnerships with skilled, local technicians who are able to work hand-in-hand with engineers to stabilize your foundation.
Although we do not officially endorse or back foundation repair companies in Florida, we are skilled in connecting individuals in need of help with capable experts throughout the state. When you schedule a foundation repair assessment request on this site, you get professional service from someone in your area. This technician will meet with you to identify your home’s unique structural problems to develop a solution that is done fast and with very little disruption.
Sinkhole Causes
Sinkholes are a serious problem in Florida due to the tropical climate. Sinkholes form when subsurface water eats away materials in the soil causing the land to erode. The problem starts small then grows, over time, the sinkhole grows in size and the land on top can cave in. Florida is known for limestone, a soft terrain that is susceptible to water penetration. In fact, water holes develop inside the dirt like a sponge.
Sinkhole Repair
Foundation experts are skilled at managing expansive clay soils and sinkhole activity. They often offer grouting repair utilizing methodology developed to combat Florida’s diverse terrain. The process typically involves steel casing drilled underneath your home with minimal disturbance to your property and landscape. The casings are then inserted into the limestone soil. A concrete pump is then attached to the casing and a grout mixture is injected to stabilize soft stone in the limestone. Once the limestone surface has been adequately filled with grout until the sinkhole has stabilized. A good technician will carefully monitor your home for movement during the process. The grout works like concrete to fortify the soil underneath your home.
Services offered include underpinning, helical piers, chemical grouting and much more.
