Tampa Sinkhole Litigation Attorney
Sinkhole repairs are not designed to stop sinkhole activity on a premises. Instead, these repairs are intended to stabilize the soils beneath the load-bearing soil near the structure. Because it is important that your property get the best possible treatment, it can be helpful to consult with a lawyer who has experience with these types of cases.
At Corless Barfield Trial Group, we welcome the opportunity to answer all your questions about sinkhole property damage repairs so you have the knowledge you need to make the right decisions about repair options. Ted A. Corless has vast experience handling large and small sinkhole claims. Having previously represented insurance companies throughout Florida, he uses this insiders' knowledge to help residential and commercial property owners get the insurance benefits they need.
Grouting
Grouting is the most popular and least expensive method of sinkhole repair. In grouting, large holes are drilled into the land and filled with pressurized concrete. The idea is that the concrete will harden and fill potential gaps underground and strengthen any loose soil, preventing the structure from further damage.
There are two types of grouting:
- Compaction grouting — In this type of grouting, different types of cement can be used to close the throat of a sinkhole and increase the density value of the soil around the structure.
- Shallow grouting — This is a chemical grouting used in the first 15 feet underground. The material will expand and fill in any voids beneath the house.
While grouting can be an effective sinkhole repair method, it is not 100 percent reliable. The most urgent concern is that no one knows for sure what happens to the concrete once it is put into the ground. It may remain where intended and support the soil. Or, it may sink into the aquifer and be washed away.
Underpinning
Another sinkhole damage repair method is underpinning, or "pinning." In this option, the house is literally lifted so steel rods can be driven into the ground and embedded in the underlying limestone. Once these metal piers are secured, they are then attached to the structure with brackets. This method transfers the weight of the building from the soil to the bedrock deep in the earth.
Exterior perimeter underpinning, along with interior pinning, is generally considered the optimal way to stabilize a structure with sinkhole activity. However, underpinning is an expensive process and may exceed many property owners' insurance limits. Therefore, many insurance companies recommend grouting instead.
Helping You Weigh Your Options
For help you can trust with your Florida sinkhole repairs insurance claim, contact us online or call 813-498-1623 or 877-517-5595. We offer free initial consultations. Phone calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available by request.
We pursue sinkhole damage claim cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing until we are successful on your behalf.
