Earthquakes are nothing new to Alaskan residents. On average, one occurs every 15 minutes. While most of these are minor, there have been 31 with a magnitude of six or greater in the last five years. These earthquakes can do serious damage, including creating sinkholes. Use these signs to determine if your property is at risk, so the proper foundation repair can be applied ahead of time, or you can flee the area before the collapse.

How to Tell if You Are at Risk of a Sinkhole

1. Cracks in the Ground

Usually, sinkholes develop slowly over a long period. However, when the ground opens up, it will happen suddenly and expand quickly. If you notice cracks developing in the ground, take them as a warning sign and vacate the area, especially if sinkholes have occurred in other areas where you live.

2. House Sinking

Sometimes foundation settling is due to the formation of a sinkhole under the home. You might notice cracks on the interior and exterior of the foundation. In this situation, it’s also common for doors and frames to become unlevel, so opening and closing them becomes difficult. Flooring and walls could also develop cracks. If you notice any of these signs, contact a foundation repair expert immediately, as your home could become unsafe to live in.

3. Ground Geology

Natural sinkholes are typically due to the dissolution of carbonate rocks — such as limestone — or salt beds beneath the ground’s surface. When this occurs, underground caves or voids develop, and the change in gravity leads to circular depressions or the full collapse in the ground above. When the sinkhole is only one to three feet in size, a foundation repair expert can safely fill it in for you.

If you believe a sinkhole is harming your home’s foundation, contact the experts at Hillside Landscaping & Excavation. This company provides home foundation repair and waterproofing, excavation, and landscaping services to Anchorage, AK. Their experienced team has 26 years of industry experience and will get to the root of the settling and quickly repair and waterproof the foundation. Call them today at (907) 522-4457, and visit their website to learn more about their services.