When left unnoticed or unaddressed, sinkholes can cause severe and permanent damage to your commercial property. However, if caught early enough, business owners and property managers can turn to compaction grouting for a stable solution. To learn more about this environmental hazard and how to spot the warning signs, take advantage of this brief guide.

What Is a Sinkhole?

Sinkholes are depressions in the Earth’s surface, usually caused by underground material being dissolved by water or the contaminants in runoff. While the dissolution may be in progress for years, the collapse of the top surface can occur all at once, swallowing structures, trees, and any people or objects on top. This can threaten people's safety and confidence in your business. Even if you’re only using the property for storage, the possibility of a sinkhole could risk financial loss. 

What Causes a Sinkhole?

Sinkholes are more common in areas prone to heavy rainfall followed by periods of drought. The excessive runoff can be soaked up by the soil like a sponge, causing it to expand and even lift the property on top of it. When the drought hits, the earth will significantly contract, causing the property to sink down. This weight can then speed up the formation of a sinkhole, causing the ground to collapse. Other common influencing factors include extreme temperature shifts—which also cause the soil to expand and contract—and natural fluctuations in groundwater levels.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

Contractors use a technique called compaction grouting to prevent the collapse of rocks and soil beneath commercial properties. This involves pumping a viscous paste—a combination of sand, cement, and water—into the cavernous area beneath a future sinkhole. Over time, the paste hardens into grout, achieving a precise level of pressure. This helps support the structures, trees, and other above-ground elements that may have been vulnerable to sinkhole formation.

With the help of The Dwyer Company, you no longer have to think of sinkholes as a what-if. From locations in Lexington and Louisville, KY, as well as Westchester, OH, they provide compaction grouting services to commercial property owners and managers. Their services can also be used to remedy bowed walls, foundation cracks, and other property damage. To learn more about their skills, visit the website. You can also contact them at (513) 777-0998 to request a free estimate for your compaction grouting project.