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So you have a sinkhole, who can help me?

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Effective Strategies for Seawall Erosion Control

Seawall erosion in Florida weakens coastal defenses, putting properties at risk. Understanding its causes, impacts, and preventive measures is crucial. This guide covers everything from identifying early signs to effective repair strategies for seawall erosion. Key...

Polyjacking: The Best Solution for Uneven Concrete

Polyjacking is a modern method to fix uneven concrete using high-density polyurethane foam. It offers a quick and long-lasting solution for driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Learn how polyjacking works and why it’s often preferred over traditional methods. Key...

Top 5 Ways to Repair Foundation Damage

Experiencing foundation problems like cracks or uneven floors? Learn how to repair foundation damage efficiently. This guide breaks down common issues, causes, and the 5 best repair methods to ensure your home stays safe and sound. Key Takeaways Foundation damage can...

Why Helical Piers Outperform Timber Piles for Builders

Building a solid foundation is the first critical step for any construction project. It sets the stage for the durability and integrity of the entire structure. For decades, timber pile pier and beam systems have been a common choice for builders, especially in areas...

The DIY Battle Against Seawall Soil Erosion

The encroaching waves and the relentless tides often leave Florida homeowners and communities along the coast grappling with a common adversary: seawall soil erosion. In an attempt to shield their land from being swallowed by the...

Why Is Soil Stabilization So Important in Foundation Repair?

Have you ever noticed a slight tilt in your driveway, or perhaps a crack along your concrete patio or sidewalk? Soil stabilization can solve these issues. These may not be random occurrences, but signs of a deeper issue: a compromised soil foundation. Soil stability...

Top Crawl Space Foundation Encapsulation Benefits Explained

Crawl space encapsulation – it’s a term that gets tossed around frequently in home maintenance circles, but what does it really mean? More importantly, how does it affect the health and well-being of those living in the house? The answers to these questions might...

Reinforcing Seawalls with Enduring Seawall Caps

The beauty of waterfront properties is unparalleled, but maintaining their integrity is just as crucial as admiring the view. Have you ever wondered how these properties withstand the constant barrage of waves and tides? The answer lies in the often-overlooked yet...

Residential Pool Deck Stabilization, Tampa, FL

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id="1" ][cs_element_row _id="2" ][cs_element_column _id="3" ][cs_element_headline _id="4" ][cs_content_seo]Residential Pool , Tampa, FL\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section...

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Imagine you’re outside enjoying a beautiful Saturday afternoon and you notice cracks along the side of your lanai or even worse pooling of water around those cracks. It certainly will change the mood for the rest of the weekend.

The question now arises – will this be covered under your policy of homeowner’s insurance?  One would THINK so, but not so fast.

First, you call your insurance to see if a claim could be covered under the “sinkhole loss” portion of the homeowner’s insurance policy.  You may be pleasantly surprised, that changes in the sinkhole statutes enacted in Florida several years ago may make this more difficult, the claim would most likely not be covered as a “sinkhole loss”.  A sinkhole loss is defined under most policies of insurance as structural damage caused to the home by sinkhole activity.

cracks

Clearly, the attached picture reflects potential sinkhole activity, but does it reflect “structural damage” (as now defined in your policy) to the residence?  Because of the current legal system here in the state of Florida, in order for your home to have incurred “structural damage”, your house pretty much has to be sent to rubble (the laws have a slightly more technical definition, but you get the point).  So, even though your house is clearly being affected by sinkhole activity since the damage to the house does not rise to the definition of “structural damage”; you might not initially receive an awarded claim.

WHAT ARE SOME SINKHOLE SIGNS TO BE AWARE OF

  • Cracks in the walls
  • Cracks around the door or window frames
  • Cracks in the floor or pavement
  • Cracks in and around the pool area
  • Cracks in the foundation or the structure separating from the foundation
  • Not being able to close doors and windows correctly
  • The pooling of water on the property
  • Slumping or slanting trees or sagging fencing
  • Wilting vegetation in small circular areas

standing water

But there is also a portion of your insurance policy which provides coverage for Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse.  It is this coverage that the insurance company lobbyists touted as being available to cover situations where an “actual” sinkhole opened up and destroyed your house.  BUT – this Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse coverage only applies if ALL of the following conditions are met:

1.      An open hole you can clearly see with the naked eye

2.     Damage which is sudden and not gradual

3.     The home must be condemned and ordered vacated by a government entity.

Well – since the subject home does not appear to be destroyed and therefore has not been condemned, all of the required elements have not been met and therefore = No Coverage!

sinkhole

HOW DO I FILE A SINKHOLE CLAIM

Start right away! Secure your property and take all steps necessary to protect yourself and others from danger/potential harm. Review your Insurance policy for sinkhole coverage to put in a claim. In Florida, if you have sinkhole insurance coverage, your insurance company is required by law to cover damage related to sinkhole activity (up to the limits of your policy). You can then decide to call your insurance company or agent on your own and let them know what has happened and provide some basic information where they should begin the claims process.

Your insurance company will generally send an engineer or geologist to survey the damage and to conduct sinkhole testing. Initial testing for sinkhole activity may consist of ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity studies. These tests are used to detect anomalies underground. Another test that may be conducted is called standard penetration testing, where a drilling rig is used to bore a hole into the earth. Sinkhole testing usually takes several days but may be spread out over the course of several weeks depending on the type of test(s) conducted. If sinkhole activity is detected, your insurance company will request repair estimates, which should only come from licensed contractors. If sinkhole test results are negative (no sinkhole activity is found), your insurance company will most likely deny your claim.

WHEN TO BRING IN THE BEST

Helicon is the premier geotech construction company in Florida. Based out of Tampa, FL. we are a licensed general contractor leading the industry in full-service geotech construction work.

We are experts in pre-construction, soil and structural stabilization, & sinkhole repair. As the premier provider of geotech construction services throughout the state of Florida for nearly 15 years and have developed tremendous referrals with sinkhole attorney’s where we as a team can help guide you through the process and to explain the rights you have under your insurance policy. Helicon prides itself on providing high-quality service, with handling all repairs and pre-construction work for both residential and commercial projects. We strive to exceed everyone’s expectations.

Helicon has successfully completed thousands of projects in the state of Florida with a focus on the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, including the surrounding counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Citrus and Marion counties. Our professional Helicon Teams are trained and equipped with the tools and expertise needed to execute a flawless and professional experience using the latest technology to repair or prevent for your particular project.

We invest in our teams ensuring they remain up to date on the latest industry technology and training. Our Office Teams will answer all your questions, provide professional service, give knowledgeable advice, and execute a project that will fully satisfy our customers.