Which is better: chemical or cement grouting to repair sinkhole damage?
The most common methods for fixing a house with sinkhole damage, from what we’ve seen as sinkhole lawyers, have been the combined use of grouting and underpinning. Many engineering firms, until very recently, even if they called for grouting, only used deep compaction grouting made of concrete.
Why Chemical Grout is Better at Repairing Sinkhole Damage
In the past four years, we have seen an increased call for both concrete grout and shallow, chemical grout. Cement grout is injected beneath the home, so that the sinkhole can be “filled” (sort of), and the soil can be stabilized to stop any additional movement. However, while cement grout works well in deeper soil conditions (sand, clay, rock), it does not work well in shallow, organic soils. This is because the shallow layers beneath a home are made of more organic materials, which cement does not bind.
More and more, engineering firms are calling for “chemical” grouting in the first 10 feet or so, which can stabilize the more shallow soils. This product is not made of cement but is made of polyurethane or other material made to expand and fill the voids beneath the structure. Read my caveats about the use of grout to repair sinkhole damage.
The insurance company, in an insurance claim for sinkhole damage, is responsible to return the home to its “pre-loss” condition. It is our opinion, as sinkhole lawyers, that Florida law requires a consideration of using chemical grouting to properly and legally fix the sinkhole damage. We would suggest you ask your insurance company and your engineering firm to counsel you on your options.
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Bravo, Morgan. You’re technically correct and politically correct by recommending insurance companies and engineering firms to counsel on options. The shear weight of cement grouting will only exacerbate the problem. Chemical grouting is the only answer for returning the home to its “pre-loss” condition, regardless of cost. Demand it.
What value loss to the real estate with the advent of a sink hole. The physical aspects “may be” cured, however there is a stigma placed on the property. So what is the value loss and what is the responsibility of the Insurance company to cure the loss.