You’re not sure, but you think that you may have a sinkhole beneath your home. Perhaps you’ve noticed a few changes on your property, and suspect the problem is a sinkhole developing. Maybe you wouldn’t be able to tell a sinkhole from a palm tree, and need to get informed so you can be prepared. Whatever the case, it’s important to be armed with knowledge and become familiar with what a sinkhole looks like, what it can do to your property, and the right action to take.

Become a Sinkhole Expert

To help you identify sinkholes we’ve prepared a comprehensive picture gallery of sinkhole homes that we’ve encountered. The dozens of pictures below will show the structural damage that sinkholes can cause. By reviewing these photos and understanding the signs, you may not be a sinkhole expert, but you will have a much better understanding of the signs to observe and the structural damage that sinkholes cause.

Beware of These Signs

The following signs may mean sinkhole activity. Be sure to take them seriously. The potential damage that can ensue is a very serious issue.

Inside: Doors and Windows

Though it seems harmless, a stiff door or a jammed window is a serious warning sign. Have you noticed that a door doesn’t close properly anymore? Perhaps the upper corner of the door knocks against the top of the frame when you try to shut it. Or maybe the bottom of the door scrapes the carpet or floor when opening. This could indicate that the foundation of your home has shifted, putting the door out of square. Maybe you open a window, only to find that it gets stuck halfway up. These are all indications of structural problems, which could indicate sinkhole activity beneath your property.

Inside and Outside Cracks

Cracks that occur in floors, walls, pavement or even the surfaces of the ground are often the easiest sinkhole signs to spot. Perform a brief check of your property for these warning signs. In a block home, the crack may occur between the joints of the bricks, creating a diagonal and/or stair-step crack. If your walls are coated in plaster, the plaster may separate in areas, sometimes following the cracks of the underlying block. Pay close attention to the corners. The first place for cracks to occur is in corners above windows and doors. Cracks, any cracks, should be taken seriously. They can occur virtually anywhere inside and outside your house. Although they begin small, they can eventuate in severe damage.

Other Property Problems

Watch out for cracks in sidewalks or driveways. Even the separation of sidewalk joints indicates a problem. You may notice previously buried parts of your home’s foundation or of trees, becoming exposed due to the sinking ground. Watch out for these same sinkhole signs on your neighbor’s property. Sinkhole activity on an adjacent property can mean trouble for you as well.

The following photos are just a few signs of a sinkhole problem:

Building Exterior / Interior

Land & Property

Extreme Sinkhole Damage