FOUNDATION PILES
FOUNDATION PILES IN MONTREAL AND HYDRAULIC PILE INSTALLATION
Foundation piles in Montreal may be considered when a home shows signs of settlement linked to unstable or low-bearing soil. Hydraulic piles act as a deep foundation by transferring the building’s load to the bedrock. This method helps straighten and stabilize the structure, much like a house resting on permanent steel supports.
The most common cause of settlement is clay or weak soil that no longer supports the building’s weight properly. In this context, structural problems can appear and progress over time. Hydraulic piles can be used in almost all soil types and are designed for long-term installation. For support with your foundations, get in touch with Akton Injection.
WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC PILE?
A pile foundation may be needed when the upper layers of soil are too weak to properly support the building. A hydraulic foundation pile is driven into the ground with hydraulic equipment to reach a more stable layer capable of carrying the load.
This method may be recommended to stabilize or straighten the foundations of large buildings, using a process with no impact and no vibration. At Akton Injection, the team evaluates visible damage, looks for the cause of the movement and determines the appropriate stabilization method. The team can also provide crack repair when foundations show openings linked to soil movement.
Screw piles may be suitable for certain lighter structures, such as:
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a deck
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a balcony
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a shed
For an existing building with concrete foundations, hydraulic piles are generally preferred to support the structure’s load. Contact us to discuss your project or to get personalized advice on stabilizing your foundations.
SIGNS OF SINKING/SETTLEMENT
Certain visible signs may indicate a foundation settlement problem. They may appear gradually, then become more noticeable as the structure continues to move.
Signs to watch for may include:
cracks in the brick, foundations or interior walls
doors and windows that stick, squeak or do not close properly
uneven floors or ground surfaces
cracks that open, widen or progress
misaligned locks, latches or door and window frames
When these signs appear, they may be linked to unstable, loose, clay or low-bearing soil. The foundations may then need to be stabilized to the bedrock using hydraulic piles.
SOIL MOVEMENT
Many homes in the Greater Montreal area are built on soils with low bearing capacity. When a concrete foundation rests on soil that can no longer support its weight, it may sink by a few centimetres and cause visible movement in the structure.
Several factors can contribute to this type of movement, including:
clay soil that contracts or shifts
low bearing capacity under the foundation
a large tree that dries out the soil near the building
even slight foundation movement
cracks that appear in the soil or walls
Even a ½-inch movement can cause serious problems for the building’s structure. Akton Injection’s team can address the problem by driving steel piles to refusal into the bedrock to stabilize the structure.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PILE INSTALLATION
If your building has lost the stability it had when it was newly built, hydraulic foundation piles in Montreal may offer a suitable solution for settlement problems. This work transfers part of the load to a more stable layer of soil and can help straighten a structure affected by uneven movement.
Pile installation can help:
stabilize a settled foundation
limit the progression of certain structural damage
support a home affected by low-bearing soil
preserve the value of the building when the work is done at the right time
​Akton Injection understands the importance of your home, which is why our team will be there to guide you throughout the project. Foundation pile installation is carried out according to a certified engineer’s plan to help place the piles properly and maintain the home’s structural integrity. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your foundation pile installation project in Montreal.
FOUNDATION PILE INSTALLATION PROCESS
For many years, Akton Injection has used techniques suited to foundation piles in Montreal and the stabilization of foundations for many buildings. The work is carried out according to a certified engineer’s plan to support proper pile placement and maintain the home’s structural integrity.
The process may include:
checking for signs of movement in the foundations
fastening anchors at different points around the foundations
driving the piles down to the bedrock
confirming the need to stabilize the building with piles
installing hydraulic piles in the anchors
welding the piles to the anchors to transfer the foundation’s weight
When the project context allows, Akton Injection can also help waterproof your foundation with the installation of French drains and foundation membranes.
SERVICE AREA
Akton Injection serves several areas for stabilization and foundation pile work, including:
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Montreal
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Laval
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the South Shore
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the West Island
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Comments from homeowners can help you better understand the support offered for foundation work. To discuss your situation with Akton Injection, tell us about your concerns.
"Extremely satisfied with Akton’s work. Special thanks to Tim, Milos and Isaiah for their great work all week. Sean and Steve provided great guidance and really helped tailor their service to our needs, including doing some very complex excavation by hand when needed. They advised us properly, and would let us know if something was not warranted or simply a waste of money. Their pricing was competitive, and the service they provided was top-notch. They did not hesitate to go above and beyond, and we really feel we got our money’s worth. They even managed to handle Outremont’s bureaucratic nightmare!"
- David B.
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THE BENEFITS OF FOUNDATION PILE INSTALLATION
Foundation pile installation can help protect a building when the soil no longer supports the structure properly. Depending on the condition of the foundations and the recommendations for the project, this work can help:
stabilize the home for the long term
bring the structure back to level, when possible
limit the progression of certain damage
contribute to foundation waterproofing
reinforce the building’s support
protect the real estate investment
When foundation pile installation work is well planned and carried out, it can help stabilize the property, bring the structure back to level and reinforce the foundation walls according to the condition of the building.
AVAILABLE GRANTS
GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Société d’habitation du Québec offers the Rénovation Québec program to support certain municipalities that assist residents with residential renovation projects. This program may apply to homeowners dealing with foundations damaged by the settlement of clay soils.
To prepare your request, you can:
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consult the program details on the Société d’habitation du Québec website
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contact your municipality to learn about the applicable terms
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request a complete report and a detailed estimate of the work to be done
CITY OF MONTRÉAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Montreal residents can also consult the foundation stabilization program for buildings. Depending on the program terms, certain work may be eligible for financial assistance, including:
foundation stabilization work, including pile installation and the replacement of existing foundations
related work, such as foundation repair, consolidation and waterproofing
drain repair, excavation and backfilling when related to stabilization work
For more information, visit the City of Montréal website, then request a free estimate for your project.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Still have questions about piles in Montreal or foundation stabilization? Here are a few helpful answers:
1. What Is the Difference Between a Hydraulic Pile and a Screw Pile?
Hydraulic piles are driven by pressure down to the bedrock, while screw piles are installed by screwing them into the ground. Hydraulic piles are better suited to heavy structures.
2. How Long Does the Work Take?
It varies depending on the project, but most installations take from a few days to a week.
3. Does the Work Cause Vibrations?
No, hydraulic pile installation is done without impact or vibration, which can help limit the risk of damage to the building.
4. When Should Pile Installation Be Considered?
As soon as you notice cracks, uneven floors or sticking doors, an inspection is recommended.
5. Are Hydraulic Piles Suitable for All Soil Types?
Hydraulic piles can be used in several soil contexts, but an evaluation helps confirm the method suited to the building and the signs observed.
CONTACT AKTON INJECTION IN MONTREAL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
At Akton Injection, foundation pile work is approached according to the condition of the building, the signs observed and the recommendations specific to the project. The team can answer your questions, guide you through the next steps and help you prepare for the work.
Call one of our representatives today or fill out our form to get a free estimate for foundation piles in Montreal.