FOUNDATION PILES
HYDRAULIC FOUNDATION PILE INSTALLATION – PILING IN MONTREAL
Hydraulic foundation piles stabilize your home's foundation. Piling is a method that acts as a deep foundation at the bedrock level and straightens and stabilizes your home. It's like putting your house on permanent steel stilts to support it.
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The most common cause of sinking is unstable/low-bearing soil (often clay). The sinking of structures is commonly caused either by unstable soil that cannot support the building's weight or by soil with a low-bearing capacity, meaning the soil is not firm enough to support the weight of your home. In either case, the end result may be structural issues. That’s why piling in Montreal provides a reliable solution. We install hydraulic piles to transfer the foundation’s weight from the surface to the bedrock. Piling can be used in almost any type of soil and can last a lifetime. Trust the expertise of Akton Injection in Montreal to inject new life into your foundation.
WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC PILE?
Pile foundations are one of the oldest methods of providing a safe and dependable foundation and are required when upper soil strata are weak. A foundation pile is called hydraulic when it is hydraulically forced into the ground. Pile driving machines use a weight placed above a pile that releases, slides down vertically, and hits the pile, hammering it into the ground. In the case of hydraulic piles, the weight is raised mechanically and is powered by hydraulics. The hydraulic pile hammer sends hydraulic fluid at high pressure into a rotary-type hammer. The hammer is forced down at very high speed, striking the piling. The hammer returns to the raised position and is once again driven downward.
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Hydraulic piles are recommended when lifting or stabilizing the foundation of a large building in Montreal without causing impact or vibration. At Akton Injection, our experienced team begins by inspecting the structural damage to identify the root cause and determine the most suitable solution. With the right equipment and expertise, we safely restore your foundation's stability and repair any resulting cracks.
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Screw piles may seem cheaper than piles initially, but they are not able to withstand the load of concrete foundations. Screw piles can only be used in specific cases, such as the stabilization of a gallery, balcony or shed. A trustworthy contractor always uses hydraulic piles, as this is the only technique that guarantees the stability of an existing building. Contact us to discuss your project or to get personalized advice about foundation stabilization.
SIGNS OF SINKING/SAGGING
Here are the most common signs that your foundation may be sinking:
Cracks in bricks.
Doors and windows that won’t open or close properly.
Growing cracks in the foundation and bricks.
Cracks on the interior walls.
Uneven floors.
Uneven ground.
Widening or lengthening cracks.
Sticking or creaking doors and windows.
Misaligned locks, latches, and frames.
The most common signs are cracks in the foundation, cracks in a brick wall, poorly closing doors and windows, and cracks inside the home. These signs signify that the structure is collapsing. This means the building’s foundation is on unstable soil, often clay soil. Hence, the foundation needs to be pinned to the bedrock using hydraulic piles.
SOIL MOVEMENT
Many houses in Greater Montreal are built on low-load-bearing soils. A concrete foundation weighs a few tons and can sink a few inches if the ground does not have the capacity to support it. A clay soil often shows weakness, resulting in the foundation's movement, if not sinking. Other factors may contribute to the low load capacity of the soil. For instance, even a large tree near the foundation can make the ground near the building dry, creating faults in the ground. Even a ½ inch motion in the foundation can cause serious problems to the structure of the building. The team of specialists at Akton Injection can correct the problem: Steel piles will be pushed until there is refusal in the bedrock, thereby stabilizing the structure.
WHY PILING MATTERS
If your building has lost the stability it once had when it was built, hydraulic piling in Montreal gives you the best solution. Installing foundation piles won’t just stabilize your property. It can also lift and realign any part of the building that sank more than the rest. Piling offers a long-term fix to structural settlement and increases your property’s value. It’s often the most cost-effective option, especially if you do the work before severe damage occurs.
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Akton Injection knows how important your home is. That’s why our team will support you from start to finish. We install foundation piles according to a certified engineer’s plan to ensure proper placement and keep your house structurally sound. Don’t wait. Talk to us today to take care of your foundation piling project.
PROCESS OF INSTALLING FOUNDATION PILES
For many years, Akton Injection has used advanced techniques for piling in Montreal and stabilizing the foundations of many buildings. We understand the importance of your home, so our team will be there to guide you through the whole project. Foundation piling is done in accordance with a certified engineer’s plan to ensure the optimal placement of the piles and to maintain the structural integrity of the home.
During our visit, our qualified professionals will first determine whether the foundation of your building has moved. If so, the building needs to be stabilized with piles, so we will proceed with the installation of hydraulic foundation piles.
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Our team will fix anchors at various locations around the foundations. The hydraulic piles will be placed into those anchors, driven down to the bedrock, and welded to the anchors. The weight of the foundations will then automatically be transferred to those anchors, so that the foundation no longer exerts any pressure on the unstable ground. We can also ensure the waterproofing of your foundation by installing French drains and foundation membranes.
THE BENEFITS
Here are the main benefits of installing foundation piles:
Permanent stabilization of your home.
Realignment or lifting of your structure.
Prevention of future damage and structural problems.
Waterproofing of your foundation.
Increased property value and reduced risk of collapse.
Peace of mind.
Protection of your investment.
The foundation of your building will be fully protected from any subsidence (sinking/sagging) of the ground and from severe weather conditions such as a flood or a drought.
GRANTS AVAILABLE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC
To offer support to homeowners dealing with foundations damaged by clay soil subsidence, the Société d’habitation du Québec has a program called Rénovation Québec. Many municipalities participate in the Rénovation Québec program, which provides financial assistance to municipalities wishing to support their residents in their residential renovation projects. For more information, see the details of the program on the Société d’habitation du Québec’s website and contact your municipality. In conformity with the specific procedures set forth by your municipality, we can provide you with a complete report and a detailed estimate for the work to be carried out.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE CITY OF MONTRÉAL
Residents of Montréal can benefit from the city’s Stabilization of Building Foundations Program. The following types of work are eligible for financial assistance:
Foundation stabilization work, including the installation of piles and the replacement of existing foundations.
Related work, such as the repair, consolidation and waterproofing of foundations, the repair of drains, excavation and backfilling, when the financial aid application concerns foundation stabilization work.
For more information, consult the website of the city of Montréal, and get in touch with us to get your free estimate for your project.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Still have questions about piling or foundation stabilization? Here are some helpful answers:
1. What’s the Difference Between a Hydraulic Pile and a Screw Pile?
Hydraulic piles are driven down by pressure until they reach the bedrock, while screw piles are installed by twisting them into the soil. Hydraulic piles work better for heavy structures.
2. How Long Does the Work Take?
It depends on the project, but most installations take a few days to a week.
3. Does the Work Cause Vibrations?
No. Hydraulic piling creates no impact or vibration, so it won’t damage your building.
4. When Should I Consider Piling?
When you notice cracks, uneven floors, or doors that stick, it’s best to schedule an inspection.
CONTACT AKTON INJECTION IN MONTREAL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
At Akton Injection, we know your house is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. That’s why our dedicated team of professional technicians makes sure your home’s foundation is solid. We have the experience to meet your demands. We will meet your needs by offering a bespoke solution that doesn't drill a hole in your budget. We’ll be happy to answer your questions. Call one of our representatives today or fill out our form for a free estimate on foundation piles in Montreal.