STEEL PILE DRIVING PROCESS
Discover our patented hydraulic pile system for leveling your foundations.
The Cause
The leading cause of soil settling in Quebec, particularly in the Montreal area, is soil composition. The soil is unstable and cannot support the building’s weight, and therefore the structure is affected.
In fact, clay soils, for various reasons (trees, paved surfaces, drought periods, etc.), dry out, resulting in slow settling. As a result, the building gradually sags.
Given that clay recovers only a percentage of the water it loses, the soil never regains its original volume, and the building, under its weight, gradually – and sometimes unevenly – settles. Some soils have low bearing capacities and are not firm enough to support the weight of the building or house.
The Long-Lasting Solution
Installing driven steel piles is the ultimate solution to foundation settling. Steel piles are used to distribute the load to bedrock and are anchored to the foundation. The purpose of installing steel piles is to stabilize the foundation and straighten it if possible. The steel piles will stabilize your house (building) as well as reinforce the foundation and structure.
The Scope of Work
- Pile brackets are securely anchored to the foundation
- Steel piles are driven to bedrock
- Hydraulic jacks lift the building
- The foundation is repaired and reinforced
- The steel piles are filled with concrete
To install steel piles in the Greater Montreal Area or elsewhere in Quebec, Bisson Expert is the industry benchmark. With more than 65 years of experience and satisfied customers, our reputation is well established. Our skilled workforce can identify the warning signs, pinpoint the causes and provide the solutions needed to stabilize and, if recommended, straighten the foundation with steel piles.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR FOUNDATION IS SETTLING?
There are certain signs that may indicate your home’s foundation is settling, such as significant cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, cracks on interior walls, cracks in brick walls, doors and windows that are difficult to open, and uneven floors.
DO PILES PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT?
Yes, foundation stabilization using piles is an effective and, above all, permanent solution to your settlement problems. Driven down to firm, stable soil or bedrock, the piles ensure the foundation’s stability, even if it is located in a high-risk area.
FOUNDATION SETTLING: HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S STABILIZED OR IF IT COULD STILL SHIFT THIS YEAR OR NEXT?
If a complete stabilization was carried out, the foundation will no longer move. This is a permanent solution. If stabilization was only partial, there is always a risk that the foundation will continue to shift over time. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict with certainty when or if this movement will occur.
WHAT CAUSES A FOUNDATION TO SETTLE?
The main cause of foundation settlement is the composition of the soil. Clay soils tend to dry out, causing the building to gradually settle. In addition, soil that is prone to settlement (often due to poor backfill) will not be able to support the weight of a building, leading to ground movement beneath it.
CAN FOUNDATION STABILIZATION WORK BE DONE DURING THE WINTER?
Interior piles can certainly be installed during the winter. As for exterior piles, it is best to install them in the spring, summer, or fall.
WILL THE HOUSE REMAIN HABITABLE DURING THE FOUNDATION STABILIZATION WORK?
Yes, it is entirely possible for residents to continue living in the house while foundation stabilization work is being done.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LEVEL MY HOUSE SO THAT IT’S STRAIGHT?
The foundation can be leveled, which will close the cracks and raise the settled part. Although this procedure will certainly improve your situation, there is no guarantee that your home will be perfectly level. This is a highly precise process that requires the expertise of professionals to ensure that no further damage or cracks are caused during the repair.
WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE PROFESSIONALS TO STABILIZE OR REPAIR A FOUNDATION?
Pile foundation stabilization is a complex process. An engineer must assess the weight of the property and determine the size and placement of the piles, in addition to calculating the load applied to them. Otherwise, the property could be damaged. That’s why it’s essential to consult specialists. The professionals and engineers at Bisson Expert specialize in foundation stabilization; you can rely on them to guide you through the process with confidence.
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FINANCING UP TO $100,000 FOR YOUR FOUNDATION REPAIRS
No matter what type of foundation repairs are needed, Bisson Expert is happy to offer its customers simple payment solutions thanks to our partnership with Financeit.
Our Satisfied Customers
The entire Bisson Expert team is committed to ensuring full customer satisfaction. Over the years, we have developed a proven process that encourages us to strive for excellence, thanks to our talented and committed team of experts.