{"id":8892,"date":"2026-06-30T09:22:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T13:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bissonexpert.com\/en\/blog\/changements-climatiques-et-fondation-agir-face-aux-fissures-aux-infiltrations-deau-et-aux-affaissements\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T15:22:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T19:22:51","slug":"climate-change-and-foundations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bissonexpert.com\/en\/blog\/climate-change-and-foundations\/","title":{"rendered":"Climate change and foundations: addressing cracks, water Infiltration, and settlement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Episodes of heavy rain, prolonged droughts, more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and significant fluctuations in groundwater levels are now placing increasing pressure on buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more than 70 years, Bisson Expert has been assisting Quebec property owners with foundation repairs<\/a>, structural stabilization<\/a>, and building waterproofing<\/a>. Thanks to our recognized expertise, exclusive technologies, and comprehensive range of services, we helps owners protect their investment against the impacts of climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why does climate change affect foundations?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, will become increasingly frequent in the coming years (source: Universit\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec \u00e0 Montr\u00e9al<\/a>). And unfortunately, much of Quebec\u2019s building stock was not constructed to withstand these new conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall place significant stress on foundations and can cause foundation cracks, water infiltration, and structural stability issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why foundation problems, basement water leaks, and the need for foundation repairs are on the rise throughout Quebec.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n

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The unique challenge of foundations in Quebec<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clay soils are particularly sensitive to changes in moisture levels, and in Quebec, the most densely populated areas of the province consist of clay soil (R\u00e9gie du b\u00e2timent du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a>). In regions such as Montreal, the North Shore, the South Shore, Lanaudi\u00e8re, and the Laurentians, these conditions increase the risk of differential settlement and foundation subsidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, many homes were built at a time when standards for drainage, waterproofing, and concrete quality were very different from today\u2019s. Homeowners must therefore view foundation protection as a key factor in preserving the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, mature trees tend to absorb large amounts of water, which dries out the soil. When planted near foundations, this can become a problem.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n

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Expert Advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“<\/mark>Periods of severe flooding or prolonged drought affect soil behavior and place additional stress on foundations. To address a settlement issue, we\u2019ll stabilize the foundation using Bisson Expert\u2019s patented pile technology. To deal with water infiltration, we\u2019ll waterproof the area with the red membrane\u2014exclusive to Bisson Expert and the most effective product on the market.“<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Vincent Beaudoin, President of Bisson Expert<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\n

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Drought and foundation settlement:<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong>
when the soil shrinks<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Foundation problems are often associated with water infiltration, but drought can be just as damaging. During long periods without rain, certain types of soil\u2014particularly clay soils\u2014lose their natural moisture. As they dry out, they shrink and lose volume. This contraction creates voids beneath the foundation and causes the building to settle unevenly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Over time, several signs may appear:<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n