Hydraulic piles: stabilize and straighten your existing foundations

Restore your home’s stability with Fondabec

Are you noticing cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that no longer close properly? These are common signs of foundation settlement. Hydraulic piles, also known as jacked piles, are one of the most reliable solutions to correct these issues without having to rebuild your entire foundation.

At Fondabec, we specialize in foundation stabilization and underpinning for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings across Quebec. Using state-of-the-art hydraulic equipment, we can lift and stabilize existing foundations by transferring the load of your structure to stable soil layers or directly to bedrock.

Why choose hydraulic piles?

Foundation piles play an essential role in stabilizing and straightening residential and commercial buildings constructed on unstable soil (whether clay, backfilled, or poorly compacted). These conditions are frequently encountered in Montreal and several regions of Quebec.

When the soil can no longer adequately support the weight of a structure, it causes ground movement that can compromise the integrity of the building. In this case, installing piles transfers the load from the foundation to deeper, more stable soil layers (such as bedrock or rock), ensuring the long-term safety of the structure.

Ignoring a foundation problem can have serious consequences: cracks, water infiltration, structural misalignment, and even loss of property value. Before the damage becomes irreversible, it is important to know how to recognize the early signs of weakness.

Signs of settling or foundation problems

Inside your building

Inside your building, certain visible changes, such as cracks or uneven floors, can reveal underlying foundation problems. Here’s what to watch for.

Cracks in interior walls

Cracks that appear on drywall, in wall corners, or around door and window frames are often related to structural movement in the building. Since the foundation supports the entire structure, any movement in the foundation can put stress on the interior walls and cause this type of cracking.

Cracks or bulges in floors

Floors that crack, bulge, or become uneven may indicate foundation settlement or movement. This symptom is common in homes built on clay or poorly drained soils.

Doors and windows that stick

When doors or windows become difficult to open or close for no apparent reason, this may be caused by deformation of the frame, which is itself caused by movement of the foundation. This is often one of the first observable signs of a stability problem.

Sloping floors or non-vertical walls

A simple level can be used to detect misalignment of surfaces. If several floors have a similar slope, this may indicate localized subsidence. This phenomenon is often gradual, but should not be underestimated.

Water infiltration in the basement

Water infiltration can be the result of a drainage problem or a foundation leak. However, even in the absence of visible cracks, monolithic movement of the foundation (overall displacement without cracking) can cause damage elsewhere in the structure.

Outside your building

The signs of foundation settlement are not limited to the interior of a building. Many clues can also be observed outside and should alert homeowners, as they often indicate underlying structural instability.

Cracks in foundations or exterior walls

The appearance of stair-step cracks, hairline cracks, or straight lines in concrete foundations, brick, or stucco can signal excessive pressure or differential movement in the soil. These cracks can spread to other parts of the building if nothing is done quickly.

Visible subsidence of a section of the building

When the ground settles or the foundation is no longer able to distribute loads properly, part of the building may sink. Visible subsidence, even slight, should be taken seriously as it can progress rapidly and cause significant structural damage.

Misaligned openings (doors, windows, frames)

Abnormal gaps around windows or doors, particularly at basement or foundation level, may indicate that the structure has shifted. This type of misalignment is often seen around openings in the foundation, but can also occur on upper floors in cases of significant movement.

Movement or misalignment of the chimney

A chimney that is detached from the building or leaning slightly is a telltale sign of movement in the foundation. Since it passes through several structural elements, the chimney acts as a reliable indicator of progressive settling or slippage.

When to take action?

Detecting a foundation problem is one thing, but acting quickly is another, and this is often what makes the difference between a simple repair and more extensive work. Many homeowners tend to downplay the appearance of cracks, unevenness, or leaks, thinking that it is simply “part of the normal aging process” of a building. However, these signs are often the first indicators of progressive settlement and should not be ignored.

When is it best to take action?

As soon as a new or rapidly developing symptom appears (cracks that are getting bigger, doors that are sticking more and more, etc.).
When buying or selling a building: a sound foundation increases the value and security of the transaction.
Before winter, to prevent ground frost from amplifying movements.
If you are planning an expansion or major renovation: an unstable foundation can compromise the entire project.

The earlier you intervene, the simpler, more targeted, and more affordable the solutions will be. Waiting often means risking silent deterioration… until it’s too late.

Hydraulic piles (or jacked piles)

When your foundations show signs of subsidence, installing hydraulic piles (also known as jacking piles) is the best solution for straightening and stabilizing the structure. Used both to reinforce existing foundations and to support additional loads, jacking piles ensure long-term stability, even in difficult condition This technique is particularly well-suited to the clay-rich or poorly compacted soils common in Greater Montreal and other parts of Quebec, which often cause foundations to settle over time.

When to use hydraulic piles?

Hydraulic piles are designed to correct subsidence in existing foundations. When a building begins to settle, move, or lose stability, this technique allows it to be accurately straightened while ensuring its structural durability.

Hydraulic piles are also used

when adding additional load to an existing foundation (such as adding a floor)
during decontamination work, pyrite
for the support and straightening of structures such as slabs, balconies, or concrete walls.

Technical installation

Hydraulic piles are installed directly on existing foundations using anchor shoes attached to the base of the walls. High-corrosion-resistant steel columns (HP type) are then driven into the ground using a hydraulic jack.

The pile is driven until it reaches refusal.
Once refusal is reached, the weight of the building is transferred to the piles.
Strong welds are made at three points: at the top, bottom, and center of the shoe.
The interior of the pile is filled with concrete to ensure its strength

This method is particularly suited to confined spaces: it generates no vibrations, protects neighboring structures, and requires little space to implement.

Good to know: It is strongly recommended to underpin the entire building, even if the subsidence appears to be localized. This is because soil composition can vary from one point to another, hence the importance of uniform treatment.

Hydraulic piles are the most reliable method for restoring your foundations to their original stability, without major demolition or heavy machinery.

Hydraulic (or jacked) piles advantages

Piling your foundation is not just a solution to a structural problem: it is an investment in the durability and value of your property. Here are the main concrete benefits of a pile-reinforced foundation:

Permanent stabilization of the structure

Piling prevents any future movement of the foundation. Whether using driven or hydraulic piles, loads are redirected to load-bearing soil or rock, protecting the building from seasonal movements, frost, or clay soils.

Consolidation of load-bearing elements

Piling acts as a global structural reinforcement. By immobilizing the base of the building, the stability of load-bearing walls, concrete slabs, stairs, and openings is ensured.

Prevention of secondary damage

Stabilizing the foundation prevents new cracks from appearing, doors or windows from warping, or floors from lifting. This preserves the integrity of the building’s interior and exterior components.

Added value and peace of mind

A certified pile foundation is a significant asset when it comes to resale. It increases buyer confidence and can even enhance the market value of the property. In addition, a stable structure extends the overall life of the building.

Piling your home means securing your investment, preserving your comfort, and avoiding more costly repairs in the long run.

Personalized support at every step of your project

Before any work is carried out, a thorough assessment of the condition of your foundations is essential in order to make a clear diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate solution. At Fondabec, this analysis is carried out by experienced and certified professionals, with the support of our engineers specializing in structural engineering and soil mechanics.

Analysis and assessment of your foundations

The assessment includes:

A visual and structural inspection of cracks, subsidence, or misalignments
An analysis of the soil type (clay, fill, loose soil, etc.)
An estimate of the current load-bearing capacity
Personalized technical recommendations, accompanied by plans and estimates if necessary

We know that foundation work can be a significant investment. That’s why Fondabec also supports you financially:

Need piling services?

For over 20 years, Fondabec has been assisting homeowners in Greater Montreal and across Quebec with their piling projects. Whether you are in Laval, Longueuil, Terrebonne, the North Shore, the South Shore, or elsewhere in the province, our team will quickly come to assess your situation and offer you the most sustainable solution.

We hold all the necessary certifications in piling, civil engineering, and underpinning, and we work with partner engineers and surveyors to ensure the compliance and quality of each project.

Fill out this form or call us today!

FAQ

How is piling work carried out on a house or terraced building?

In the case of terraced buildings or densely built-up areas, piling is carried out with great precision, minimizing the impact on neighboring structures. We use compact equipment and vibration-free methods (such as hydraulic piles), which allow us to work without causing damage to adjacent buildings. Rigorous planning is carried out in advance with our engineers to ensure the stability of the entire structure.

Can the work be carried out in winter?

Yes. Our teams carry out piling work all year round, including in winter. The equipment used allows us to drill through frozen ground without any problems. In addition, working before the snow melts can be strategic in preventing ground movement due to freezing and thawing from worsening. Winter is therefore an opportune time, provided that access to the site is possible.

Can piling be done from the inside?

In certain situations, particularly when outside access is restricted or impossible, piling can be carried out from inside the building. This type of work requires a specific assessment, but it is entirely feasible, particularly in urban areas or terraced houses. Our equipment is designed to adapt to space constraints.

How long will the work take (number of days)?

The duration varies depending on the nature of the project, the number of piles to be installed, the accessibility of the site, and soil conditions. In general, pile driving work for a single-family home takes between 2 and 5 days. A building or more complex project may take longer. A precise estimate is provided during the initial assessment.

What is “resistance”?

Resistance is the maximum point of resistance reached when driving the pile into the ground. This means that the pile can no longer penetrate further because it has encountered very dense soil or rock. At this point, the building’s loads can be safely transferred, ensuring the long-term stability of the foundation.

Does the building need to be evacuated during the work?

In most cases, you can remain in your home during the work. Piling does not cause vibration or immediate danger to occupants. However, if work is required inside the building, temporary clearance of certain areas may be requested. We make sure to minimize any inconvenience.

What is the average cost of piling a house?

The cost of piling depends on several factors, including the nature of the problem, the type of piles installed (driven or hydraulic), the number of piles required, the depth, the accessibility of the site, and the soil conditions.

For over 20 years, Fondabec has been assisting homeowners in Greater Montreal and throughout Quebec with their excavation projects.

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