Ferrous iron is a natural phenomenon resulting from bacteria activity of soils rich in iron such as sandy soils. In the presence of water and oxygen, a ferruginous bacteria transforms water’s soluble iron to insoluble iron. The result of this transformation produces an orange viscous mud, composed of water, fine particles of soil, insoluble iron and bacterial residues. Orange viscous sludge produced during this reaction, adheres to the interior and exterior of the French drain, thus obstructing the perforations which normally allow the water to move and evacuate through the drain. Once the drainage system is blocked, hydrostatic pressures are created and infiltrations occur, while creating significant damage to the basement of the building. Iron ochre causes are not yet well understood. It is very important to hire a qualified company for the analysis, inspection, cleaning of your French drains. A qualified company can make an appropriate diagnosis using fine technology tools such as colour cameras to inspect your French drains.

Here are the cities where we have seen problems with iron ochre: Blainville, Joliette, L’Assomption, Lachenaie, Laval, Laplaine, Lorraine, Mascouche, Otterburn Park, St-Adèle, St-Amable, St-Colomban, St – Jerome, St-Lazare, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Terrebonne and Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Traditional underpinning; the mass concrete underpinning method is nearly 100 years in age, and the protocol has not changed. This underpinning method strengthens an existing structure’s foundation by excavating strategical areas by hand or by mini excavator underneath and sequentially pouring concrete in a strategic order. Before actually pouring the new foundation walls under the existing, rebar reinforcement is installed to attache and secure the walls together. The final result is basically a foundation built underneath the existing foundation. This underpinning method is generally applied when the existing foundation is at a shallow depth. There are several advantages to using this method of underpinning including the simplicity of the engineering, the low cost of labor to produce the result, and the continuity of the structure’s uses during construction. After the underpinning is completed, the rest of the basement is excavated, drainage gravel is installed, interior rigid french drains are installed and attached to a sump pump pit. A drainage membrane such as DELTA MS is installed over the gravel, french drains, and up vertically over the foundation walls to protect from any possible water infiltration from the joint of the new and existing foundation walls. The final step is to pour a new concrete slab floor.

We strongly recommend the installation of French drains around the whole of the foundation walls when a water infiltration is evident in many areas. This installation will prevent the accumulation of underground water near the foundations walls by draining it the farthest away from the dwelling. Drains should lead the collected water to a sewer, a ditch or a sump pump. The recommended drain is made from plastic, with a diameter of 4 inches, flexible or rigid with small perforations that allow water to enter the French drain. It is covered with a layer of gravel and a geotextile membrane is added on top of the stone to prevent mud, dirt and residue from seeping inside the drain and causing possible future obstruction.

The life expectancy of French drains is approximately 30 years, depending on the installation methods used. Sooner or later, all buildings may experience drainage problems.

Installation of interior or exterior pumps and basins

Inside sump pump: The installation of an interior water sump pump into your basement is essential helping to prevent flooding. As the water builds up along and under the structure of the basement, it is redirected into the sump hole and when it reaches a “critical” level, the sump pump starts to evacuate water before it reaches the basement floor. Ultimately, a sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in the long term by protecting against damages caused by water. Always have a back up pump ready in case your existing pump fails.

Outside sump pump: The installation of an external sump pump is required where the water table around the foundation is extremely high. This pump is installed in a rigid culvert attached to existing French drains, and placed about 2 feet below foundation walls and helps to lower the water level as low as possible, thus preventing any water from coming in to contact with the foundation footings and the actual basement floor slab. This system facilitates access to French drains for easier inspection and cleaning from the outside.

We also provide excavation for levelling, extensions, ditches, repairing cracks, installation or replacement of French drains, sanitary or water sewer, tree stump or root removal. Underground roots can damage, proliferate and block your foundation drainage system and must be removed. For all types of projects, we are the partner you’re looking for!

Whether for water damages, sewer or any other type of problem caused by water infiltration or poor drainage, be aware that we offer emergency services 24 / 7. For peace of mind, contact Les Fondations d’Aujourd’hui Inc.