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Understanding Your Foundation Solution Options

Helping You Choose Between Piles and Deep Soil Infusions

If you have received quotes for both piles and deep soil infusions, you are in a good position. Both are viable options for your property, but they work very differently and deliver different long-term outcomes. This guide walks you through what each solution does, how it works, and what matters most when making your decision.

ComparisonHow They WorkWhat You're Investing InQuestions to ConsiderFAQs

Quick Comparison: What Sets Them Apart

Here is a side-by-side look at the key differences between the two solutions. The table covers what each one does, how it is installed, and what you can expect over time.

Steel Piles Deep Soil Infusions
What It Does Permanent structural foundation support Soil density improvement and stabilization
How It Works Galvanized steel piers driven to bedrock Expanding polyurethane foam injected into the soil
Installation Depth To bedrock (variable depth) Up to 6 feet
Primary Goal Lift, level, and permanently support your foundation Improve soil conditions to slow or prevent further movement
Timeline Variable (depends on project scope) 1 to 3 days for most residential projects
Lifting Capability Yes, can lift and level settled foundations Not designed for lifting; no guarantee
Future Settlement Foundation supported on bedrock, unaffected by soil movement Depends on soil and drainage conditions remaining stable
Warranty 20 years Up to 10 years
Long-Term Approach Permanent foundation support system Soil improvement measure

How Each Solution Works

Both solutions address foundation concerns, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Understanding what each one does, and does not do, is key to choosing the right fit.

Ossum Concrete Lifters

Steel Piles

Steel piles are an engineer-backed, galvanized structural support system designed to last the lifetime of your home. They work by transferring your foundation’s weight from unstable surface soil to deep, stable bedrock, creating a permanent, load-bearing framework that is independent of the soil around it.

Installation Process

After exposing the foundation at key points, the crew hydraulically drives galvanized steel piers to bedrock. The depth varies depending on your property’s geology. Each pier is attached to the foundation with engineered brackets, and hydraulic pressure is used to lift and level the structure. Once complete, the full load of your home rests on bedrock, backed by a 20-year warranty.

This May Be Your Best Fit If:

You are looking to solve your foundation issue permanently, plan to stay in your home long-term, or need your foundation lifted and levelled back to its proper position.

Level Best Concrete Lifting

Deep Soil Infusions

Deep soil infusions use high-density polyurethane geo-foam injected into the soil beneath your foundation to a depth of six feet. A chemical reaction causes the foam to expand, compacting loose soil and filling voids. The goal is to improve the density and stability of the soil to slow or prevent further settlement.

Installation Process

Small injection holes (5/8″ diameter) are drilled through your concrete, and polyurethane foam is injected to a six-foot depth. The foam expands in the soil, compacting surrounding material and filling voids. In some cases, minor mechanical lifting may occur during installation, though this is not a guaranteed or designed outcome. The process is backed by a warranty of up to 10 years.

This May Be Your Best Fit If:

You are looking for a shorter-term solution to slow future settlement, budget is a significant factor, or you prefer a less-invasive approach with a faster turnaround time.

What You're Investing In

Beyond the technical details, here is what each solution delivers for you as a homeowner.

Diagram showing helical pile installation beneath a residential foundation in BC

With Steel Piles, You Get:

  • A permanent foundation support system that reaches bedrock
  • The ability to lift and level your foundation back to position
  • Complete independence from surface soil conditions
  • A 20-year manufacturer-backed warranty
  • A solution engineered to last the lifetime of your home
  • BC's only Ram Jack system
Deep soil infusion technique used to stabilize foundations in BC

With Deep Soil Infusions, You Get:

  • Improved soil density beneath your foundation to a six-foot depth
  • A less invasive installation process with smaller access points
  • Faster project completion (typically one to three days)
  • Soil stabilization that may help slow further settlement
  • Warranty coverage of up to 10 years
  • A more budget-conscious approach to foundation concerns

Considerations to Help You Decide

Your property qualifies for either solution. These questions can help you sort through what matters most for your specific situation and goals.

About Your Foundation Goals

  • Are you looking to lift your foundation back to level, or is your main concern preventing further movement?
  • How long do you plan to stay in this home?
  • Is this a fix you want to do once and not think about again?

About Your Foundation's Current Condition

  • Is your foundation currently stable, or is it still showing signs of active movement?
  • Would you describe the situation as "it settled in the past" or "it is settling right now"?
  • Are you more concerned about what has already happened or what might happen next?

About Your Priorities

  • How important is a 20-year warranty compared to a 10-year warranty?
  • Do you prefer a solution that bypasses unstable soil entirely, or one that improves the existing soil?
  • Are you looking for the most comprehensive solution available, or the most budget-conscious option that still addresses the problem?

Take Your Time

There is no rush. Review both of your quotes carefully. Think about your long-term plans for the property, whether you need lifting capability, what level of warranty coverage matters to you, and whether you prefer a solution that works with the soil or one that bypasses it entirely. The right choice depends on your situation and your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Piles create an independent structural support system that reaches bedrock and bypasses your soil entirely. Deep soil infusions work to improve the condition of your existing soil to a depth of six feet. Both can be appropriate depending on your specific situation and goals.

Deep soil infusions are not designed or guaranteed to lift foundations. In some cases, minor movement may occur during installation, but it is not a reliable or intended outcome. If lifting your foundation back to level is important to you, piles provide that capability.

Consider your priorities: Do you need lifting? How long do you plan to stay in your home? Is a 20-year warranty important compared to a 10-year warranty? Do you want a solution that bypasses the soil issue entirely or one that improves the soil conditions? Your answers will help guide your decision.

Not every property qualifies for both solutions. Eligibility depends on your soil conditions, foundation type, and the nature of the movement. If you have received quotes for both, your property has been assessed as suitable for either approach.

With piles, your foundation is supported by bedrock, so future soil movement will not affect it. With deep soil infusions, the treated soil continues to support your foundation, but long-term effectiveness depends on ongoing soil and drainage conditions.

Have Questions About Your Quotes?

We are happy to walk you through the details and help you understand which solution makes the most sense for your home. No pressure, no sales pitch, just straight answers.
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