Before a single fence post is installed in your backyard, a crucial step must occur to prevent damage, delays, and severe safety risks: Info-Excavation.
Many homeowners in Quebec are surprised to learn that even a simple residential fence project requires official utility locates before drilling begins. Whether you plan to install a black chain-link (Frost) fence, a sleek ornamental enclosure, or a commercial perimeter, knowing exactly what lies underground is vital.
At Les Clôtures Duratech, Info-Excavation is a non-negotiable part of our professional planning. This is especially true in Quebec, where deep drilling is required to combat severe winter frost heave. This comprehensive guide explains what Info-Excavation is, its typical timeline, the critical difference between public and private lines, and why this process guarantees a safer, longer-lasting fence.
What is Info-Excavation for Fence Installation?
Info-Excavation is the process of requesting the identification of buried public utilities before any excavation takes place. For fence work, this means checking for underground lines before our heavy machinery drills holes and pours concrete footings.
This process locates critical infrastructure such as:
- High-voltage electrical lines (Hydro-Québec Safe Work Guide)
- Natural gas pipelines (Énergir)
- Telecommunications and fiber optic cables (Bell, Videotron)
- Municipal water and sewer services
Public Utilities vs. Private Lines (Important Distinction)
One of the most common misunderstandings in residential fencing is what Info-Excavation actually covers. Info-Excavation only locates public utilities up to the meter on your house. They do not mark private lines that you or a previous owner installed in the backyard.
It is the homeowner’s strict responsibility to inform the Duratech team about the location of private lines, such as:
- Electrical wires running to a pool heater, shed, or detached garage
- Underground sprinkler systems
- French drains or septic fields
Understanding the Locate Process
| Step | What Happens | Why It Matters for Your Fence |
| 1. Request Submitted | Public utilities are officially notified of the digging zone. | Prevents blind drilling and ensures legal compliance. |
| 2. Site Reviewed & Marked | Technicians paint colored lines on your grass indicating buried networks. | Significantly reduces the risk of dangerous utility strikes. |
| 3. Fence Layout Adjusted | The Duratech installer adapts post locations safely around the marks. | Keeps the project moving safely without unexpected fees. |
How Utility Locates Impact Fence Planning
Utility locates directly affect fence project planning. They influence the start date, the exact fence route, the drilling type, and the final design. If a buried line is found right on your property line, the Duratech crew will adapt professionally. We may need to:
- Shift post spacing slightly to bridge over the utility line.
- Modify gate placement to a safer zone.
- Use manual digging (hand shovels or hydro-vac) instead of a mechanized auger near sensitive zones.
This is exactly why on-site evaluation is crucial. Online fence calculators cannot see gas lines. Les Clôtures Duratech assesses these obstacles in person so that your final price reflects actual conditions—no hidden fees, no surprise invoices.
Typical Fence Installation Timeline with Info-Excavation
How long does Info-Excavation take before fence installation? The answer depends heavily on the season. During our peak installation months (April to July), thousands of excavation requests are submitted across Montérégie and the South Shore.
A realistic and professional project sequence includes:
- On-site consultation and transparent pricing.
- Info-Excavation request submitted by Duratech.
- Utility responses and site markings completed (typically 3 to 10 business days).
- Drilling deep below the frost line and installing concrete footings.
- A strict 14-day concrete cure.
- Stretching the mesh and final assembly.
Seasonal Scheduling Considerations
| Project Factor | Typical Effect on Timeline | Duratech Planning Tip |
| Peak Spring Demand | Slower Info-Excavation utility responses. | Book your consultation early in the spring or late fall. |
| Large Commercial Sites | More coordination needed with multiple networks. | Allow extra buffer time for project start dates. |
| Complex Underground Networks | Fence layout may need slight on-site revisions. | Trust our installers to adjust post spacing safely. |
The Risks of Skipping Utility Verification
Skipping utility verification creates problems far beyond simple project delays. Hitting an underground line can cause severe consequences:
- Dangerous, life-threatening contact with high-voltage or gas lines.
- Neighborhood service interruptions.
- Tens of thousands of dollars in emergency repair costs and liability fines.
- Complete project stoppage.
For homeowners, underground damage prevention turns a stressful situation into a smooth property improvement.
Excavation Safety and Long-Term Fence Quality
Info-Excavation prioritizes safety, but it also supports better fence quality. Knowing underground conditions allows for precise drilling, which is the foundation of a fence that will last decades.
In Quebec, clay soils are highly vulnerable to freeze-thaw movement (frost heave). Rushed, shallow installations are a guaranteed recipe for leaning fences. Les Clôtures Duratech’s process ensures long-term performance:
- We verify all underground conditions before a single hole is dug.
- We drill deep below the frost line to anchor the posts.
- At Les Clôtures Duratech, we follow a professional 14-day curing standard before tensioning the mesh on a chain-link (Frost) fence. If the wire is stretched too soon, the tension can pull soft posts out of alignment, compromising the fence’s stability.
- We custom-fit the bottom of the mesh to the ground contours, eliminating gaps to ensure complete pet security.
Who is Responsible for What? (Clear & Simple)
At Les Clôtures Duratech, we believe in 100% transparency so your project runs smoothly without any bureaucratic surprises. Here is how the paperwork is divided:
| Responsible Party | Tasks |
| Duratech | Info-Excavation (Public lines), professional layout, utility coordination |
| Homeowner | City permits, identifying and marking private underground lines |
Important: While we handle all public utility locate requests, identifying private lines (pool heater cables, irrigation, septic) is the homeowner’s responsibility to prevent accidental strikes.
2 Real Installation Cases on the South Shore
Case 1 – The Hidden Pool Line in Chambly
A homeowner wanted a black Frost chain-link fence to meet Quebec pool safety regulations. Info-Excavation cleared the public utilities, but the homeowner remembered an old private electrical line running to a defunct pool heater. Duratech safely adjusted the layout before drilling, avoided a service strike, and completed deep post installation. The mesh was custom-fitted tightly to the ground to ensure their small dog couldn’t squeeze underneath.
Case 2 – Commercial Perimeter Project in Montérégie
A business needed a chain-link enclosure near a service area with multiple buried Énergir gas lines. Utility verification allowed the fence line to be revised slightly. Instead of abandoning the corner, Duratech carefully hand-dug the specific holes near the yellow paint marks. The posts were installed at adequate depth and allowed to cure for 14 days, resulting in a safe, unwavering perimeter.
FAQ
Do I always need Info-Excavation before installing a fence?
Yes. If your project involves excavation or post drilling, verifying buried public utilities is legally and practically required. Even small residential projects can encounter major underground infrastructure.
Do I have to call Info-Excavation or the city myself?
We handle all public utility locate requests through Info-Excavation for you. You only need to identify any private underground lines (e.g., pool heater cables, sprinklers). You are responsible for obtaining your municipal fence permit, but we will provide all the necessary technical specifications for your application.
How long does Info-Excavation take?
It typically takes 3 to 10 business days, but timing varies by season and utility response volume. Spring usually requires more lead time.
Does Info-Excavation matter for a residential chain-link fence?
Absolutely. A chain-link fence (Frost fence) requires deep drilling below the frost line and proper concrete placement to survive Quebec winters. You cannot drill deeply without checking for utilities first.
Why can’t fence posts just be installed quickly the next day?
Quick installation doesn’t ensure durability. In Quebec, posts must be drilled deeply, and the concrete must cure for 14 days before tension is applied to the fence mesh. Rushing this process leads to crooked fences.
Disclaimer: While Les Clôtures Duratech handles all public Info-Excavation requests prior to drilling, the property owner is strictly responsible for identifying and marking any private underground utilities (e.g., pool heaters, sprinkler systems, private lighting). Furthermore, municipal permits for fence heights and placements are the responsibility of the homeowner. Always consult your local South Shore urban planning department before beginning a project.
Ready to Plan Your Fence with Confidence?
Free Consultation: Les Clôtures Duratech | South Shore Montreal
Planning a fence in Montérégie or on the Montreal South Shore? Les Clôtures Duratech assesses your site properly from the very start. We offer turnkey installations, transparent pricing, and professional evaluations so your project is planned safely, drilled deeply, and built to last.
Request a free on-site consultation today!
