Pyrite

[jesseps]

I know that certain areas around the island are prone to have pyrite, but is it 100% sure, that homes built between certain years will have that issue, or only way to know is spending $600+ for the test?

I do understand if the pyrite comes in contact with oxygen, moisture or something else, it will react. If it laying under a sheet of concrete for 60+ years wouldn't it have reacted by now?

[go_habs_go]

Is this for your current home or a new home you're looking to purchase? If it's your current home then ask neighbors if they've had any issues. If there was pyrite used in the backfill of the homes on your street someone would have likely had issues by now. If it's a purchase, then yeah it's more difficult to get info. I know some areas of Montreal are more prone to have pyrite than others but I don't know if there is any clear info on this. West Island does seem to have some issues with it.

https://www.teambroady.ca/en/blog/the-pyrite-problem-in-the-west-island-of-montreal

[jesseps]

43 minutes ago, go_habs_go said:

Is this for your current home or a new home you're looking to purchase? If it's your current home then ask neighbors if they've had any issues. If there was pyrite used in the backfill of the homes on your street someone would have likely had issues by now. If it's a purchase, then yeah it's more difficult to get info. I know some areas of Montreal are more prone to have pyrite than others but I don't know if there is any clear info on this. West Island does seem to have some issues with it.

https://www.teambroady.ca/en/blog/the-pyrite-problem-in-the-west-island-of-montreal

I will have to ask around.

I did see there was or still a grant to help with pyrite removal, but only if the house was damaged, which sucks.

[budgebandit]

Have you noticed any cracks or swelling in your slab? 

[jesseps]

7 hours ago, budgebandit said:

Have you noticed any cracks or swelling in your slab? 

Nope.

Either I am lucky that I don't have any or whatever pyrite that is there never came in contact with any oxygen or moisture between the house being constructed and now.

[budgebandit]

My recommendation would be to do the test so you know for sure. If there is pyrite and you haven’t seen any swelling yet, then you need to make sure any little cracks are sealed and then add a sealer or an epoxy to your slab as an extra layer of protection. Also important to make sure that your french drain is functioning properly so no moisture gets to it from underneath.