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Pyrrhotite & Crumbling Concrete Foundations

Pyrrhotite has been impacting homes in Connecticut as well as Central Massachusetts and Pioneer Valley for a number of years, but it has recently been identified in Dracut, MA. While the extent of the impact is unknown, below is helpful information about pyrrhotite: what it is, how it is impacting real estate locally, legislative initiatives, and resources. More to be added as available.

What is pyrrhotite?

Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide mineral commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is known for its metallic luster and bronze color, and it is magnetic to varying degrees. When present in construction materials like concrete, pyrrhotite can cause significant structural problems.

From the CT.gov website: “Crushed rock containing pyrrhotite has been used in housing foundations across central and eastern Connecticut, as well as in Massachusetts (Wille & Zhong, 2016). Pyrrhotite weathering in the presence of moisture and air produces secondary minerals that expand, causing concrete to crack. This compromises the structural integrity and accelerates degradation with the increased infiltration of water and air.

What impact has pyrrhotite had in Massachusetts?

Homes with concrete foundations that contain pyrrhotite are experiencing severe issues. When exposed to water and air, pyrrhotite oxidizes, leading to the formation of expansive secondary minerals. This reaction causes the concrete to crack and deteriorate over time, resulting in the crumbling concrete that has consequently impacted foundations in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The primary impacts include:

  1. Structural Integrity: Foundations with pyrrhotite can become unstable and unsafe, leading to costly repairs or even the need for complete foundation replacement.
  2. Property Value: Homes with compromised foundations often suffer a significant decrease in property value, making them difficult to sell.
  3. Financial Strain: Homeowners face substantial financial burdens due to the high cost of repairs and potential legal and insurance complications.

What can be done in a foundation has pyrrhotite and is crumbling?

According to FEMA, “the only safe and effective method to fix a home that has tested positive for pyrrhotite is to lift the house off the existing foundation and completely replace all the concrete. According to the Connecticut Department of Housing, this process can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000, often more than the total value of many affected homes.” (Source: https://www.fema.gov/case-study/connecticuts-crumbling-concrete)

Resources:

Real estate agents and homeowners affected by pyrrhotite-induced crumbling concrete can access various resources for support and information. These include:

 

Consumer Resources:

 

Legislative Resources:

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Massachusetts New Coverage:

 

Information Sources:

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