Pyrite

Cross-shaped cracks, doors that don't close properly, and floors that lift? These may be signs of pyrite!

For pyrite removal services in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, by a company also serving Chambly, La Prairie, and the surrounding cities, contact our experienced team. The owner of CONSTRUCTION APC, founded in 2018, holds a construction contractor's license from the Régie du bâtiment (license no. RBQ 5762-3688-01) and is also a member of the APCHQ.

Our pyrite specialists have over 10 years of experience in removing rocks and soil containing pyrite from under the foundation footings of residential and commercial properties. Our services are offered at affordable prices.

What is Pyrite?

The rocks beneath your foundation slab may contain a mineral called pyrite, which produces sulfuric acid when it oxidizes upon contact with moisture and air. This acid spreads with the water, causing the soil to swell, which lifts the foundation slab and cracks the concrete walls. This can occur in houses, cottages, garages, residential buildings, commercial properties, and industrial buildings.

Cross or star-shaped cracks in the foundation walls are a sign that pyrite is likely present. A white powder, called efflorescence, may escape from the cracks (residue of pyrite). Often, floors lift in places and doors do not close properly. These soil movements may stop after a few years.

To confirm that you have a pyrite problem under your foundation slab, you need to contact a specialized laboratory that will take a soil sample for analysis.

How to Solve Your Pyrite Problem

When the pyrite problem is confirmed, excavation must be done to remove the contaminated rocks and soil, replacing them with certified crushed stone. Our team will break the concrete slab and send the pieces to the recovery center.

We place a geotextile membrane on the soil before covering it with certified crushed stone. We then install a polyethylene vapor barrier and styrofoam before pouring a new concrete slab. We seal the cracks and can apply waterproofing membranes over the entire surface of the foundations (foundation waterproofing).

For garages, it is possible to use polymer or steel in the new concrete. For basements, we add polyethylene and styrofoam.

Contact Us for Pyrite Problems

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