Real Estate FAQ and Tips

Pyrite and pyrrhotite are minerals that can cause significant structural damage. Pyrite produces sulfuric acid when oxidizing, which can lead to the lifting and cracking of the concrete slab when present under a foundation. Pyrrhotite, a mineral species composed of iron sulfide, can also cause cracks in the concrete by crystallizing. If your property is covered by the New Residential Buildings Guarantee Plan (usually for 5 years after the building's reception), it is important to quickly check your protections and adhere to the strict claim deadlines. After this period, other recourses remain possible but generally require the assistance of a legal advisor.

The crying merule is a fungus that feeds on wood and can affect the structural integrity of a building by degrading wooden structures. It proliferates rapidly in confined, poorly ventilated environments where moisture is present. It can infiltrate masonry joints, porous materials, cracks, and untreated wood. If you have doubts about the presence of this fungus in a property, it is recommended to consult the available specialized resources or a qualified professional to assess the situation.

Ferrous ochre results from a chemical or biological reaction involving the iron present in the soil, which migrates with water to the drains of a property. It manifests as viscous deposits of ochre color, which can obstruct agricultural drains and create moisture problems in the basement. It is not possible to completely eliminate the phenomenon since iron is naturally present in the soil, but certain preventive measures can be taken before construction, such as evaluating the type of soil and the level of the water table. For existing buildings, corrective actions are possible, including drainage under the slab or the installation of cleaning chimneys.

Some vermiculite insulation installed before the 1990s may contain traces of asbestos, a substance that poses health risks when handled or disturbed. If your property contains this type of insulation, it is recommended not to disturb it and to consult a qualified professional before undertaking renovation work that may affect it.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can proliferate in certain bodies of water, particularly due to an excess of nutrients such as phosphorus. For waterfront property owners, it is helpful to recognize the signs of their presence and the best practices to limit nutrient runoff into the water, such as maintaining a natural vegetation buffer near the shore.