Crumbling Foundations

Upwards of 35,000 homes in a radius of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, are facing the potential for a failed concrete foundation due to the possible presence of a naturally occurring iron sulfide, pyrrhotite, in their concrete foundation.

Pyrrhotite causes the slow deterioration of the concrete when exposed to oxygen and water.

Towns Identified by CRCOG as having been impacted by Crumbling Foundations

TESTING FOR PYRRHOTITE

• A VISUAL test is a licensed professional engineer’s (PE) expert opinion based on education, observation, and prior experience that the foundation’s cracking is due to incompatible materials in the concrete mix.
• A CORE test determines the presence, or absence, of pyrrhotite and the percent of pyrrhotite that exists in the sample.

The State of Connecticut is assisting homeowners, in the affected area, with the cost of testing their foundation.

Two opportunities for testing payment assistance are available.

1. The State of Connecticut allocated $5 million to reimburse homeowners for the cost of testing their concrete foundation. The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is administering the program for the State of Connecticut.

   Eligibility requirements for this program include:

   • Visual Inspections must be performed by a CT licensed professional engineer (PE).
   • The home was built on or after January 1, 1983, and before December 31, 2015.
   • If the home was built before 1983, but an addition was constructed during the years 1983 to 2015, then the foundation of the addition is eligible.
   • The home is in Connecticut and within 20 miles radius of J.J. Mottes Concrete Company in Stafford Springs.
   • CORE Testing will be reimbursed at 50%, up to $2,000.
   • VISUAL inspection will be reimbursed at 100% up to $400.
   • Homeowners are eligible.
2. The State of Connecticut, Department of Housing, through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has provided funding to eligible municipalities for a foundation testing program.

REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT

Connecticut Public Act 16-45 requires municipal assessors to inspect and reassess residential properties with foundations made from defective concrete.

INSURANCE

Insurance companies cannot cancel or refuse to renew a homeowner's policy due to a crumbling foundation.

LEGISLATION

Summary of PA 18-179

• disclosures on the building's structure and any improvements made to it
• A new statement on concrete foundations that states “prospective buyers may have a concrete foundation inspected…”

• The bill allows a member of the CFSIC board to apply for assistance under defined conditions.

Summary of PA 17-2 Sec 334 – 348

• Provides a framework to assist owners of residential buildings.
• Creates a captive insurance company.

1. Requires incorporators and organizing committee.
2. Restricts use of funds.
3. Limits administrative spending.
4. Establishes oversight and reporting requirements.

Summary of PA 16-45

1. Additional documentation to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
2. Municipal reassessment of affected properties.
3. DCP investigation of concrete foundation failure.
4. Confidential recordkeeping requirements.

PRESS RELEASES

• May 2, 2018
  DOH Extends Application Deadline For Crumbling Foundations Testing Program
• March 8, 2018
  DOH Expands Eligibility for Crumbling Foundation Testing Reimbursement
• November 28, 2017
  Gov. Malloy Announces State Begins Providing Reimbursements to Northeastern Connecticut Homeowners for Testing of Crumbling Foundations
• February 17, 2017
  Gov. Malloy Proposes Creating State Loan Program to Support Northeastern Connecticut Homeowners Confronting Crumbling Foundations
• January 23, 2017
  Gov. Malloy Announces State Funding to Conduct Foundation Testing For Homes in Northeastern Connecticut

CONTACT INFORMATION

Lena Holleran
Homeowner Advocate/Crumbling Foundations
Department of Housing
505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-270-8090
Email: lena.holleran@ct.gov