How does Radon gas enter my home?

Radon gas enters your home primarily through cracks and openings in the foundation. It originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water beneath your property. Common entry points include:

• Cracks in basement floors and walls

• Construction joints

• Gaps around service pipes

• Gaps in the slab-to-foundation joints

• Sumps

• Cavities inside walls

• The water supply (if using well water)

Because radon is a gas, it moves freely through soil and can seep into your home where the pressure inside is lower than the surrounding ground. Once inside, radon can accumulate to harmful levels if not properly ventilated or mitigated.

How do I know if I need to have a mitigation system installed?

You need to have a Radon mitigation system installed if Radon levels in your home consistently measure at or above 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³), which is the Canadian guideline for acceptable Radon concentration. To determine this, conduct a test using a short or long-term radon test kit available through major retailers like BestBuy, Home Depot, etc. If the test results exceed the guideline, installing a radon mitigation system is necessary. Even levels below 200 Bq/m³ may warrant mitigation if you wish to minimize risk, as Radon exposure contributes to lung cancer.

My house is new/old, what would that mean for my radon levels?

Radon levels in a home are not determined by the age of the house alone. Both brand new and older homes can have elevated Radon levels, here’s why:

For a brand new home:
New construction is often built to be more airtight for energy efficiency, which can actually increase the potential for Radon accumulation inside. Therefore, a new home can still have significant Radon levels and should be tested.

For an older home:
Older homes may have cracks, gaps, and other entry points that allow Radon to seep in from the ground. However, ventilation differences and foundation types vary widely, so Radon levels in older homes can range from low to very high. Without testing, there is no way to know if the radon concentration is safe.

Is mitigation something I can do myself?

Radon mitigation is more than installing a pipe and a fan. It requires expert knowledge, tools, and techniques to determine the best spot for mitigation, seal Radon entry points and design and install proper ventilation. Our team accurately assesses your home, designs a tailored system, and verifies results with testing. Improper mitigation can worsen air quality and increase health risks. Trust certified professionals to protect your family and prevent costly repairs.

My neighbour had high levels of Radon, does that mean my house will too?

High Radon levels in your neighbour’s home do not necessarily mean your house will have high levels as well. Radon concentrations can vary significantly between neighbouring homes due to differences in construction, ventilation, foundation type, and soil conditions beneath the property. The only way to be certain is to conduct a Radon test in your own home.

How much does radon mitigation cost?

Radon mitigation costs in Alberta typically range from $1,400 to $3,000, depending on factors such as the size and design of the home, the chosen mitigation method, and the complexity of installation. Most common systems use sub-slab depressurization, which involves installing a vent pipe and fan to redirect radon gas from beneath the foundation to outside. Additional costs can arise if your home requires sealing of cracks or installation of multiple vent pipes. Contact Us for a quote, and we will assess your home and provide you with all the information you need.

How long does the mitigation job take?

A typical Radon mitigation job usually takes between 3 to 6 hours to complete. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the size and layout of the home, the type of mitigation system being installed, and any necessary modifications to the existing structure. In most cases, our team can complete an installation within a single day. After installation, testing is often conducted to ensure the system is effectively reducing radon levels.