Radon Mitigation

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in homes, schools, and other buildings. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it nearly impossible to detect without proper testing. Radon exposure is linked to serious health risks, including lung cancer, making radon mitigation a crucial step for any homeowner. This guide will cover everything you need to know about radon mitigation, why it's important, and how to protect your home and family from radon exposure.

Why Radon Mitigation is Critical for Your Home

Radon is a silent threat that can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and even through well water. While radon is a natural part of the environment, prolonged exposure can lead to serious health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The only way to know if radon is present in your home is through proper testing. If elevated levels are detected, radon mitigation techniques can help lower radon concentrations, keeping your family safe and healthy.

What is Radon Mitigation and How Does It Work?

Radon mitigation refers to a range of methods designed to reduce or eliminate radon gas from a building. The most common method involves installing a venting system that redirects radon away from your home and safely disperses it into the atmosphere. This can include techniques like sub-slab depressurization, which pulls the gas from beneath the foundation of the home, or active soil depressurization, which works by using a fan to move the radon from below the structure to the outside.

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

The first step in radon mitigation is testing to determine whether radon is present in your home. While radon cannot be detected by human senses, there are various testing methods available:

• Short-Term Testing: These tests are conducted over a period of 2-7 days and are commonly used for quick assessments.
• Long-Term Testing: These tests take between 90 days and one year to complete and provide a more accurate measurement of average radon levels over time.
• Continuous Radon Monitors: These devices measure radon levels continuously and are usually used for professional testing.

Once testing is complete, the results will determine if radon levels are elevated. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada recommend taking action if radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

Common Radon Mitigation Techniques

When radon levels in your home are higher than recommended levels, professional radon mitigation is necessary to protect your health. Several mitigation strategies can be employed depending on the structure of the building and the severity of radon exposure.

Sub-Slab Depressurization

Sub-slab depressurization is the most common method used to mitigate radon in homes with basements. A pipe is inserted into the slab foundation of the home, where a fan is installed to vent radon gas outside. This method creates a negative pressure beneath the slab that draws radon from the ground and prevents it from entering the living spaces.

Active Soil Depressurization

Similar to sub-slab depressurization, active soil depressurization uses a fan system to pull radon gas from beneath the foundation and expel it outdoors. This system can be installed in homes with or without basements and is effective for both homes with concrete slabs and crawl spaces. The fan works by creating a low-pressure area under the building, which draws radon from the soil and vents it through the roof or exterior wall.

Sealing Cracks and Openings

Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation is a secondary method to reduce radon entry into the home. While sealing cracks alone is usually not sufficient to lower radon levels to safe limits, it can complement other mitigation methods like sub-slab depressurization by reducing the pathways through which radon can enter the home.

Ventilation System Installation

In homes with crawl spaces or poorly ventilated areas, installing a ventilation system can improve airflow and reduce radon concentrations. These systems help prevent the buildup of radon gas by improving the air circulation in the lower levels of the home. It is especially effective in homes that have no basement or slab foundation.

Common Signs That Radon Mitigation is Needed

There are no obvious signs that radon is present in your home, which makes it all the more important to test regularly. However, there are certain circumstances that could increase the likelihood of radon exposure and indicate a need for mitigation:

• Living in a Radon-Prone Area: Some geographic locations are more prone to high radon levels. It is essential to research whether your home is in such a zone.
• Renovation Work: If you have recently renovated or added new extensions to your home, this could change the pathways through which radon enters your space.
• Water Supply: Radon can also enter homes via well water. If your home uses a well for drinking water, radon levels in the water should be tested.

Radon Testing and Mitigation for New Homes

Even newly constructed homes can have radon problems. It's a common misconception that newly built homes are immune to radon. In fact, some building materials can contribute to radon accumulation. It's crucial to perform radon testing, especially if you live in an area with known radon risks.

New home builders who are aware of radon risks may implement radon-resistant construction features, such as sealed openings, enhanced ventilation systems, and radon-resistant pipes, to reduce the likelihood of radon exposure.

FAQs

How much does radon mitigation cost?

The cost of radon mitigation varies depending on factors like the size and layout of the home, the type of mitigation system needed, and the region in which you live.

Is radon mitigation permanent?

Radon mitigation systems are generally permanent if maintained properly. However, it is important to continue testing for radon on a regular basis to ensure that the mitigation system is still functioning correctly. Some systems may require periodic adjustments or maintenance.

Is radon mitigation covered by insurance?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover the cost of radon mitigation. However, some policies may offer limited coverage in the event of radon-related health issues. It’s advisable to review your policy and speak to your insurance provider about whether radon mitigation or related health claims are covered.

Can I do radon mitigation myself?

While there are DIY radon reduction methods, such as sealing cracks and improving ventilation, radon mitigation is typically a job for professionals. Professional radon mitigators have the expertise, tools, and experience to install effective systems that can safely and efficiently lower radon levels in your home.

Final Verdict

Radon mitigation is an essential process to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your family. Since radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to reduce radon levels in your home if testing reveals elevated concentrations. Professional radon mitigation services can help address the problem and provide long-term solutions that protect your health and home.

If you're concerned about radon in your home or need assistance with testing or mitigation, Radon Calgary is here to help. For expert advice and reliable radon mitigation services, contact us at 403 596-3647 or visit us at 265 21 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E-1S5. You can also find us on Google Maps. Protect your home and family with professional radon mitigation solutions today!