FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is considered a high radon level in Canada?

Health Canada's guideline for indoor radon is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). If the long-term average radon concentration is above 200 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce the level.

2. Is 200 Bq/m³ a safe radon level?

The Canadian guideline is 200 Bq/m³, but there is no completely risk-free level of radon exposure. Reducing radon levels as much as reasonably achievable can further reduce long-term exposure. At Safe Home Radon Solutions, our goal is not simply to get below the Canadian guideline—we aim to achieve the lowest practical radon level for the home.

3. What should I do if my radon level is over 200 Bq/m³?

If a long-term radon test shows an average above 200 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce the radon concentration. A C-NRPP certified radon mitigation professional can assess your home and design a system to safely reduce the amount of radon entering the building.

4. How do I test my home for radon?

Radon is measured using an approved radon testing device placed in an appropriate location within the home. Long-term testing provides the most reliable indication of your average exposure because radon concentrations naturally fluctuate from hour to hour, day to day, and season to season.

5. How long should I test my home for radon?

Health Canada recommends testing for a minimum of three months. A long-term test provides a much more accurate representation of your average radon exposure than a short-term measurement.

6. Where should I place a radon detector?

A radon detector should generally be placed on the lowest level of the home where someone spends approximately four or more hours per day. The detector should be positioned away from exterior walls, windows, doors, vents, excessive heat, humidity, and other conditions that could affect the measurement.

7. What is the difference between short-term and long-term radon testing?

Short-term testing measures radon over a relatively brief period and can provide useful information in certain situations. Long-term testing measures radon for at least three months and provides a better indication of your average exposure. Health Canada recommends long-term testing when determining a home's radon concentration.

8. What time of year is best to test for radon in Calgary?

Radon testing can be performed throughout the year. Long-term testing that includes the heating season is particularly useful because Calgary homes are typically closed up more during colder months, and indoor radon concentrations can be higher.

9. Do radon levels change throughout the year?

Yes. Radon levels naturally fluctuate because of weather, temperature, barometric pressure, ventilation, soil conditions, and how the home is being used. Levels can even change significantly from one day to another, which is why long-term testing is so important.

10. Should I test my home after installing a radon mitigation system?

Yes. Post-mitigation testing is an essential part of confirming that a radon mitigation system is working properly. Long-term testing should also continue periodically so homeowners can verify that radon levels remain low over time.

1. Who should install a radon mitigation system in Canada?

Health Canada recommends using a professional certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) when radon mitigation is required. Certified professionals receive specialized training in radon measurement, diagnostics, mitigation system design, installation, and safety.

2. What is C-NRPP certification?

C-NRPP stands for the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program. It is Canada's recognized certification program for radon measurement and mitigation professionals. Choosing a C-NRPP certified contractor helps ensure your radon system is designed and installed according to recognized Canadian practices.

3. Why should I hire a C-NRPP certified radon mitigation professional?

Radon mitigation involves much more than installing a fan and pipe. A trained professional needs to understand pressure field extension, foundation construction, airflow, fan performance, electrical requirements, exhaust placement, sealing, and testing. Proper diagnostics help ensure the system is designed specifically for the home.

4. What should I look for when choosing a radon mitigation company in Calgary?

Look for C-NRPP certification, insurance and WCB coverage, experience with Alberta homes, diagnostic testing procedures, clear system-design discussions, warranties, post-mitigation testing, and a proven history of successful radon reduction. Homeowners should also understand exactly what is included before installation begins.

5. What is a sub-slab communication test?

A sub-slab communication test measures how effectively air and pressure can move beneath a home's concrete slab. Small test locations are used to determine whether suction applied in one area can create negative pressure in other areas beneath the foundation.

6. Why is a sub-slab communication test important?

Every foundation behaves differently. A communication test provides valuable information about conditions beneath the slab before the final mitigation system is completed. This helps determine the appropriate suction-point location, number of suction points, airflow requirements, and fan selection.

7. How do you determine where the radon suction point should be installed?

The location is selected based on the home's foundation, sub-slab conditions, basement layout, mechanical systems, pipe-routing options, and diagnostic testing. The goal is to create effective negative pressure beneath as much of the foundation as possible while designing a system that integrates appropriately with the home.

8. How do you determine what size radon fan a home needs?

Fan selection should be based on the pressure and airflow requirements of the individual home. Diagnostic and communication testing help determine how easily air moves beneath the foundation and how much negative pressure is required. This allows the mitigation professional to select an appropriate fan rather than simply using the same fan for every house.

9. How do I know my radon mitigation system is working?

The system should include an indicator that allows the homeowner to confirm that negative pressure is being created. More importantly, post-mitigation radon testing confirms whether the system has successfully reduced the home's radon concentration. Long-term testing provides the best confirmation of ongoing performance.

10. Why choose Safe Home Radon Solutions for radon mitigation in Calgary?

Safe Home Radon Solutions Inc. specializes in radon testing and mitigation for Calgary and surrounding Alberta communities. Our C-NRPP certified professionals use diagnostic testing and a two-step approach to understand the conditions beneath the home before finalizing the mitigation system.

1. What is radon mitigation?

Radon mitigation is the process of reducing radon concentrations inside a building. The most common method is an active soil depressurization system, which captures radon-containing soil gas beneath the home and safely exhausts it outdoors before it can enter the living space.

2. How does a radon mitigation system work?

A radon mitigation system typically uses a suction point installed through the foundation floor and connected to PVC piping and a continuously operating radon fan. The fan creates negative pressure beneath the foundation, drawing soil gas toward the suction point and exhausting it safely outside.

3. What is sub-slab depressurization?

Sub-slab depressurization is a common radon mitigation technique. A radon fan creates negative pressure beneath the concrete slab so soil gases are drawn into the mitigation system instead of entering the home. The gases are then exhausted outdoors through dedicated piping.

4. How effective is radon mitigation?

A properly designed and installed radon mitigation system can dramatically reduce indoor radon concentrations. Every home is different, which is why diagnostic testing and proper system design are important before choosing suction points, fan size, and system routing.

5. How much does radon mitigation cost in Calgary?

The cost of radon mitigation in Calgary depends on the home's age, foundation design, basement development, sub-slab material, number of required suction points, pipe routing, in-floor heating, sealing requirements, and other site conditions. A professional assessment allows the system to be designed specifically for the home rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

6. How long does it take to install a radon mitigation system?

Many residential radon mitigation systems can be completed within one day, although more complex homes may require additional time. Factors such as finished basements, multiple foundation areas, difficult pipe routing, and additional suction points can affect installation time.

7. Does a radon mitigation fan run all the time?

Yes. Active radon mitigation systems are designed to operate continuously. Maintaining constant negative pressure beneath the foundation helps prevent radon-containing soil gas from entering the home.

8. Is a radon mitigation system noisy?

A properly designed radon system should operate quietly. Fan selection, mounting location, pipe sizing, airflow, and installation methods can all affect noise. Proper system design helps minimize both fan and airflow noise.

9. Can a radon mitigation system be installed in a finished basement?

Yes. Radon mitigation systems can be installed in both finished and unfinished basements. The system design and pipe routing can often be planned to minimize its visual impact while still maintaining effective radon reduction.

10. Will sealing basement cracks alone fix a radon problem?

Usually not. Sealing accessible cracks, openings, sump pits, and penetrations can be an important part of radon mitigation, but sealing alone is generally not considered a reliable method of controlling elevated radon. An active soil depressurization system is typically the most effective approach for homes with elevated radon levels.