Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s invisible, odourless, and tasteless — and can accumulate inside homes, especially in lower levels like basements.
Long-term exposure to high radon levels is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause overall, after smoking.
Radon is responsible for over 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually in Canada. Health Canada estimates that 1 in 6 Canadian homes has elevated radon levels.
Because radon is undetectable without testing, you won’t know your home has a problem unless you test for it.
- Health Canada recommends mitigation when radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre).
- The World Health Organization (WHO) guideline is 100 Bq/m³, acknowledging no level of radon is entirely risk-free.
- In the United States, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends action at 4.0 pCi/L, which equals approximately 148 Bq/m³.
Radon levels are measured in Bq/m³ (Canada) or pCi/L (United States).
You can measure radon using digital monitors, short-term kits, or long-term charcoal canisters. Long-term testing (over 91 days) is recommended for the most accurate risk assessment.
It’s normal for different monitors to show slightly different readings. This depends on the type, sensitivity, and purpose of the device.
- Some digital monitors display instant or daily averages.
- Others focus on long-term averages (weekly, monthly, or 90+ day readings).
Radon levels can fluctuate daily due to weather, home ventilation, and pressure changes. That’s why long-term testing (91+ days) with a certified device is recommended before making mitigation decisions.
Radon gas seeps up from the soil beneath your home. It enters through:
- Cracks in concrete floors and walls
- Construction joints and utility penetrations
- Gaps around pipes, sump pits, or floor drains
- Unfinished crawlspaces or porous building materials
The stack effect explains how air naturally moves inside your home — especially in winter.
- Warm air rises and escapes through upper levels (like the attic).
- As it rises, it creates negative pressure in the basement or lower floors.
- This draws air — and radon gas — up from the soil beneath your home.
The greater the temperature difference between inside and outside, the stronger the stack effect. This is why radon levels are often highest in winter and why a sealed, professionally mitigated system is key to long-term safety.
Radon mitigation is the process of reducing radon levels inside your home. The most effective method is called Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (ASD). It involves:
- Sealing visible cracks or gaps in the foundation
- Installing a pipe and specialized fan system to draw radon from beneath the slab and vent it safely outside
- Running continuously and quietly to maintain safe indoor levels
When installed by a certified professional, mitigation systems are very effective — often reducing radon levels by 80% or more, well below Health Canada’s recommended guideline.
Most standard mitigation systems can be installed in about three days. More complex homes or those with multiple foundations may require additional time.
Radon mitigation systems are designed to be low-profile and discreet. Piping is usually routed through the mechanical room, basement, garage, or exterior wall — out of sight wherever possible.
Yes — though rare, radon levels can rise again over time due to:
- Fan failure or power interruption
- Shifting foundation or new cracks
- Vent blockage (e.g., debris, snow, or ice)
- Major renovations that change airflow or pressure balance
That’s why we recommend periodic re-testing every 2–5 years and ensuring the fan system is functioning properly. Think of it like a furnace — simple checks go a long way.
We conduct a post-installation radon test to confirm the system’s performance. You can also monitor levels year-round using a digital radon monitor for ongoing peace of mind.
Yes. Homes with a professionally installed radon system are often seen as safer and more attractive to buyers, especially when documented test results are available.
1. Test your home – We offer long-term and digital testing options.
2. Review the results – If your levels are high, we’ll walk you through next steps.
3. Install a mitigation system – Designed for your home’s unique structure.
4. Confirm results – Post-test to verify performance, and follow-up as needed.
Helping your radon mitigation professional access the right areas in your home makes the process faster, smoother, and more effective. Here’s how you can assist:
✅ Before Testing:
- Clear corners and walls in the basement or lowest level of your home — we may need to place radon detectors in undisturbed locations away from vents, windows, or fans.
- Avoid opening windows or running ventilation systems heavily during the test to ensure accurate readings.
✅ Before Installation:
- Clear a path to your mechanical or utility room — we may install the radon fan or vent piping near your sump pump, furnace, or water heater.
- If there’s a storage area or finished wall near the slab or crawlspace, remove items or furniture that might block access.
- Let us know in advance if there are any home renovations planned, as this might affect routing.
✅ During and After:
- Be available to review test results and system layout options.
- We’ll walk you through maintenance tips, monitoring tools, and what to expect long-term.
We’re here to help. As a C-NRPP Certified Radon Mitigation Professional, we take pride in protecting your home and family with tested, code-compliant, and effective solutions.
Contact Us Today! Matt Heidmiller Phone: 250-688-9933 Email: Matt@RadonRidgeElectric.ca