Radon gas is an invisible, odourless and tasteless threat that can be present in homes across Calgary. As homeowners, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers of radon and take the necessary steps to mitigate it.
At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in radon removal in Calgary, ensuring that your home is safe from this harmful gas. But what exactly is radon, and how can you protect your family?
Here are five essential things to know about radon removal in Calgary and how our team can help keep your home healthy and safe.
1. What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.
While it’s present in trace amounts outdoors, where it’s harmless, radon can become a serious problem when it enters your home and accumulates in enclosed spaces like basements, crawl spaces and even main living areas.
In Calgary, radon is a particular concern due to the region’s geological makeup. The city sits on radon-rich soil, which increases the chances of radon gas entering homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes or other openings in the structure.
Once inside, radon gas can build up to dangerous levels and long-term exposure has been linked to lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to Health Canada.
At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we believe that understanding the risks associated with radon is the first step in protecting your home. That’s why we offer professional radon removal and testing services to help you maintain a safe environment for your family.
2. How Does Radon Get into Your Home?
Radon gas enters homes through a variety of pathways. It primarily seeps in through:
- Cracks in the foundation: Even the smallest cracks in concrete or basement floors can allow radon to enter your home.
- Gaps around pipes: Spaces where plumbing, electrical or other utilities enter your home, can act as entry points for radon.
- Sump pumps and drains: Unsealed sump pump pits and floor drains can serve as conduits for radon gas to rise into your living spaces.
- Construction joints: The joints between walls and floors or around basement windows are potential sources for radon to leak in.
Since radon is undetectable without specialized testing, it’s essential to have your home tested, especially if you live in Calgary where radon levels can be higher than the national average.
Our team is trained to identify potential entry points and can offer solutions to reduce radon levels in your home.
3. The Importance of Radon Testing
Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels. Because radon is invisible and odourless, you won’t know it’s there unless you specifically test for it.
At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we recommend that all Calgary homeowners have their homes tested, particularly if they have basements or live in older homes where foundations may have more cracks and gaps.
There are two main types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests.
- Short-term tests: These typically last between two and seven days. They provide a snapshot of radon levels in your home but may not capture seasonal fluctuations.
- Long-term tests: These tests last three months to a year and provide a more accurate reading of your home’s average radon levels. Because radon levels can vary throughout the year, long-term tests are considered more reliable.
If your home tests above the recommended radon level of 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³), it’s essential to take action.
Our team is experienced in conducting radon tests and can help determine the best course of action for radon removal if elevated levels are detected.
4. How Radon Mitigation Works
If your home has elevated radon levels, radon mitigation is necessary to bring those levels down to a safe range.
At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in radon removal in Calgary and use proven techniques to ensure your home is radon-free.
The most common and effective radon removal method is a sub-slab depressurization system, which involves:
- Installing a vent pipe system: This system pulls radon gas from beneath the foundation before it can enter your home. The vent pipe runs from beneath the slab or basement floor and vents the gas safely outside, above the roofline.
- Sealing entry points: Our team will seal any cracks in your foundation, gaps around pipes and other openings that could be allowing radon to seep into your home.
- Using a fan system: A specialized fan is installed to create a vacuum effect, pulling radon gas out from beneath your home and venting it outside.
This system is highly effective and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. Our experienced team will assess your home’s specific needs and provide a tailored solution to ensure that radon is safely removed from your living space.
5. Why Choose Aquality Plumbing & Heating for Radon Removal in Calgary?
When it comes to radon removal in Calgary, choosing a trusted and experienced provider is essential.
At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we take pride in offering comprehensive radon mitigation services that protect your home and family. Here’s why Calgary homeowners trust us:
- Expertise: Our team is trained in radon testing, removal, and mitigation techniques. We stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and technologies to provide the most effective solutions.
- Customized Solutions: Every home is different, and we take the time to assess your property to develop a tailored radon removal plan that fits your needs.
- Commitment to Safety: We’re committed to your safety and peace of mind. From start to finish, we handle the radon mitigation process with precision and care, ensuring that your home is left safer and radon-free.
- Local Knowledge: As a Calgary-based company, we understand the unique challenges that come with radon levels in this area. Our local knowledge ensures that we can provide the best possible service for Calgary homeowners.
Conclusion
Radon is a serious threat to homeowners in Calgary, but with the right knowledge and professional radon removal services, you can protect your family and enjoy a safe living environment.
At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we’re here to help you navigate the radon removal and testing process with ease. If you’re concerned about radon levels in your home, contact us today to schedule a test and explore your options for radon mitigation. Together, we can ensure that your home remains a haven for you and your loved ones.
