Radon is a silent threat. It has no colour, no smell, and no taste – yet it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. For Calgary homeowners, radon is a very real, very local concern that deserves serious attention. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about radon and radon reduction – how radon enters your home, how radon mitigation systems work, and what to expect during the mitigation process.
What Is Radon & Where Does It Come From?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the gradual decay of uranium in soil and rock. As uranium breaks down, it produces radium, which further decays into radon gas. That gas migrates upward through the soil and, under normal circumstances, safely disperses into the open air.
The problem with radon exposure begins when it enters an enclosed structure – like your home. Once inside, radon continues to buildup, releasing radioactive particles that can be inhaled deep into lung tissue. Over years of exposure, this radiation damages cells and significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the country.
What Is Radon Mitigation? How Does Radon Mitigation Work?
The goal of radon mitigation is straightforward: prevent radon gas from entering your home and dilute or remove any that does.
Radon mitigation works by changing the air pressure dynamics between the soil beneath your home and the indoor air inside it. By creating a zone of lower pressure beneath the foundation, radon is redirected away from your home and safely expelled into the outdoor air before it can accumulate inside.
Sub-slab depressurization (SSD) is the gold standard for radon mitigation in Canadian homes – and the method recommended by Health Canada for most residential applications. It’s reliable, discreet, cost-effective, and capable of reducing radon levels by up to 99% when properly designed and installed.
How Does Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) Work?
- Diagnostic Assessment: A properly executed radon mitigation system begins long before any drilling or pipe installation. A thorough diagnostic assessment of your home is essential. This includes: identifying your foundation type, testing for sub-slab communication, assessing your home’s existing ventilation and HVAC system, identifying existing cracks and pathways, and measuring indoor-outdoor pressure differentials.
- Creating a Suction Point: Once the diagnostic is complete, a small core hole (typically 4–6 inches in diameter) is drilled through your concrete slab at a strategically selected location. In some homes, more than one suction point may be required to achieve adequate coverage across the entire foundation.
- PVC Pipe Installation: A PVC pipe is inserted into the suction point and runs vertically through the home’s interior (often through a utility room, closet, or garage) or routed along an exterior wall. The pipe exits above the roofline, ensuring that exhausted radon disperses safely into the open air, well away from windows, doors, A/C units, fresh air intakes, and areas where people may be spending time outdoors.
- The Radon Fan: A specialized radon mitigation fan is installed along the pipe, typically in the attic or garage, or on the exterior of the home. This fan is the heart of the system. It runs continuously and quietly, drawing soil gases (including radon) out from beneath the slab and pushing them up and out through the pipe.
- Sealing Entry Points: To maximize the system’s effectiveness, visible cracks and gaps in the foundation are sealed with appropriate materials. This is particularly important around sump pits, floor drains, and pipe penetrations. Sealing alone is never sufficient as a standalone mitigation strategy, but it meaningfully enhances the performance of an SSD system.
- System Monitoring: A visual indicator or pressure gauge is installed on the pipe to allow homeowners to confirm at a glance that the system is actively operating. If the fan fails or the system loses pressure, the indicator provides an immediate visual alert.
What to Expect During Your Radon Mitigation System Installation
Understanding the installation process helps you prepare and know what to expect on the day your radon mitigation system is installed.
Before installation you should:
- Clear access to the installation area (utility room, basement, crawl space)
- Identify preferred pipe routing with your mitigator
- Confirm the location of an electrical outlet for the fan
During installation (typically 3–6 hours for most homes), expect:
- Core drilling through the foundation slab (brief, but noisy for a few minutes)
- Pipe routing and securing
- Fan installation and electrical connection
- Sealing of identified cracks and penetrations
- System testing and pressure verification
How Long Does Radon Mitigation Installation Take?
Most residential installations are completed in one day, typically within 3-6 hours. Larger homes, complex foundation types, or homes requiring multiple suction points may take longer to address.
After the installation is complete, your mitigator will walk you through the completed system, educating you on how it works and what maintenance is needed. You’ll also receive documentation about the installation and the system.
Radon levels typically begin dropping within 24–48 hours. A follow-up radon test should be conducted after 90 days.
Will My Radon Mitigation System Be Visible Inside My Home?
Pipe routing is planned to be as unobtrusive as possible. In most Calgary homes, the pipe runs through a utility room, mechanical area, or along the exterior of the home. Your mitigator will discuss routing options with you before any work begins, so you can make an informed decision about placement and know completely what to expect.
Does a Radon Mitigation System Require Ongoing Maintenance?
Radon mitigation systems are largely self-maintaining, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pay attention to the fan, listening for strange noises or signs it has stopped running.
- Check the visual indicator periodically to confirm the system is operating.
- Re-test every 2 years to confirm radon levels remain below the guideline.
- After any significant renovation (particularly anything affecting the foundation or slab), re-test to ensure the system’s performance hasn’t been compromised.
Rely On Radon Doctors in Calgary, AB
At Radon Doctors, we bring a diagnostic, science-first philosophy to every home we work in. Our founder, a certified environmental scientist, discovered radon in his own home and experienced the mitigation process firsthand. That personal experience shapes everything we do.
We don’t assume. We don’t guess. We assess your home thoroughly, design a system specific to your situation, and install it with precision. We’re C-NRPP certified, deeply familiar with Calgary’s unique geology and building landscape, and committed to honest, transparent communication throughout the entire process.
Ready to protect your home? Contact Radon Doctors today to schedule a free consultation or get started with a free professional radon test.