Constructing or relocating to a new house in Calgary feels exciting. Usually, the paint is fresh, the appliances look good, and everything in the house smells brand new. But beneath the floors and behind the house’s walls, there can be a hidden danger called radon gas.
What Is Radon, and Why Should You Care?
Radon is a radioactive and naturally occurring gas.
But the question is, how is it produced?
According to experts, uranium, often found in water, soil, and rocks, breaks down to produce the gas. If the gas is released, it is diluted, posing little to no risks to our health.
Therefore, gas accumulating in our homes may pose health risks. We must mitigate this as much as possible.
The Truth About New Homes and Radon Risk
Some studies show that new houses in Calgary sometimes have higher radon levels than older ones. Today’s builders focus more on energy efficiency than air quality. Without ventilation, this natural gas will build up quickly in tightly sealed spaces.
This is why radon testing in Calgary is necessary, especially for new houses. Just because a home is new doesn’t necessarily mean it is free from gas. Testing remains the only way to be certain.
How Does Radon Enter a New Home?
Seeping through the ground can enter your house via different entry points.
- Cracks in walls or basement floors
- Gaps around sump pumps or pipes
- Openings in an unfinished crawl space
Should You Test Your New Home?
Yes, all Calgary homeowners need to test for this natural gas. The level of the gas varies depending on where you live. The best way to keep your family safe is to consider testing services from experts.
When radon levels are higher, professional service providers often conduct the testing process during winter.
What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?
Have you tested for gas, and the results show that the level is high? Don’t worry; you can always minimize the level of the gas.
With a contractor’s help, you can install one of the best reduction systems. With such systems, you can pull the gas from beneath your house and even vent it safely.
Those systems are designed to be effective and minimize gas levels by more than 85%. Installing one is cheap and takes only about two days.
Prevention Tips for New Homeowners
Before taking the test, consider doing several things to lower the risks. Those things will help minimize the gas entry and even improve air quality in the house.
- Seal cracks around the basement windows and in the foundation
- Ensure your house is ventilated properly
- Ask your contractor if the mitigation system has been installed
However, we shouldn’t let that excitement make us overlook radon. Even if the house looks perfect, it would be best to prioritize our health still. So, we need to ensure that we prioritize radon testing to save our lives.