📉 How does radon mitigation work?

The most effective method is sub-slab depressurization, which uses a specialized fan system to create a controlled vacuum beneath your foundation slab. This vacuum prevents radon gas from entering your home by reversing the natural pressure differential that draws soil gas indoors.

Our Professional Design Process:

• We use specialized diagnostic equipment to map the pressure field beneath your foundation
• Calculate the precise suction requirements for your specific soil conditions and foundation type
• Design a system that uses only the necessary vacuum to achieve optimal results
• Select appropriately-sized fans to minimize energy consumption and noise levels

Why Professional Design Matters: Proper system sizing reduces operating costs, minimizes energy consumption, keeps noise levels low, and prevents potential appliance backdrafting issues that can occur with over-powered systems. Our engineering approach ensures maximum efficiency while maintaining optimal indoor air quality.

🛠️ What does a typical radon mitigation system include?

• A suction pit drilled into your basement slab
• 4" Schedule 40 PVC piping
• A radon-rated fan (installed outside living space)
• Exterior discharge above grade
• Sealing of accessible cracks, sump pits, and other radon entry points
• A visible manometer to monitor system function

Our systems meet or exceed CAN/CGSB-149.12 standards, which include sealed pipe joints, proper exterior discharge location, fan installed in attic, garage, or outdoors (not in living areas), and system labeling for future maintenance.

🏠 Where does radon enter my home and how do you seal these entry points?

Radon enters homes through various foundation openings and we seal all accessible identified entry points as part of our mitigation service:

Common Entry Points:

• Floor-wall joints (where basement floor meets walls)
• Accessible cracks in concrete floors and foundation walls
• Sump pits and floor drains
• Utility penetrations (pipes, electrical, etc.)
• Loose-fitting pipe penetrations
• Open-top block walls
• Mortar joints in block foundations

We use professional-grade sealants and techniques following C-NRPP standards. Accessible entry point sealing is included in all our mitigation systems at no additional cost.

Important: While sealing accessible entry points reduces radon infiltration, it alone is rarely sufficient. This is why sub-slab depressurization systems are the most effective approach.

🔍 What if pressure testing shows my home needs multiple suction points?

We always perform pressure field extension testing before installation to ensure optimal system design. If testing reveals that additional suction points are needed, we include them at no extra charge.

However, additional points may require pipe routing through finished areas (walls, ceilings, living spaces). If you prefer not to have these areas opened up, we'll discuss alternative solutions. In rare cases where effective mitigation isn't possible without extensive modifications you're not comfortable with, we won't proceed with installation.

This thorough testing approach is why we can confidently offer our risk-free guarantee - we ensure success is achievable before any work begins.

💧 What about sump pits during mitigation?

All unsealed sump pits must be sealed as part of effective radon mitigation, but the approach depends on your basement's drainage setup:

Most homes: Sump pit cover installation - $329 + HST
We install a professional radon-tight sump pit cover that allows water drainage while preventing radon entry.

Some older homes: Floor drain installation - $489 + HST
In basements without a separate floor drain, the sump pit serves as the only way water can escape (from things like water heater leaks, washing machine overflow, etc.). In these cases, we must install a new floor drain with radon-tight seal before sealing the sump pit.

We'll determine which situation applies to your home during our initial assessment and explain exactly what's needed before proceeding with any additional work.

🏠 What about homes with crawl spaces?

Crawl space foundations require a different approach called sub-membrane depressurization system. This typically involves:

• Installing a plastic vapor barrier membrane over the crawl space floor
• Creating a depressurization system beneath the membrane
• Working with existing conditions (exposed earth or gravel flooring)
• May require enhanced ventilation depending on crawl space conditions

Crawl space systems require custom design and pricing based on square footage, existing conditions, membrane requirements, and ventilation needs.

We provide free on-site assessments for crawl space homes to measure the area and design the most effective system for your specific situation.