As November arrives, many of us are focused on completing those last few fall maintenance projects before the cold weather truly sets in. While you’re checking off your list, it's important to be aware of a critical, yet often overlooked, home safety issue. November is National Radon Action Month, and it presents the perfect opportunity to protect your home and family from a hidden danger.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is released from the natural decay of uranium found in rocks, soil, and water. When released outdoors, it disperses quickly and is not a health concern. However, radon can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other small openings. Once inside, it can become trapped and build up to dangerous levels, posing a serious health risk to anyone living there.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that only older, drafty houses are at risk. The truth is, any type of home can have elevated radon levels. This includes older homes, new construction, and both well-insulated and drafty houses. The only way to know for sure if your home has high radon levels is to test for it.
Understanding Radon Testing
Testing your home for radon is a straightforward process, and a radon test kit is the most reliable way to measure the gas levels in your home. Health Canada recommends testing for a minimum of three months during the heating season. This is because we tend to keep our windows and doors closed more often in the colder months, which can lead to higher concentrations of radon inside. That makes November an ideal time to start your test.
You can find radon test kits at most local hardware stores. There are two main types to consider:
Short-Term Kits: These kits test for radon over a period of 2 to 90 days. They are useful for getting a quick snapshot of the radon levels in your home but may not reflect the year-round average.
Long-Term Kits: These kits test for more than 90 days. Because radon levels can fluctuate daily and seasonally, a long-term test provides a more accurate picture of your home’s annual average radon level.
When Should You Test for Radon?
As a real estate professional, I always emphasize the importance of being proactive about home safety. Here are several key situations when you should test your home for radon:
If your home has never been tested: If you don't know the radon levels in your home, now is the time to find out.
Before and after major renovations: Test before renovating an unfinished basement into a living space. It's also wise to test again after the renovation is complete, as changes to your home's structure and ventilation can alter radon levels.
After radon mitigation: If you've already taken steps to reduce radon levels, you should retest to ensure the system is working effectively.
When buying or selling a home: For buyers, a radon test can be a part of the home inspection process. For sellers, having a recent, low-level radon test result can provide peace of mind to potential buyers.
What Do the Test Results Mean?
The Canadian guideline for radon in indoor air is 200 Bq/m³. If your test result is above this level, you should take action to reduce the radon in your home. It's important to consult with a certified radon mitigation professional. These experts are trained to identify the source of the radon and install a system that effectively lowers the levels, making your home safer.
Protect Your Investment and Your Family
Your home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make, but more importantly, it's where your family should feel safest. Taking action on radon is a simple yet vital step in ensuring that safety. As we settle into the cozy season, completing those final fall maintenance tasks provides the perfect opportunity to also protect your home from this invisible threat.
If you need guidance on finding a certified radon mitigation specialist in Regina or have any other questions about maintaining your home's value and safety, please consider me your resource for a professional recommendation. My business as a REALTOR® is built on providing outstanding service and crucial information to home buyers and sellers, and I’m dedicated to helping you protect what matters most.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season with the peace of mind that comes from a secure and healthy home.
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