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Radon Potential with Home Inspections

Alder Creek Radon Gas Pros, Serving areas of Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford, Cambridge, Goderich, Woodstock and Southwestern Ontario. Radon Potential with Home Inspections The home purchase is one of the most important purchases you will make in your life time, therefore the home inspection is a very important aspect of

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Learn more about Radon from these sources on YouTube.

What is Radon?

How dangerous is Radon to your health?

RADON BLOG

We aim to educate Ontarians of the Harms of Radon Gas as well as provide resources to help with funding and DIY mitigation.

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Government Grants & Assistance

Ensuring your home is safe from radon exposure is crucial for your family’s health. There are several programs across Canada that offer financial assistance to help homeowners test for and mitigate high radon levels.

Federal Programs

Lungs Matter: Home Mitigation Grant Program

The Lungs Matter: Home Radon Mitigation Grant Program offers financial assistance to homeowners facing elevated radon levels, providing up to $1,500 towards mitigation efforts.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Have a diagnosis of lung cancer.
  • Belong to low or moderate-income households, with priority given to low-income applicants.

 

Income threshold varies by province, but in Ontario, household income may not exceed $105,100 (for a family) $32,400 (for an individual). 

Provincial Programs

Ontario Renovates Program

The Ontario Renovates Program provides financial assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners for essential home repairs and accessibility modifications. However, the program’s availability, funding amounts, and eligibility criteria can vary significantly across different regions in Ontario. Each regional municipality administers the program independently, tailoring it to address local housing needs and priorities. Therefore, homeowners are encouraged to consult their specific regional program guidelines to understand the exact details and application procedures applicable to their area.

 

Ontario Renovates Programs by Region:

Regions Within our Service Area:

Bruce County 
Home Repair Program | Bruce County

City of Brantford
Funding for Home Repairs and Home Ownership

City of Hamilton
Ontario Renovates Programs | Hamilton

Grey County 
Housing Programs and Services | Grey County

Haldimand and Norfolk Counties
Ontario Renovates Program | Haldimand & Norfolk Counties

Halton Accessibility Repair Program (HARP)
Halton Accessibility Repair Program

Leeds & Grenville
Ontario Renovates Program | Leeds & Grenville

Middlesex County
Ontario Renovates Program | Middlesex County

Niagara Region
Niagara Renovates Program for Repairs and Accessibility

Region of Waterloo
Funding for Home Repairs

Simcoe County
Affordable Housing Programs | Simcoe County

 

Regions beyond our Service Area:

City of Ottawa
Ontario Renovates Program | Ottawa

Parry Sound District
Ontario Renovates Program | Parry Sound District

For regions not listed above, contact your local municipal housing department or visit their official websites to inquire about the availability and specifics of the Ontario Renovates Program in their area.

Other Programs

In Ontario, the Tarion Warranty Corporation offers protection for homeowners against excessive radon levels in new homes.

Tarion Warranty Coverage for Radon

For new homes in Ontario, Tarion provides a comprehensive warranty that includes coverage for radon gas infiltration. This coverage spans seven years from the date of possession and is applicable if radon concentrations exceed Health Canada’s guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). Notably, Ontario is among the few jurisdictions in Canada that includes radon remediation as part of its statutory new home warranty.

 
Coverage Limits

For agreements of purchase and sale signed on or after February 1, 2021, the maximum coverage for radon remediation under the Tarion warranty is $50,000. For agreements signed before this date, the coverage limit is $15,000.

 
Homeowner Responsibilities

Homeowners are responsible for testing their homes for radon. This can be done using do-it-yourself radon test kits available at hardware stores or by hiring certified professionals. Health Canada recommends long-term testing, typically over a period of at least three months, to obtain accurate results.

Making a Warranty Claim

If test results indicate radon levels above 200 Bq/m³, homeowners should:

  1. Submit a warranty claim to both the builder and Tarion using the appropriate warranty form.

  2. Provide test results from a long-term radon test (minimum three months) conducted with a device or by a professional certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).

Upon receiving a valid claim, the builder is obligated to implement measures to reduce radon levels, typically by installing a radon mitigation system. If the builder fails to act, Tarion will intervene to ensure the necessary remediation is completed.

Exclusions

It’s important to note that the Tarion warranty does not cover:

  • Costs incurred for initial radon testing.

  • Personal injury or health issues resulting from radon exposure.

  • Damage to personal property caused by radon.

Conclusion

The Tarion Warranty offers significant protection for new homeowners in Ontario against elevated radon levels. By understanding the coverage details and promptly addressing any radon concerns, homeowners can ensure a safe living environment.

Alder Creek Radon Gas Pros are your South-western Ontario Tarion Registered 

radon facts & faqs

radon 101

Radon may be a buzzword you’ve heard recently that you have questions about. We’ve done our best to compile the most common questions regarding Radon Gas, and Our Radon Gas Services.

FAQS ABOUT RADON GAS

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, formed by the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into buildings through cracks, gaps, and other openings in the foundation.

While radon disperses harmlessly outdoors, it can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors, especially in basements and lower levels of buildings. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is responsible for about 16% of lung cancer deaths and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, second only to smoking overall.

Yes, support may be available through programs like the Lungs Matter Radon Mitigation Support Program. Key requirements include:

  • Completion of a long-term radon test (minimum 91 days) using an alpha track or E-Perm device.
  • An application must be submitted before any mitigation work begins, along with a quote from a C-NRPP certified professional.
  • Applicants must provide proof of household income or a lung cancer diagnosis to qualify.

 

Learn more at: lung.ca/lungs-matter-radon-mitigation-support

Everyone is at risk of radon exposure, regardless of location. Any building that comes into contact with the ground—such as houses, apartments, schools, daycares, warehouses, and commercial spaces—can have elevated radon levels. The only way to know if your indoor air is safe is through testing.

Yes. For new homes in Ontario, radon gas is covered under the Tarion Warranty Program for up to 7 years from the date of possession.

Coverage applies if:

  • Radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³ (Health Canada’s guideline).
  • Testing is done by a C-NRPP certified professional using a long-term (90+ day) test.
  • The home is still within the Tarion warranty period at the time of testing.

 

If elevated levels are confirmed, the builder is required to mitigate the issue, or Tarion will intervene.

FAQS ABOUT OUR SERVICES

There are several types of radon tests with varying accuracy levels:

  • Short-term test (Real Estate Test): Minimum of 3 days. Often used during property transactions but not considered reliable for long-term radon exposure, as it doesn’t account for fluctuations.
  • Mid-term test: 30 to 90 days. More accurate than short-term tests and helps balance daily variations.
  • Long-term test: 90+ days. This is the most accurate method and is recommended by Health Canada for assessing true radon exposure in a home.

 

There are three main types of radon mitigation systems:

  1. Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD):

    • Most common method for existing homes.
    • Involves installing a pipe through the foundation slab and using a specialized fan to draw radon gas from beneath the home and vent it safely outside.
  2. Crawl Space Sub-Membrane Depressurization:

    • A high-density plastic barrier (similar to a pool liner) is placed over the crawl space floor and sealed to walls.
    • A radon fan then draws gases from under the barrier and vents them outside.
    • Crawl space vents do not effectively reduce radon levels.
  3. Sump Pit Mitigation Systems:

    • Utilizes an existing sump pit and drainage system to extract radon gas.
    • Less common but effective when the sump system has pathways under the foundation.

 

Yes. After mitigation is complete and verified to be effective, you will receive a written report outlining:

  • The work completed
  • The new radon levels achieved

 

If you have your own radon monitor, you can provide a photo of the updated readings for verification and record-keeping.

We have been operating since 2015, with over 40 years of combined experience in the construction industry. Our focus is now dedicated to radon measurement and mitigation, providing expert solutions to ensure the safety of homes and businesses.

When choosing a radon mitigation professional, be sure to ask:

  • Do you have C-NRPP certification?
  • Can you provide references or photos of past work?
  • What is your plan and schedule for completing the work?
  • Do you carry liability insurance?
  • When can an on-site assessment be done?
  • Will a Communication Diagnostic Test be done prior to installation? Is there an additional charge for it?
  • How will system performance be monitored after installation to ensure effectiveness?

 

A reputable professional should provide clear answers and documentation, along with a detailed scope of work.