Understanding Radon Gas and Tarion’s Warranty Coverage

Radon Gas: A Growing Concern for Homeowners

In recent years, awareness of radon gas exposure has increased, especially among new home buyers. Health Canada released a report in 2012 stating that long-term exposure to radon gas could be responsible for up to 16% of lung cancer cases. As a result, more attention is being given to radon-related risks and mitigation measures in residential properties.

Tarion’s Warranty Coverage for Radon Gas

Tarion has established guidelines for addressing radon gas claims under its home warranty coverage. If radon levels exceed Health Canada’s recommended limit of 200 Bq/m³, the issue is eligible for coverage under Tarion’s warranty program. To ensure consistency in warranty decisions, Tarion employees follow a specific set of guidelines when evaluating radon-related claims.

Radon Warranty Coverage Breakdown

First-Year Warranty:

• Coverage under the “Fit for Habitation” criteria if radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³.
• Coverage for Ontario Building Code (OBC) violations if the home does not comply with Sections 9.1.1.7 and 9.13.4.2 of the OBC and radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³.

Second-Year Warranty:

• Coverage under OBC Health and Safety provisions if the home fails to comply with Sections 9.1.1.7, 9.13.4.1, or 9.13.4.2, and radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³.

Years 3-7: Major Structural Defect (MSD) Coverage:

• If radon contamination is severe enough to render the home uninhabitable, it may qualify as a Major Structural Defect under the Tarion warranty.

Limitations of Tarion’s Radon Coverage

While Tarion provides some protection for homeowners dealing with radon issues, there are limitations to what is covered:

• Costs associated with conducting radon tests are not covered.
• Personal injury or health issues related to radon exposure are not covered.
• Damage to personal property caused by radon exposure is not covered.

Financial Cap on Radon Claims

For purchase agreements signed on or after February 1, 2021, Tarion’s maximum warranty coverage for radon gas remediation is $50,000 per home. This coverage is intended to address the costs associated with mitigating radon levels that exceed 200 Bq/m³, as per Health Canada’s guidelines.

For homes with agreements signed before February 1, 2021, the previous financial cap of $15,000 per home still applies.

Homeowner Requirements for a Radon Claim

To file a valid radon claim with Tarion, homeowners must provide the following documentation:

1. Test Results: Average radon levels must be measured in the basement (finished or unfinished) but not from crawl spaces.
2. Testing Methodology: Homeowners must specify whether the test was:
   • Short-term (less than 3 months) or
   • Long-term (at least 3 months) in accordance with Health Canada’s Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential Dwellings.
3. Certified Testing: Measurements must be conducted by a C-NRPP-certified radon professional.

Next Steps for Homeowners

• If a short-term test indicates radon levels above 200 Bq/m³, a long-term test must be conducted for confirmation.
• If a long-term test confirms radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, the claim may proceed to remediation under Tarion’s warranty guidelines.

Lack of Awareness Among Homeowners

Despite the availability of radon coverage under Tarion, many homeowners remain unaware of these protections. In many cases, builders do not proactively inform buyers about radon risks or warranty coverage. As radon awareness continues to grow, it is essential for homeowners to educate themselves and take proactive steps in testing and mitigating radon in their homes.

Need Help with Radon Testing or Mitigation?

For professional radon testing and mitigation services, contact Alder Creek Radon Gas Pros to ensure your home is safe from radon exposure.