When Calgary homeowners hear about radon levels in Calgary, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “Can I just seal the cracks in my foundation to stop it?” It’s a fair question. After all, sealing sounds like a simple fix. But when it comes to Calgary radon mitigation, the answer is a bit more complex.
Concerned about radon in Calgary? Protect your family with certified Radon Testing and professional Radon Mitigation in Calgary from Calgary Radon Detection. We deliver accurate results and long-term solutions trusted by homeowners across the city. Contact us today.
What Is Radon and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in the soil beneath our feet. It’s invisible, odourless, tasteless, and it naturally rises through the ground into the air above. Unfortunately, homes can trap radon gas inside—especially during Calgary’s long winters when windows are closed tight.
Health Canada warns that radon in Calgary and across Canada is a serious health risk. High exposure over time has been directly linked to lung cancer, especially in non-smokers. The only way to know your exposure is through radon testing.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Radon enters buildings through small openings in the foundation:
- Cracks in basement floors and walls
- Gaps around pipes or sump pumps
- Floor drains and construction joints
In Calgary, many homes are built on soils that naturally produce high levels of radon. Even new homes with excellent insulation can trap radon gas inside. According to Health Canada, any indoor level of radon above 200 becquerels per cubic meter is considered high and action should be taken.
Does Sealing Foundation Cracks Work?
Sealing cracks can help reduce some airflow from the soil into your home—but it is not a complete solution.
Here’s why:
- Radon is a gas and moves easily through extremely small spaces.
- Even if you seal visible cracks, tiny pores and other entry points remain.
- Foundation settling over time can reopen previously sealed areas.
- It doesn’t address pressure differences between your home and the soil, which actually “pulls” radon in.
Radon mitigation services may include sealing as part of the process, but it should never be relied on as a standalone method for radon removal in Calgary homes.
What Actually Works? A Radon Mitigation System
The most effective long-term solution is to have a radon mitigation system installed—usually a sub-slab depressurization system. This system:
- Creates a vacuum under your basement slab
- Vents radon gas safely outdoors through a pipe and fan
- Actively prevents radon from entering your living space
These systems are quiet, energy-efficient, and can reduce radon levels in your home by more than 90%. A professional contractor will ensure the system meets Health Canada guidelines and that the exhaust is vented safely above the roofline.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers—and Calgary is in a high-risk zone. Start with a Calgary radon test to know your levels, then trust our experts for radon remediation in Calgary if needed. One call protects your home.
Start with a Radon Test
Before doing anything, it’s important to test for radon. You can purchase a radon test kit, or better yet, book a professional long-term radon testing service. Long-term testing (at least 90 days) gives the most accurate results, especially when done during winter.
If your results come back high, don’t panic—Calgary has access to excellent, certified radon mitigation services that can help you act quickly and protect your family’s health.
Sealing Helps, But It’s Not Enough
Sealing cracks in your foundation can be a helpful first step, but on its own, it won’t lower high levels of radon to safe limits. Radon gas is sneaky, and only a full mitigation system can reliably reduce indoor radon to levels below 200 becquerels per cubic meter.
If you live in Calgary, where radon levels can vary block to block, radon testing is a must. And if your test results are high, consult professionals for radon mitigation in Calgary. Your health—and your peace of mind—are worth it.
