Concerned about radon? A radon test is an inexpensive and simple way to bring you peace of mind – for both an existing home and/or a prospective purchase.
Radon is an invisible and odourless radioactive gas that’s released from the ground thanks to radium (which comes from uranium).
Radon build-up can occur in any home, regardless of age or how well it’s maintained. Virtually every home in Canada and the US has some radon. But the levels vary from house to house, even if they’re situated next door to one another.
Radon can occur anywhere, but higher levels are typically found in areas that have a higher concentration of uranium that naturally occurs in the soil. High `levels of radon increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Almost 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Radon exposure is linked to approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada and is the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers, says Health Canada.
It’s estimated that a non-smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime has a 1-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer. That estimate increases to 1-in-3 for a smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime.
Radon can build up over time to the point when it becomes a serious problem. Your home’s radon levels depend on three main factors: 1) The amount of uranium in the ground; 2) The number of entry points into your home; and 3) How well your home is ventilated.

How does radon enter a home?
Possible points of entry for radon include:
• Construction joints
• Cracks in foundation walls and floor slabs

Concerned about radon? A radon test is an inexpensive and simple way to bring you peace of mind – for both an existing home and/or a prospective purchase.
Radon is an invisible and odourless radioactive gas that’s released from the ground thanks to radium (which comes from uranium).
Radon build-up can occur in any home, regardless of age or how well it’s maintained. Virtually every home in Canada and the US has some radon. But the levels vary from house to house, even if they’re situated next door to one another.
Radon can occur anywhere, but higher levels are typically found in areas that have a higher concentration of uranium that naturally occurs in the soil. High `levels of radon increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Almost 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Radon exposure is linked to approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada and is the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers, says Health Canada.
It’s estimated that a non-smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime has a 1-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer. That estimate increases to 1-in-3 for a smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime.
Radon can build up over time to the point when it becomes a serious problem. Your home’s radon levels depend on three main factors: 1) The amount of uranium in the ground; 2) The number of entry points into your home; and 3) How well your home is ventilated.

How does radon enter a home?

Possible points of entry for radon include:
• Construction joints
• Cracks in foundation walls and floor slabs
• Dirt floors
• Floor drains
• Gaps around service pipes
• Sumps or cavities inside walls
• Support posts
• Window casements

 How is radon testing conducted?

There are two common types of radon tests – a 48-hour presence test and a more comprehensive 90-day test.
The 48-hour test is the first step, as it will indicate if there’s a significant presence of radon based on a reading of the levels within the home. The homeowner will then know whether mediation is required (around the 200-2,500 level range). If so, the next step is to run a 90-day test.
And, of course, the higher the detected levels of radon, the quicker the issue needs attention.
While there are several ways to reduce your home’s radon level, including increased ventilation and sealing of radon entry points, these solutions are often not as effective as active soil depressurisation (ASD), typically performed by a contractor.
More information can be obtained at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html

• Dirt floors
• Floor drains
• Gaps around service pipes
• Sumps or cavities inside walls
• Support posts
• Window casements

How is radon testing conducted?
There are two common types of radon tests – a 48-hour presence test and a more comprehensive 90-day test.
The 48-hour test is the first step, as it will indicate if there’s a significant presence of radon based on a reading of the levels within the home. The homeowner will then know whether mediation is required (around the 200-2,500 level range). If so, the next step is to run a 90-day test.
And, of course, the higher the detected levels of radon, the quicker the issue needs attention.
While there are several ways to reduce your home’s radon level, including increased ventilation and sealing of radon entry points, these solutions are often not as effective as active soil depressurisation (ASD), typically performed by a contractor.

More information can be obtained at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html

This Winter Maintenance Checklist Will Keep Your Home in Good Order!

Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices is the best way to protect your investment. Whether you take care of a few tasks at a time or several all at once, it’s important to get into the habit of completing these checks annually leading up to each season.

With winter well on its way, it’s important to establish a regular schedule to help prevent the most common – and also costly – problems from occurring. Be sure to make notes and take pictures of anything you’d like to share with an expert for advice or to help monitor the situation moving forward.

This checklist will help guide you in keeping your home a safe and healthy place to live this winter and year-round.

Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable performing some of the home maintenance tasks listed below, or you don’t have the equipment on hand to properly complete each section, you may want to call in a professional handy person.

Winter Checklist

• Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilator filters, should be checked every two months
• After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, drain off a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank to control sediment and maintain efficiency
• Clean your humidifier two or three times during the winter season
• Vacuum bathroom fan grills to ensure proper ventilation
• Vacuum fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spiderwebs can prevent them from functioning
• Vacuum radiator grills on the back of refrigerators and freezers, and empty and clean drip trays
• Check gauges on all fire extinguishers, and recharge or replace as necessary
• Check fire escape routes, door and window locks and hardware, and lighting around the home’s exterior. Ensure your family has good security habits
• Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary
• Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels – for instance, since condensation on your windows can cause significant damage over time and pose serious health problems, this requires corrective action
• Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as needed. Faucets requiring frequent replacement of washers may be in need of repair or replacement
• If you have a plumbing fixture that’s not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, briefly run some water to keep water in the trap
• Clean drains in the dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls
• Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they’re working and to prevent them from seizing
• Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaks. If found, make a note for repair or replacement in the spring
• Examine attic for frost accumulation. Check roof for ice dams or icicles. If there’s excessive frost or staining of the underside of the roof, or ice dams on the roof surface, be sure to have an expert look into the issue
• Check electrical cords, plugs and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety. If showing signs of wear, or if plugs/cords feel warm, replace immediately

As published by A Buyer's Choice Home Inspection

Concerned about radon? A radon test is an inexpensive and simple way to bring you peace of mind – for both an existing home and/or a prospective purchase.
Radon is an invisible and odourless radioactive gas that’s released from the ground thanks to radium (which comes from uranium).
Radon build-up can occur in any home, regardless of age or how well it’s maintained. Virtually every home in Canada and the US has some radon. But the levels vary from house to house, even if they’re situated next door to one another.
Radon can occur anywhere, but higher levels are typically found in areas that have a higher concentration of uranium that naturally occurs in the soil. High `levels of radon increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Almost 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Radon exposure is linked to approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada and is the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers, says Health Canada.
It’s estimated that a non-smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime has a 1-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer. That estimate increases to 1-in-3 for a smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime.
Radon can build up over time to the point when it becomes a serious problem. Your home’s radon levels depend on three main factors: 1) The amount of uranium in the ground; 2) The number of entry points into your home; and 3) How well your home is ventilated.

How does radon enter a home?
Possible points of entry for radon include:
• Construction joints
• Cracks in foundation walls and floor slabs

Concerned about radon? A radon test is an inexpensive and simple way to bring you peace of mind – for both an existing home and/or a prospective purchase.
Radon is an invisible and odourless radioactive gas that’s released from the ground thanks to radium (which comes from uranium).
Radon build-up can occur in any home, regardless of age or how well it’s maintained. Virtually every home in Canada and the US has some radon. But the levels vary from house to house, even if they’re situated next door to one another.
Radon can occur anywhere, but higher levels are typically found in areas that have a higher concentration of uranium that naturally occurs in the soil. High `levels of radon increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Almost 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Radon exposure is linked to approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada and is the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers, says Health Canada.
It’s estimated that a non-smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime has a 1-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer. That estimate increases to 1-in-3 for a smoker exposed to high levels of radon over a lifetime.
Radon can build up over time to the point when it becomes a serious problem. Your home’s radon levels depend on three main factors: 1) The amount of uranium in the ground; 2) The number of entry points into your home; and 3) How well your home is ventilated.

How does radon enter a home?

Possible points of entry for radon include:
• Construction joints
• Cracks in foundation walls and floor slabs
• Dirt floors
• Floor drains
• Gaps around service pipes
• Sumps or cavities inside walls
• Support posts
• Window casements

 How is radon testing conducted?

There are two common types of radon tests – a 48-hour presence test and a more comprehensive 90-day test.
The 48-hour test is the first step, as it will indicate if there’s a significant presence of radon based on a reading of the levels within the home. The homeowner will then know whether mediation is required (around the 200-2,500 level range). If so, the next step is to run a 90-day test.
And, of course, the higher the detected levels of radon, the quicker the issue needs attention.
While there are several ways to reduce your home’s radon level, including increased ventilation and sealing of radon entry points, these solutions are often not as effective as active soil depressurisation (ASD), typically performed by a contractor.
More information can be obtained at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html

• Dirt floors
• Floor drains
• Gaps around service pipes
• Sumps or cavities inside walls
• Support posts
• Window casements

How is radon testing conducted?
There are two common types of radon tests – a 48-hour presence test and a more comprehensive 90-day test.
The 48-hour test is the first step, as it will indicate if there’s a significant presence of radon based on a reading of the levels within the home. The homeowner will then know whether mediation is required (around the 200-2,500 level range). If so, the next step is to run a 90-day test.
And, of course, the higher the detected levels of radon, the quicker the issue needs attention.
While there are several ways to reduce your home’s radon level, including increased ventilation and sealing of radon entry points, these solutions are often not as effective as active soil depressurisation (ASD), typically performed by a contractor.

More information can be obtained at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html