What to Expect from a Professional Radon Test in Ottawa

John A1 week ago

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What to Expect from a Professional Radon Test in Ottawa

Introduction:

You may be proactive about home safety—installing smoke detectors, scheduling HVAC maintenance, and even sealing your basement to prevent moisture—but there’s one silent, invisible, and potentially deadly threat you can’t detect without help: radon gas.

As Ottawa residents become more aware of radon’s health risks, many homeowners are asking: “Should I get a professional radon test?” The answer is often yes—especially if you want fast, accurate, and legally defensible results.

But what exactly happens during a professional radon test? How long does it take? What equipment is used? What do the results mean, and what happens next?

This in-depth guide covers everything you can expect from a professional radon test in Ottawa, from scheduling your appointment to receiving your final report and understanding your next steps.

Why Radon Is a Serious Issue in Ottawa

The Science Behind Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium in rock and soil breaks down. It rises from the ground and can seep into homes through:

Cracks in foundations
Sump pump openings
Gaps in pipes or drains
Crawl spaces and construction joints

Indoors, radon can accumulate—especially in basements or lower-level rooms—and pose a serious health hazard over time.

Health Risks

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, responsible for approximately 3,000 deaths annually, according to Health Canada. Long-term exposure increases the risk significantly, even for non-smokers.

Why Ottawa Homes Are at Risk

Ottawa’s geology includes uranium-rich bedrock, such as granite and shale, and clay-heavy glacial till, both of which are known to produce radon. Add cold winters that seal homes tight and energy-efficient construction that traps indoor air, and you have the perfect conditions for high radon levels.

In fact:

Over 20% of homes in Ottawa test above Health Canada’s radon guideline of 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre)
Some neighborhoods see readings above 1,000 Bq/m³

Clearly, professional radon testing is not just a luxury—it’s an essential step for health-conscious homeowners in Ottawa https://www.simonairquality.com/services/radon-testing/.

What Is a Professional Radon Test?

A professional radon test is a service conducted by a certified radon measurement provider using specialized equipment and protocols. The goal is to:

Accurately measure radon levels
Minimize user error
Interpret results
Recommend appropriate action if levels are high

Professional testing is ideal when:

You need quick, accurate results
You’re buying or selling a home
You want a detailed consultation
You suspect high exposure and need peace of mind

Step-by-Step: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Step 1: Booking Your Appointment

You’ll start by contacting a C-NRPP-certified radon professional. C-NRPP stands for the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program, which ensures the technician has proper training and follows national guidelines.

Top-rated radon professionals in Ottawa include:

Radon Works
Canadian Shield Radon
RadonCare
Healthy Home Center (Radon Ottawa)

During your call, the company may ask:

Your address and type of home
Whether you have a basement or slab foundation
If you’ve tested before
Your preferred test duration (short-term or long-term)

Scheduling Tip: Fall and winter are peak seasons. Book early to avoid delays.

Step 2: Pre-Test Home Evaluation

Before installing the monitor, the technician will:

Inspect your home’s foundation, basement, or crawl space
Look for common radon entry points (cracks, drains, etc.)
Assess ventilation and HVAC systems
Determine optimal placement of the testing device

Proper placement is critical for accuracy. Generally, the detector is placed:

On the lowest lived-in level
In a frequently used room (not a bathroom or kitchen)
Away from windows, vents, heaters, or direct sunlight

Step 3: Installing the Radon Monitor

Most professionals use a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM)—an advanced electronic device that:

Measures radon levels hour by hour
Tracks temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure
Is tamper-proof and password-protected

The technician will:

Set up the monitor securely on a shelf or table
Record the start time, location, and environmental settings
Instruct you not to move, cover, or tamper with the monitor

The test duration is typically:

48 to 96 hours for short-term tests
91+ days for long-term monitoring

Step 4: Monitoring Period

During this phase:

You’ll live in your home as usual, but with minimal changes to ventilation.
You may be asked to keep windows and exterior doors closed, except for normal entry/exit.
Don’t move the device or place objects near it.

If the monitor is disturbed or exposed to drastic environmental changes, the technician may recommend restarting the test.

Step 5: Retrieving the Monitor

At the end of the test period, the technician will:

Return to your home
Retrieve the monitor and secure the data
Ensure environmental conditions remained within test parameters

You’ll receive results within 24–72 hours, depending on the equipment and company policies.

Step 6: Receiving the Report

Your radon report will include:

Average radon level over the test period
Hourly radon fluctuations (for CRM tests)
Graphs and charts for visual interpretation
Comparison to Health Canada’s guidelines
Recommendations for next steps

If levels are high, your technician will discuss mitigation options and provide a quote if needed.

What Equipment Do Professionals Use?

Professional radon testers typically use:

Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs)

Real-time digital readings
Hour-by-hour tracking
Temperature and pressure sensors
Tamper detection (movement or power failure)
High precision and reliability

Alpha Track Detectors (for long-term)

Used for 91+ day tests
Passive device sent to lab for analysis
Cost-effective for seasonal or annual checks

Professionals calibrate and maintain this equipment regularly to ensure accuracy.

Cost of a Professional Radon Test in Ottawa

Service Type Cost Range (CAD)

Short-term test (CRM) $150–$300

Long-term test $200–$400

Post-mitigation test $100–$200

Pro Tip: Ask if the company offers discounts when bundling testing with mitigation services.

When Should You Hire a Professional?

While DIY test kits are great for general awareness, professional testing is ideal if:

You’re buying or selling a home
You suspect very high radon levels
You need legal or insurance documentation
You want expert advice and interpretation
You plan to install a mitigation system

Also, a professional test is faster, more precise, and removes the guesswork involved with DIY kits.

What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?

Your technician will likely recommend sub-slab depressurization, which:

Vents radon from below the foundation to the outside
Is installed in 1–2 days
Costs $2,000–$3,500 in Ottawa
Reduces radon levels by up to 99%

Post-mitigation testing confirms success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is professional testing more accurate than DIY kits?

Yes. CRMs provide real-time, high-resolution data that DIY kits can’t match.

2. Is it safe to stay in my home during testing?

Yes. In fact, you’re encouraged to live normally (with closed windows) to reflect typical radon exposure.

3. How often should I test my home?

Every 5–10 years, or after major renovations or HVAC changes.

4. Can I test in the summer?

Yes, but winter testing provides more accurate results due to lower ventilation and higher radon retention.

Conclusion:

A professional radon test is a small investment with big rewards — especially in Ottawa, where geological and seasonal conditions make homes highly susceptible to elevated radon levels.

By hiring a certified expert, you gain: