Radon and Basement Renovations in Winnipeg: What Homeowners Should Consider
If you’re renovating your basement or planning a home renovation, radon is something worth thinking about before the drywall goes up.
About 1 in 4 homes in Manitoba test above Health Canada’s recommended radon guideline. Finding elevated levels after a basement renovation is complete can make mitigation more disruptive and expensive.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas released from the soil that can build up inside homes.
It enters through openings in the foundation, including cracks in the concrete, sump pits, floor drains, gaps around pipes, and other small openings in basement floors.
You can’t see it or smell it, and most people have no idea what their home’s level is. The only way to know is to test.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Should You Test for Radon Before Finishing a Basement?
Yes. Testing before a basement renovation can identify elevated radon levels before walls, ceilings, and flooring are finished.
Basement renovations often turn unfinished storage areas into bedrooms, family rooms, home offices, gyms, or play spaces where people spend a lot more time.
Because radon enters from the ground, levels are usually highest at the lowest level of the home.
We’ve had homeowners call after finishing a basement only to discover elevated radon levels afterward. It’s much easier to plan around radon before the renovation is complete.
Can Renovations Make Radon Mitigation More Difficult?
Sometimes.
Radon mitigation systems are usually straightforward to install, but finished basements can limit the simplest installation paths.
Mitigation after a renovation may involve:
Opening finished walls
Working around completed walls
More complicated pipe routing
Cosmetic repairs afterward
We’ve seen situations where finishing the basement first limited the easiest options later.
Do New Homes in Manitoba Already Have Radon Protection?
Many newer homes in Manitoba already include a passive radon rough-in pipe installed during construction.
A lot of homeowners notice the pipe but aren’t sure what it’s for.
If high radon levels are found later, the rough-in pipe usually makes mitigation simpler since part of the work is already done.
Does Opening Basement Windows Reduce Radon?
Opening windows can temporarily lower radon levels by increasing airflow, but it does not eliminate the source of the gas or permanently solve elevated levels.
That’s why testing is still recommended, even during spring and summer.
When Should You Test for Radon?
Health Canada recommends long-term radon testing for at least 3 months during the heating season whenever possible. In Winnipeg, that’s usually during winter when homes are more sealed up to keep heat in.
That said, air-conditioned homes in summer can also remain fairly sealed, which is why elevated radon levels can still be present year-round.
If you’re planning a renovation, even a shorter-term professional assessment can still help provide direction before construction begins.
If you’re already investing in a basement renovation, it makes sense to know your radon levels before everything gets closed up.
The Bottom Line
Radon is common in Manitoba homes, but it’s also manageable.
If you’re planning a basement renovation, testing before the project is complete can help avoid more complicated mitigation work later and give you a clearer understanding of the space before the basement becomes part of daily life.
If you’re in Winnipeg and have questions about radon testing or mitigation during a renovation, we can help explain the process and what makes sense for your home. Give us a call at 204-807-1340