Building Code Standards

Radon related building practices have been introduced into the federal and provincial building codes. In addition to codes briefly described below, additional regional code requirements exist. If you have questions, feel free to contact our mitigation professionals. 

National Building Code
The National Research Council updated guidance specifies provisions for both large building and residential housing pertaining to radon which include:

• Air barrier systems and requirements

• Drainage and waterproofing 

• Ventilation systems 

• Air contaminants 

• Excavation 

• Control of Air Leakage 

• Good Engineering Practice

• Foundation wall and floor material 

• Floors-on-ground 

• Dampproofing 

• Slab perimeter sealing

• Penetrations sealing

• Sump pit sealing

• Air seal drains where required

Alberta Building Code 

Soil gas mitigation systems, of which radon is included, fall under Part 6 of the Alberta Building Code, introduced in 2016 (ABC 2014). 

The following provisions were introduced to permit radon mitigation system installation in new construction, should it be determined that radon concentrations are in excess of current guidelines.

• Vapour barrier underneath the slab
• Clean 100 mm aggregate fill sub-slab
• Perimeter fully sealed
• All penetrations sealed
• Radon rough in pipe, caped, seal and labelled
• Sump pit airtight

Above: Alberta Building Code Radon Rough-In Diagram