PROTECT the HOMES You BUILD with RadonX™

Radon gas is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally from decaying uranium in the soil. Over time, it can seep into a home through cracks and openings in the foundation and, if not adequately vented, potentially pose a serious health hazard.

The RadonX™ Soil Gas Venting System from IPEX is a complete piping solution designed to improve air flow and consists of a solid vent pipe, perforated gas collector pipe, standard fittings, termination accessories, and solvent cement. It’s easy to install and to identify, and it features a permanent joining system along with an exclusive rain cap.

As a contractor or home builder, building safe homes for families is your first priority. Reduce the risk of radon gas exposure with RadonX™ Soil Gas Venting.

Did you know… Exposure to radon gas is a growing concern and is a preventable risk. Check with your building authority to confirm what your local requirements are when it comes to radon gas mitigation.

equipment submerged in water can cause a risk of electrocution and assessing the safety of occupants in the building is the number-one priority. Depending on the severity of the water episode, full replacement of equipment may be necessary. This can pose an additional challenge in winter months when heating systems are down for a prolonged period. Temporary heating must be brought in to avoid freezing existing domestic water and heating lines. While this can be extremely costly depending on the size of the facility, it is typically necessary in order to avoid further damage to the property.

Seasonal Risks

Properties are most at risk during spring and winter months. The spring thaw brings with it overland flooding risks, which can result in water episodes on the ground floor and basement areas. Typically, winter flooding is a result of frozen water lines where insulation is insufficient, or windows have been left open above heating lines. Flooding also can occur as drain lines freeze causing back-ups. This can also be extremely impactful as the water brings pathogens and bacteria with it.

Commercial building infrastructure is generally more sophisticated. When emergencies occur, there are sometimes options in place where mechanical or HVAC systems need to be manipulated to compensate for sections of a plant being unavailable. In residential settings, there is typically no redundancy.

Installing leak detection systems in buildings can provide property owners and operators with data that can alert them to flooding in real-time. If integrated with a preparedness plan this can help reduce risk, reduce cost, and allow for a rapid response should flooding occur.

LESSON LEARNED: ON THE GROUND DURING THE BC FLOODS

2021 was a year of catastrophic weather in British Columbia. The province took a hit from various climate catastrophes during the calendar year. With wildfires, floods and freezing events, businesses and residents were confronted with damaging weather-related risks, back-to-back.

The aging infrastructure of many institutions in the region was not built to withstand the current changing weather patterns.

Hospitals and long-term care homes were majorly impacted as heating lines and pipes froze and shut down critical facilities. The displacement this caused was extremely stressful and impactful. The number-one priority was getting these systems back online.

While much of the disruption could not have been prevented, crews were able to work most effectively with companies and facilities that had preparedness plans already in place.

Discuss creating a plan with building maintenance or facility managers where you provide service. Flooding cannot always be avoided, especially in the case of extreme weather or aging infrastructure. Establish a protocol that ensures personnel are ready to act if their building is impacted by flooding and critical mechanical systems go offline.

■ Upgrade to one of 13 special QuickTrim® finishes in minutes (including Matte Black, Brushed Gold and Champagne Bronze)

■ Installs over existing bathtub drain

■ No need to remove tub drain and risk cross-threading

■ Includes stopper and high-flow Innovator® overflow faceplate

By Fred Bretzke