Through the GF Water Foundation, several First Nations homes in Saskatchewan have improved air quality and living conditions with the help of Uponor radiant heating. Known as the Blanket of Warmth project, GF created a solution that integrates Uponor radiant systems with the homes’ existing furnaces to remove cold dampness that allowed mold spores to grow. 

The first Blanket of Warmth project was completed in 2018 with just two homes. Now, with the grant from the GF Water Foundation via the OneGF Impact Fund, more than a dozen First Nation homes have the Uponor radiant system. The community partners for the project include: Cree Nation, Pasqua Cree Nation, Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation and Standing Buffalo Cree Nation.

Unstable temperatures and high moisture in the homes’ basements led to the growth of black mold, posing a serious threat to long-term health. The Uponor system, which includes Uponor helioPEX pipe and Fast Trak radiant mats, helps to stabilize temperatures, mitigating the mold problem and eliminating long-term health risks for residents. The system also reduces homeowners’ energy bills and removes potential fire hazards from previously needed electric heaters.

“In the previous conditions, our basement was far too cold to occupy comfortably,“ says Fred Starblanket of Star Blanket Cree Nation. “Not only has that problem been solved but we also gained peace of mind that we are living in a safer and healthier environment. This project represents healing and providing a good life for our people.”

“I was beyond thrilled to receive this grant from the OneGF Impact Fund to not only expand our work across four reservations but also to raise awareness of this critical issue,” says Nicole Miller, Canada Sales Manager at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “Seeing how Uponor product is directly improving people’s lives is a highlight of my career.”