Radon SOLUTION

Do It Yourself Radon Mitigation Methods

Are you a handyman who like to tackle tasks around the house by himself? Here is how to measure the level of radon in your home, install and maintain a radon mitigation system.

Measuring the radon level

It may make economical sense to buy a inexpensive Radon Detection Kits to quickly identify if radon is present in your house. However, if you do find elevated levels of radon in your home you must buy a Safety Siren Radon Detector.

For a radon detection kit, carefully follow the instructions for you particular kit. For a safety siren radon detector, install the device in your basement approximately 2 feet from the wall and about 3 inches from the floor. Make sure you select an area where the air is fairly static, away from fresh air incoming ducts, vents, ventilators, intakes or exhausts of air conditioning systems, air purifies, heat exchangers or dehumidifiers.

Plug in the radon detector in the electrical outlet per instructions in the owner’s manual. Let the radon detector in the same spot for at least 48 hours or until the detector displays a first short term average reading.

A reading of more than 2 pCi/L is a clear indication that you must take action to mitigate the levels of radon within your home. Depending on you radon detector, the measurement unit may by Bq/m3. Do not get confused, 1 pCi/L = 37 Bq/m3 and a reading of more that 72 Bq/m3 calls for action.

Employ passive radon mitigation methods

Before considering any other radon mitigating technique, try the following:

• Natural Ventilation of the home
• Sealing and Caulking all the openings in the concrete foundation floor and radon entry routes
• applying a Deep-Penetrating Concrete Sealer on your basement floor

All of the above may help or even completely mitigate if the radon leveling your home is below 5 pCi/L or 185 Bq/m3. Once you applied any or all of these radon mitigation methods, re-measure the radon level.

Installing a fan-based radon mitigation system

Installing a Heat Recovery Ventilation System may decrease the level of radon in your home, in addition to providing fresh air.

However, if the measurement does not indicate radon levels at least below 1 pCi/l (37 Bq/m3), you should consider employing the sub-slab depressurization technique by installing an In-Line Radon Fan, also known as fan-based radon mitigation system. The system creates low pressure under the basement and prevents radon from entering your home. Sub-slab depressurization technique has been found to be the most effective method of mitigating radon in homes.

Here is how to install a fan-based radon mitigation system.

Monitoring radon levels

Remember that there is no safe threshold for Radiation Exposure and that exposure should be limited to as low as reasonably achievable. Spending everyday in a high level radon radiation environment will not fail to show its Adverse Effects.

Regardless of the method you choose, radon levels should be continuous monitored. Be aware that the level of radon radiation does vary within certain limits from season to season. For example one should expect to see a raise in these levels during winter time, when the ground is frozen and covered by snow and underground gases cannot easily escape into the atmosphere.

Task more complex than you expected?

If you believe that installing a radon mitigation system is more complex than you expected, search our business directory to contact a qualified contractor in your area or ask for advice on our forum.