Radon SOLUTION

Radon Mitigation Methods

The solution can encompass one or a combination of the following methods: natural ventilation of the home, Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems, Sealing and Caulking all the openings in the concrete foundation floor and radon entry routes, basement pressurization, block-wall or drain-tile fan suction, sub-slab depressurization, deep-penetrating concrete sealer.

Natural ventilation of the home and/or heat recovery ventilation system may show some results in conjunction with sealing and caulking all the openings in the concrete foundation floor and radon entry routes, if the radon levels are below 5 pCi/L or 185 Bq/m3.

Block-wall suction with a fan is suitable for basements with hollow block walls when used in conjunction with sealing and caulking all the openings in the concrete foundation floor and radon entry routes.

Drain-tile suction with a fan works best if drain tiles form a complete loop around the basement and should be complemented by sealing and caulking all the openings in the concrete foundation floor and radon entry routes.

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

Sub-slab depressurization technique has been found to be the most effective, so far. By installing an In-Line Radon Fan along with a vent pipe you would get a so called fan-based radon mitigation system. The system creates low pressure under the basement slab by pumping and venting the radon outside the home.

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.

Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques

If you are building a new home, here are typical radon-resistant construction techniques which will definitely minimize the risk of getting radon in your home:

• install a 4-inch layer of clean gravel gas permeable layer underneath the basement floor slab
• install a plastic sheeting on top of the gas permeable layer to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home
• seal and caulk all openings in the concrete foundation floor, as soon as the concrete floor cures and install a vent pipe from the gas permeable layer to the roof to vent radon above the house
• install an electrical junction box near the vent pipe just in case an in-line radon fan must be installed later on.

After occupancy, you should definitely take a reading of the radon level within your home. Should the reading is more than 2 pCi/L you must take action to mitigate the levels of radon within your home.