Are you aware that one in fifteen homes in the US has elevated levels of radon gas? If not, it’s time to pay attention! Radon is a poisonous gas that is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, making it very hard to detect. Exposure to high levels of radon gas not only increases the risk of lung cancer but can also cause other respiratory problems.
Before we jump into the tips, it’s crucial to understand what radon gas is and how it can be harmful. Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium and radium in the soil. Once released into the air, radon becomes a health hazard, and prolonged exposure can lead to severe health implications. Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the US, responsible for over 20,000 deaths annually. Therefore, as a homeowner, you must ensure that radon levels in your home are safe.
In this blog post, we will provide you with 6 tips for having a radon reduction system installed in your home, which could help you avoid disastrous consequences.
1. Mitigation contractors must be certified
If you’re considering hiring a radon mitigation contractor, here’s what you need to know. First and foremost, make sure the contractor you hire is state certified. Certification is required for anyone who repairs or alters a building for radon reduction. This ensures that the contractor has the necessary training and expertise to install a radon reduction system properly.
When looking for a radon mitigation contractor, getting more than one estimate is important. This will give you a better understanding of the work that needs to be done and the cost involved. It’s also good to ask for references and check online reviews to ensure the contractor has a good reputation.
One important question for the contractor is whether they guarantee their system will lower the radon level to below 4 pCi/L. This is the EPA’s recommended action level for radon, and it’s important to have a system to achieve this. A post-installation radon mitigation test should always be performed by 24 hours after the fan is started and before thirty days after the fan is started. This will ensure the system works properly and effectively reduces radon levels.
2. Kind of sealants
If you’re considering installing a radon reduction system in your home, it’s important to ask your contractor about the type of sealants they use. Sealing is a crucial part of any radon reduction system, and using the right materials can make all the difference in keeping your home safe and protected. One of the most important sealant materials is a durable caulk like urethane. This type of caulk is recommended for sealing floor cracks, floor-wall joints (if they aren’t already sealed), and around any PVC pipe penetrations that are part of the system. Urethane caulk is incredibly strong and will provide a long-lasting seal, helping to prevent radon gas from seeping into your home.
In addition to urethane caulk, it’s important to ensure your sump pit is properly sealed. Even if you have a sump pump, covering the pit and sealing it with a silicone caulk is important. Silicone caulk is much easier to remove than urethane caulk in case of an emergency, such as a sump pump failing and needing to regain access to the sump.
3. Radon fan at best possible location
The most critical factor in the effectiveness of a radon reduction system is the location of the radon fan. Ideally, the fan should be installed in the best possible location, which is usually on the outside of the house. This is especially true for systems installed after the house has been built. Having the fan on the outside ensures that any radon gas is quickly and efficiently removed from your home, reducing your exposure to the gas.
If the radon reduction system is installed during new construction, installing the fan in the attic may be possible. However, this is only possible if all system piping is inside the house. Additionally, it’s important to ensure the fan is not installed in or beneath living space, such as a basement or crawlspace. Doing so could allow the radon gas to circulate back into your home, defeating the purpose of the radon reduction system.
Some homeowners may choose to have the fan installed in the garage. While this is an option, it’s essential to ensure that there isn’t any living space above the garage. If there is, the fan should not be installed in the garage, as it could still allow radon gas to circulate back into your home. Hire the best company for Radon measurement and radon measures (Radonmåling og radontiltak i Hundvåg fra Radoni AS).
4. Radon gas discharge point
The radon gas discharge point must be above the roofline to be effective. This is achieved by installing PVC pipes from the home to the roofline. The radon gas is then expelled through a discharge point above the roofline.
But why does the discharge point need to be above the roofline? The answer is simple: to ensure the radon gas is exhausted above and away from the house and doesn’t come back into open windows or doors. If the discharge point is located too close to the ground, there’s a risk that the expelled gas will get trapped and be drawn back into the house through open windows or doors.
Installing a radon reduction system is crucial in protecting your family’s health. However, ensuring the system is installed correctly is equally important. To be effective, the discharge point must be located above the roofline. This will ensure the radon gas is safely and effectively expelled from your home.
5. System maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the system functions properly and effectively reduces radon levels. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas in the soil. It can seep into buildings through cracks or gaps in the foundation, and prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer. Installing a radon reduction system is the most effective way to deal with the problem, but it’s important to remember that the system still needs to be maintained.
Regular maintenance of your radon reduction system is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the system effectively reduces radon levels in your home. Over time, parts of the system may wear out or become less efficient, leading to higher radon levels. Regular maintenance checks help identify any issues and ensure that the system is working as it should be.
Regular maintenance can help you identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. For example, if the fan in your radon reduction system starts to wear out, it may still be working, but not as efficiently. This can lead to higher energy bills and, eventually, a complete system failure. Regular maintenance checks can help identify these issues early on, allowing you to take action before they become bigger problems.
6. Do a Radon Test Every Two Years
Doing a radon test every two years ensures your mitigation system functions properly. Over time, parts of the system can wear out or become damaged, leading to radon gas seeping back into your home. By doing a test every two years, you can catch any issues early and have them fixed before they become a problem.
In addition, if you make any major structural changes to your home, such as adding or finishing a basement, you should retest for radon gas. These changes can affect the airflow in your home, which can impact how well your mitigation system works.
Testing for radon gas is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase a radon test kit from a hardware store or online. These kits typically cost between $15 and $30 and come with instructions on how to use them. You simply place the kit in your home for a specified time (usually 2-7 days), and then mail the kit to a lab for analysis.
Professional radon testing services are also available if you prefer to have someone else handle the testing. These services may be more expensive but can provide more accurate results.
At Nutshell
A radon reduction system in your home should be a top priority for all homeowners. With one in fifteen homes in the US having elevated levels of radon gas, it’s essential to take action to protect yourself and your family. This article has provided six tips to help you ensure that your home’s radon levels are safe. Remember, radon is a silent killer; the only way to detect it is through testing. By following these tips and working with a professional radon mitigation company, you can ensure your home is safe and healthy for you and your loved ones. Don’t wait; take action today to protect yourself from the dangers of radon gas.