Radon-Resistant Construction
New Construction Is The Best Time For Radon Installation
Address radon gas concerns before it is even built.
Your new home can be built to resist radon gas entry for minimal additional costs by adding a radon mitigation system. Take proper radon-resistant precautions when building a house. It can help prevent high levels of radon from concentrating, which, in turn, may significantly reduce the risk of radon-related lung cancer. And an added benefit of better moisture control throughout the house.
The EPA developed a voluntary guidance document on radon control techniques for new residential construction. The guidance recommends and describes the installation of a “passive-sub slab or sub-membrane depressurization system. See U.S. EPA, https://www.epa.gov/radon/radon-resistant-construction-basics-and-techniques.
Here Are The Steps We Take For Radon Protection For New Construction
We offer services to both new homes and multifamily buildings.
First Step
The first step is making the house resistant to radon during the construction phase. This is done by installing a specialized air channel before the foundation is poured. This keeps the soil gases from ever entering the house. Once we pour the foundation, all openings and cracks are sealed to prevent gases from entering the home.
Second Step
The second step is to install a passive radon gas mitigation system or vent pipe. This can be done during the construction phase by using PVC pipes vertically from beneath the foundation and up through the roof to safely vent radon and the other soil gases outside of the house. Once the home or residential building is completed, a simple radon test can be performed to make sure the precautions are keeping radon gas from concentrating in the house. If radon levels come back high, the passive system can be turned into an active system. This can be done by adding a fan at a much lower cost than installing a system in an already completed house.
Using a radon gas system resistant construction techniques during the building phase, can add value to the home and protect the health of your family. We can work directly with your builder to give you peace of mind. And we make your home as radon-resistant as possible.
Features of passive radon-resistant construction
- Electrical junction box - An electrical junction box is roughed in the attic near the vent pipe. This power supply will be ready to use if the radon control system needs to be "activated" in the future.
- Aggregate - Four inches of clean aggregate is spread under all areas within the home's walls that will be covered by concrete slabs. Soil-gas collection mats or drainage mats can also be used.
- Vent pipe - The vent pipe runs vertically through the roof, directing the soil gases to the outdoors. The vent pipe is a 3 to 4 inch diameter PVC pipe that is connected to the "T" in the aggregate. If the home has a sump pit or drain-tile system, the vent pipe can be inserted directly into the sump pit or connected to the drain-tile loop.
- Roof flashing - Flashing must be installed around the vent pipe where it exits the roof to prevent leakage.
- Sealing - All potential soil gas entry points are sealed with caulk or expanding foam. Sump baskets must have sealed cover.
- Vent pipe "T" - A "T" fitting made of 3 to 4 inch diameter PVC pipe is inserted into the aggregate under the basement slab or under a crawl space's vapor barrier. The "T" pipe allows soil gases to enter with little resistance and connects to the main vent pipe.
- Soil-gas retarder - To help keep water/moisture in concrete so that it fully cures with minimum cracking. Six mil thick polyethylene sheeting, over lapped 12 inches at the seams, and fitted closely around all penetrations is placed over the aggregate. In crawl spaces, the sheeting is sealed to the foundation walls and interior piers.
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