What Are Your Radon Mitigation Options?

Radon is a radioactive gas, and its presence in buildings is strongly correlated with lung cancer risks along with other medical concerns. Consequently, radon mitigation is a priority for any homeowner who has discovered the problem at their residence.

What are your options, though, when it comes to picking radon mitigation systems? Let's look at four ways contractors may address radon problems in a house.

Suction, Pumping, and Ventilation

Some locations allow the use of highly active radon mitigation measures. If there is a slab in the basement, a contractor may be able to install suction pipes to draw in the radon gas. They can then pump the gas into a pipe where a fan will then draw it up. Finally, the gas will exit through a vent that's higher than the peak of the roof, releasing it into the atmosphere where it will quickly dissipate.

It is also possible in some cases to use water drain pipes to get rid of the gas. Once more, suction is critical because you want as little of the gas to escape as possible. With radon, the accumulation of gas is a big problem. After you send the gas outside the home, dissipation will quickly render it harmless.

Pressurization

Another approach is to pressurize the basement of a house. Contractors will blow air into the basement from upstairs or outside. The idea is to pressurize the basement so there isn't an air draw from downstairs to upstairs.

However, this approach has a few downsides. First, it precludes regular use of the basement as a living or work area. Second, it may draw in moisture and encourage condensation issues. Third, it can be less than ideal from an energy efficiency standpoint. Finally, you can't regularly go through the basement without disrupting the pressure level.

Sealing

Before you go this route, be aware sealing alone is not an acceptable form of radon mitigation. However, it can reduce inefficiencies from other methods. Likewise, it should reduce the ingress of radon gas into a house. Especially if a home doesn't have a basement, sealing may be helpful because it will reduce the source of the gas. Bear in mind, though, you will have to hire a contractor to redo the sealant from time to time as the house settles.

Changing Water Source

If you have a house with well water, the well could be the source of the radon. Someone dealing with this scenario may need to drill a new well and test the water to ensure it doesn't have radon. Be aware, though, many radon mitigation firms don't perform drilling work.

For more information on radon mitigation, contact a company near you.

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