Radon is a radioactive gas that can rise from the ground and pose a risk to your home. Fortunately, it is possible to mitigate the harmful effects of radon. However, there are several techniques to choose from, and the process of abatement may vary depending on your situation. Here’s what you should know about radon mitigation when it comes to protecting your home.
Suction Techniques
Suction systems work by pulling away toxic vapors from the ground and dispensing the air above the roofline. There are different types of suction radon mitigation systems to consider.
Sub-slab depressurization may either be active or passive. Active systems draw air using fans and are more efficient but are also more expensive to run. Passive systems can reduce radon levels by up to 50%, and you can add fans to make them more powerful.
Drain-tile suction is another process suitable for homes with complete drain tiles running along the foundation. It can create negative pressure under the foundation, similar to a depressurization system. The EPA indicates it can be 50 to 99% effective depending on the quality of the installation.
Cracking and Sealing
Sealing complements other radon mitigation strategies. For suction to work, the foundation must not allow radioactive vapors to escape into your home. This typically occurs when the foundation shifts over some time. That is why homeowners should look out for cracks and seal them when appropriate.
Water Contamination
Even though it is not as risky as radon from the ground, radon in water still poses a risk for homeowners. Before you begin the radon mitigation and abatement process, it is advisable to test both air and water sources.
There are several radon mitigation systems suitable for purifying your water. The results will allow you to determine which one is best for your situation.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters are more cost-effective but require extensive maintenance. On the other hand, aeration systems are more expensive but can eliminate the gas better than GAC installations. You can also choose between point-of-use or whole-house units.
Home Ventilation
You can also reduce Radon levels by improving the airflow in and out of your home. Ventilation installation is usually for crawl spaces to reduce the pressure under that part of your home. It also dilutes contaminated air.
The ventilation may be passive in which case it will only require installing and keeping the vents open. An active system uses fans to facilitate the airflow out of your home. The use of ventilation is often to complement other processes, such as sub-slab-depressurization.
System Design and Monitoring
The design of radon mitigation systems must consider the unique factors that could impact the installation’s effectiveness. For example, passive depressurization systems work better in colder regions where there is a significant pressure difference.
The system also needs monitoring to ensure it is always functional. A radon abatement professional in Denver should evaluate your system at least once a year.
For radon mitigation systems to be effective, you have to consider several factors. The first factor will be your radon test results. Then the structure of the house will also determine the type of suction system to install. You may require additional systems if there is water contamination. Always monitor and organize for routine maintenance to keep your radon installation efficient. For more information on mitigation visit your local radon mitigation company.
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