The EPA recommends radon levels be below 4 pCi/L. High levels of radon gas can be a danger to your home and family. The risk of lung cancer rises with every 100 Bq/m for long-term radon concentrations. Apart from that, it can also cause other respiratory problems, especially for persons with allergies or smokes. It is, therefore, important to ensure that you rid your living space of radon. This can only happen through radon testing and mitigation.
There are three main types of radon mitigation systems approved by the EPA. They include:
- Sub-slab suction.
- Sub-membrane.
- Drain tile.
The goal of radon mitigation systems is to prevent radon from getting into your home by dispensing and diffusing it into the air. In this article, we look at the main components of the system and its functions.
The Suction system
For the suction system to work, both the foundation and the surrounding walls must be airtight. The air pulled from the ground, must always rise several stories to the top of the house. That means you’ll need the following components:
A Fan: The fan ensures that the area underneath the house retains negative pressure. It ought to be located away from conditioned rooms to prevent leakages from spreading. You may place it in the attic, through a junction socket, or by establishing a new electrical connection.
Pipe Insulation: The pipe must have an insulation system to prevent condensation. As hot air goes through the vent, it can cause changes in the attic where there is colder air.
Radon Vent: If you live in a cold climate and you need to eliminate radon from your home, you may require a vent. In chilly weather, the temperature difference is enough to generate up to 2 liters of water per day. The vent may protrude from the side of the house, only exposing a portion of the pipe in winter.
Detection and Safety System Components
Every radon mitigation system will have detection components to uphold the safety and efficiency of the system.
U-Tube Manometer: It is a U-shaped device that checks whether your radon abatement setup is pulling air at the right amount of pressure. On the U-shape are two labeled meters indicating separate values. Ideally, they should have a reading of 0.5 and 1.7 inches, respectively. Otherwise, you may want to call a technician to determine if the installation is functioning correctly.
Radon Tags: The setup should have clear labels for maintenance and repairs. A technician will place tabs on critical parts of the system after installation is complete.
Detection Systems: Last, but by no means least, is the system to detect radiation levels. You will need it after installing the radon gas removal system. There is a short-term detection setup whose time range is between 48 hours and three months. Short-term methods provide speedy feedback, but they are less accurate. Long-term detection takes longer, but its results are more precise. A professional from your local Radon mitigation company can advise on the best combination between the two setups.
Bottom-Line
The design of your radon mitigation system will determine the efficiency of the process. You can consult a professional to ensure your home is safe from the radioactive gas. For more information on how to keep your house safe, visit our website today.
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