Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into your home from the soil or rock beneath it. It is extremely dangerous and poses a severe health risk to you and your family. Fortunately, several strategies can reduce your home's risk of developing a radon problem.
Installing Radon Barriers
Installing radon barriers is an effective way to reduce radon levels in your home. These barriers are typically made from durable materials like plastic or rubber. They are placed beneath the home's foundation, where they act as a barrier to radon, preventing it from seeping into the house.
Another radon barrier option is the sub-slab depressurization system. This system uses pipes and fans to create a vacuum beneath the home's foundation. This draws the radon gas from the soil and vents it away from the house. Both types of radon barriers effectively reduce radon levels in the home. However, it is crucial to ensure the installation is done correctly because gaps or leaks in the barrier can render it ineffective.
Sealing The Crawlspace
Radon can also enter the home through the crawlspace. Sealing the crawlspace is an effective way to prevent radon from entering the home through this pathway. One way to seal the crawlspace is to use a vapor barrier. It prevents radon from seeping through the soil and into the house. Another way to seal the crawlspace is to use spray foam insulation. This insulation is applied to the crawlspace's walls and floor, creating an airtight seal. This prevents radon from entering the home through gaps or cracks in the crawlspace.
Installing Radon Detectors
Installing radon detectors is an essential part of protecting your home against radon. These devices measure the radon levels in your home and provide an early warning if levels become too high. Short-term radon detectors provide a snapshot of the radon levels in your home over several days to several weeks. In contrast, long-term radon detectors offer a more accurate measurement of the radon levels in your home for months to years.
Enhancing Ventilation In The Crawlspace And Basement
Enhancing ventilation in the crawlspace and basement can also help reduce radon levels in the home. An effective option for improving ventilation is to install a fan. This fan draws air from the crawlspace or basement and vents it outside, reducing the radon concentration in the home. It is important to note that enhancing ventilation alone may not be enough to reduce radon levels in the home. Combining ventilation with other strategies is often necessary.
For more info about residential radon mitigation systems, contact a local company.
Share8 March 2023
