If radon, a radioactive gas with no smell, builds up in your house, it can be extremely harmful to your health. It is essential to install a radon mitigation system to save your family from this unseen danger. In order to lower indoor radon levels, this procedure entails constructing a safe vent for radon to leave your house.
We recommend hiring a professional for this job rather than a homeowner to install a radon mitigation system because it requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Recognizing The Dangers Of Radon
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a significant health concern for homeowners due to its association with lung cancer. It is produced by decaying uranium in soil and rock. Its concentrations in enclosed spaces like basements can pose a risk. Radon testing found online or in home improvement stores, is essential to determine radon levels. The EPA recommends action if radon levels exceed four picocuries per litre (pCi/L), but even levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L are sufficient for mitigation. Radon enters homes through cavities. Along with construction joints and cracks in foundation walls and floors, gaps around service pipes.
Organizing Your System For Radon Mitigation
Radon mitigation is a crucial process that involves using a fan-powered suction method, known as Active Soil Depressurization (ASD), to draw the radon from beneath a home and vent it safely outside. The best mitigation method depends on factors such as foundation type, layout, local climate, and soil type. A typical system includes a manometer for monitoring pressure, an in-line fan for continuous suction, proper sealing of foundation cracks and openings, and PVC piping for transporting radon gas.
Radon Mitigation Systems: DIY or Expert Installation?
Although some homeowners might think about doing their own radon mitigation system installation, there are several reasons to think about hiring a professional installer, such as the following:
- Capacity to handle unanticipated issues
- Availability of certain tools and equipment
- proficiency in the location and design of systems
- Assurance of system efficacy and work
- familiarity with regional building codes and standards
Professionals can ensure that your mitigation system is dependable and complies with local standards thanks to their invaluable knowledge and talents. They frequently provide guarantees for their labour, which gives customers even more assurance about the system’s long-term efficacy.
Installation Of A Radon Mitigation System
The process of installing a radon mitigation system involves several steps.
Step 1: Establish The Suction Point.
The first step is to create a suction point in the basement slab, marking the location and drilling through the concrete slab. This will improve the efficiency of the system.
Step 2:Dig A Sub-Slab Pit
The next step is to excavate a small pit beneath the slab, which increases the area from which the fan can draw radon. The pit size depends on the soil type, with larger pits being necessary for dense soil.
Step 3: Installing The Vent Pipe
The PVC pipe is then inserted a few inches beneath the slab level and routed vertically through the home to the attic to install the vent pipe.
Step 4: Seal The Slab Penetration
Proper sealing around the pipe is essential. A backer rod between the pipe and concrete is used to create an airtight seal, which is then filled with hydraulic cement. Allowing the cement to cure for about 10 minutes ensures a durable and long-lasting seal.
Step 5: Install The Roof Penetration And Fan
The fan and roof penetration are then installed. It connects the vent pipe to the blower unit and runs the exhaust pipe through the roof. Proper flashing and sealing of the roof penetration prevent water from getting in, and insulation in unheated spaces minimizes condensation
Step 6:Add The System Monitor
A manometer is installed in the basement to monitor the system’s performance. This gauge measures the pressure differential, indicating whether the fan is operating correctly. The manometer should be visible and convenient, allowing for regular monitoring and early detection of potential issues.
Keeping Your Radon Mitigation System In Working Order
After installation, a radon mitigation system needs little maintenance. To ensure that everything is functioning properly, it is crucial to do routine inspections, thus taking the following actions:
Examine the system’s visible components for leaks or damage.
Arrange for routine radon testing to ensure that levels stay low.
Typical Radon Mitigation System Cost
Radon Mitigation System Costs
Initial Installation Cost:
- Average: $800 to $2500.
- For a single-family home with a concrete slab foundation, $1200 to $1500.
Maintenance Cost:
- Annual: $100 to $200.
- Includes routine inspections, fan checks, and occasional component replacements.
Total Cost Over Time:
- Total cost over 10 years: $2000 to $4500.
How Long Does A Radon Mitigation System Last?
Radon mitigation is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for your family. With proper maintenance and care. A radon mitigation system is said to last for many years, providing effective protection against radon levels. While some components may require replacement over time, the overall system should remain effective.
Is It Time For Me To Purchase A Radon Mitigation System?
Investing in a radon mitigation system is essential for a proactive approach to safeguarding your family’s health. Real estate companies highly recommend homes with a radon mitigation system in appraising a home’s value. By staying informed, testing regularly, and ensuring the best possible protection against this invisible threat, you can make informed decisions about protecting your home from dangerous radon levels.
Conclusion
One of the most crucial steps in shielding your family and house from radon exposure is installing a radon mitigation system. Although the procedure could appear simple, professional assistance like dsm radon is frequently the best option due to the know-how needed for correct installation. Your system will continue to efficiently lower radon levels with routine monitoring and maintenance, giving you peace of mind.