Radon Mitigation
Mitigating radon in your home is essential to reduce the health risks associated with long-term exposure to this radioactive gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can seep into buildings from the ground, especially in areas with high levels of radon in the soil.
Here are some options available from Canada Radon for mitigating radon in your home:
- Site Assessment: Consultation, inspection, and design services for residential new construction and retrofit mitigation applications. A C-NRPP licensed and certified radon mitigation specialist will assess your existing structure for vulnerability to radon intrusion and mitigation feasibility. This includes determining the proper location and design of your system to achieve maximum radon reduction considering structural layout, aesthetics, and cost.
- Sub-Slab Depressurization (Active Soil Depressurization): This is the most common and effective method for radon mitigation. A vent pipe is installed through the foundation floor and connected to a fan that draws radon from beneath the home and expels it outdoors, safely away from living areas. This reduces the pressure difference that causes radon to enter the home.
- Crawl Space Mitigation (Sub-Membrane Depressurization): This method is used when the home has a crawl space. A heavy-duty plastic sheet is placed over the soil, and a vent pipe and fan are used to draw radon from the crawl space and release it outside.
- Sealing Sump Pit: Sealing the sump pit is an essential step in radon mitigation for buildings that have an existing sump pit. When sealing a sump pit for radon mitigation, the goal is to prevent radon gas from entering the indoor space through this opening.
- Sealing Cracks and Openings: Radon typically enters homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, sump pits, and other openings. Sealing these entry points can help prevent radon from entering your living space. While this won't completely eliminate radon, it can be an effective first step.
- Radon in Well Water: If radon levels in well water are found to be high, Aeration is a common method used to remove radon from water. This method involves exposing the water to air, allowing the radon gas to be released from the water into the air and then vented outdoors.
- Post-Mitigation Reporting: Once radon has been mitigated in the home, Canada Radon provides a detailed post-mitigation report certifying safe radon levels.
- Long-Term Radon Testing: Even after mitigation, it's important to regularly test your home for radon levels. Long-term testing can help ensure that the mitigation system is working effectively and that radon levels remain within safe limits.
Remember that the effectiveness of these methods can vary based on factors such as your home's construction, local geology, and radon levels. It's important to conduct initial and follow-up radon testing to determine the success of any mitigation efforts.
If you're unsure about the best approach, contact Canada Radon to ensure the health and safety of your household.