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RADON MITIGATION
- Reducing the levels of
radon within a structure--with
Passive or Active Radon
Mitigation systems.
PASSIVE MITIGATION SYSTEM
- This is accomplished by
sealing entry points, covering
sump pumps, caulking cracks
in the foundation, capping
cinderblock, sealing the
ground in crawl spaces,
and similar tasks. When
a passive system is chosen
as an option, one can expect
only slight or moderate
reductions in the levels
of radon. If the sealing
is done thoroughly and all
exposed earth covered, reduction
may be sufficient in some
structures. Sealing is required
for block-wall ventilation
and some sub-slab suction
systems to work effectively.
Additionally, and most frequently,
radon gas may be kept out
by reducing the pressure
differential between the
structure and the soil,
or excluded by installation
of a sub-slab suction system,
or ACTIVE MITIGATION SYSTEM.
Radon primarily enters the
home through cracks and
crevices from the soil below
it; thus, the highest radon
concentrations are generally
found in the lowest levels
of the premises. It is important
to note that in many instances,
it is possible to find high
radon levels in upper floors,
sometimes even higher than
those found on the lowest
level of the structure.
This occurs when conditions
exist that may cause air
and radon gas to be pushed
or pulled to upper floors,
typically through HVAC ducts.
When selecting
a radon reduction method
or Mitigation firm, several
factors should be considered:
1. Effectiveness - The prime
goal of radon mitigation
is to reduce the level of
radon below the EPA action
level of 4.0 pCi/L. This
takes knowledge, experience,
and the ability to design
and install a scientifically
developed system to remove
the radioactive gas from
the structure.
2. Quality - The price of
radon mitigation often reflects
the quality and extent of
the work performed, but
not in every case. Quality
should also take into consideration
necessities such as proper
experience, insurance, and
licensure. The work must
be permanent in nature,
and the workmanship must
reflect the expertise you
should demand.
3. Aesthetics - One should
not accept any workmanship
that produces a system which
is aesthetically unpleasing.
It should be designed and
installed to blend in with
the contour of the property
as much as possible.
4. Warranty - A warranty
is only as good as the company
that issues it. "Lifetime"
or very long-term warranties
should be suspect. Make
sure that the mitigation
company chosen will guarantee
to reduce the levels below
the EPA action level of
4.0 pCi/L with no additional
cost to you.
5. Price - Generally, you
get what you pay for. Large
deviations in estimated
prices should alert you
to the fact that perhaps
the companies are not performing
to the same degree of quality
or the system designs differ.
Systems generally range
between $1,000.00 and $2,500.00,
the higher cost being attributed
to different or unusual
types of construction.
6. Call INSPECTION ONE to
review your system or mitigation
estimate. Our experienced
personnel will be able to
critique the proposal. We
can also provide a comparative
estimate.
7. RE-TESTING - Always have
the structure re-tested
after the installation of
a radon mitigation system.
This post-radon test should
be performed by a company
that did not install the
mitigation system.
8. Additional information:
RADON MITIGATION STANDARDS
www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/mitstds.html
THE "RADON FIX-IT" LINE
1-800-844-8999 |
