If you have recently had your home tested for radon and has discovered that levels are above the recommended limits then you may be looking into radon mitigation. It is always best to consult a reputable company who is used to dealing with this dangerous gas as they will be able to decide the best methods for radon mitigation in your home. There are lots of different things that can be done to help reduce the levels of radon to within safe limits. It’s likely that your radon mitigation will either concentrate on preventing the radon from entering your home in the first place, or that it will use methods to remove the radon once it has entered the property. It is generally preferable to try to prevent radon from entering the home in the first place, but it’s not always possible to do so.
How Do They Test for Radon When It’s Warm Outside?
It’s true that radon levels tend to be higher during the winter months as homes are more tightly closed up. You might think this makes it difficult to test for radon during the warmer months, but in fact it is perfectly possible to do so. However it is necessary for the home to be shut up completely for at least 12 hours before the testing device is placed by your radon contractor. Once it is in position it’s important that the home remains closed up throughout the entire period of the test. This might seem to be pretty uncomfortable if it’s particularly warm, but luckily it is acceptable to use air conditioning provided it doesn’t circulate fresh air from outside.
Techniques Used during Radon Mitigation
One of the most common techniques used during radon mitigation is simply to try to seal up all the cracks and gaps in the foundation and supports in your home. However this is rarely used as a standalone technique as it simply wouldn’t be sufficient. Another common method is to use soil depressurization. This is where a PVC pipe is run through the slab or the membrane in the crawlspace or basement before it is directed up to the attic or roof space. The next step is to install a fan in the roof space so that the radon is drawn upwards from your basement towards the roof. From here it can be safely vented outside as it will be quickly diluted in the outside air and will be rendered harmless.
Radon Mitigation Using Heat Exchangers
You may have heard it’s possible to use air to air heat exchangers to reduce radon levels in the home, but this technique only works if the radon levels are relatively low and can only be effective if there is already a good ventilation rate within the building. This type of system is generally only used in places where the basement has a dirt floor, or where the basement has been finished with a slab that has been poured directly on to clay. This device works by bringing fresh air in from the outside where it can be exchanged with the contaminated inside air. This system will be ineffective if you live in a particularly humid area as it will simply bring damp air into the home which can bring about a whole new set of problems.
Recent Comments