Radon Mitigation in HUD PropertiesDangerous levels of radon gas present in HUD properties is not uncommon across the country. Radon gas was widely ignored until fairly recently when statistics came out from the EPA showing how deadly it can be. Around 21,000 people a year die from radon induced lung cancer! The majority of those deaths are preventable. Radon mitigation systems are designed to lower radon levels to a safer range within a structure. In HUD properties, both Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) and Traditional Application Processing applications for funding require radon testing and radon mitigation if the radon levels are found to be at or above 4.0pCi/L (the EPA action level for radon gas). What this means is, if the results from the radon testing done on the property are at or above that EPA action level, a radon mitigation system will be required in order to move forward with funding for the property. To comply with HUD rules as well as state regulations, all radon mitigation work needs to be done by a certified radon professional. Lifetime Environmental Solutions is certified by AARST and the NRPP for radon mitigation in HUD properties and more! With over 22 years in business specializing in radon mitigation and vapor intrusion, Lifetime Environmental Solutions has become the premier option for many HUD property owners. For a free, no obligation estimate, give us a call now!
What is Radon Mitigation?A radon mitigation system simply put is a venting system designed to draw air out from underneath the slab of a structure.
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As the radon system draws air from underneath the slab, this creates a negative pressure that will direct the rising soil gasses away from the structure. This type of system is sometimes referred to as an Active Soil Depressurization System (ASD) or sub-slab depressurization system (SSD) which is a form of ASD. A typical ASD radon mitigation system consists of PVC piping, an in-line radon fan, and a manometer to measure airflow. After installation, radon mitigation systems have the potential to reduce indoor radon levels to be the same level of radon gas present outdoors (sometimes even less) in that area. Due to various state codes, EPA regulations, and NRPP guidelines, radon mitigation systems need to be designed in specific ways to protect the occupants inside and out. The vent pipe of the system must extend up above the roofline of the structure away from windows and doors to prevent re-entry, and the fan unit must be installed in a non-livable space (attics or garages), or on the exterior of the structure to prevent a leak from blowing radon gas directly into the structure at a higher rate (in the case of a faulty fan unit). In typical residential properties, it is not required to have a radon mitigation system installed by a professional, however it is strongly encouraged. In HUD properties, all radon mitigation work must be done or supervised by a radon mitigation professional certified by AARST, NRPP or NRSB. When shopping for the right company for the job, it is vital to ask about their certifications as untrained radon workers can cause structural damage, or make the problem worse by backdrafting carbon monoxide into the living space. Give us a call now to discuss radon mitigation options for your HUD property and to set up a free in-person consultation.
How Long do Radon Mitigation Systems Last?
After a radon mitigation system has been installed into a HUD property, it should be considered as a permanent addition. Radon mitigation systems need to run continuously to be effective, so the fan will need to remain on indefinitely to keep the levels low. The only portion of a radon mitigation system that may need servicing in the future is the fan unit, which can be replaced at any time for a much lower cost than the initial installation. A typical fan life is 5-10 years, with some fans even lasting up to 30 years of continual use. You will be able to monitor the effectiveness of the fan by looking at the manometer on the systems piping. If the system ever becomes damaged from weather, or human error, contact the company that performed the installation so they may fix the problem as soon as possible. Do not attempt to self repair a damaged radon mitigation system as you may inadvertently cause other indoor air issues while doing so. Reputable companies like Lifetime Environmental Solutions will provide you with fair and honest warranties, so that if the system has any issues during that time period, you won’t be stuck with additional costs. For more information about the typical life of our radon mitigation systems and our warranties, give us a call!
Radon Resistant New Construction for HUD Properties
Depending on what radon zone the property is to be built in, there are different radon resistant features that are required to be implemented during construction. (To find out what radon zone your property is in click HERE).
Properties in Radon Zone 1
If the property is in radon zone 1, a passive radon mitigation system must be installed during construction. A passive system is basically a PVC pipe run from under the slab, through the interior of the structure, and out through and above the roof. Passive systems work with something known as "stack effect" (using the building thermodynamics to mitigate), so they need to be installed properly to work, therefore a radon professional will need to be present for the installation of a passive radon system. After the construction of the building has been completed, a radon test will need to be performed. If the results of the radon test show levels above the EPA action level of 4.0pCi/L, the passive system will need to be activated with the installation of a radon fan.
Properties in Radon Zones 2 & 3
Properties being built in radon zones 2 or 3 must have a gas permeable layer added underneath the entire building slab during construction. A gas permeable layer typically consists of gravel, or other similar aggregates. Gas permeable layers under the slab allow soil gasses to move freely and when used in unison with a radon mitigation system, the system can be a lot more effective in removing the majority of the gasses rising from the soil. In addition to the gas permeable layer, properties in radon zones 2 & 3 must also have a passive system installed and proper retesting once the building is finished. If the radon levels test above 4.0pCi/L, the passive system will need to be activated with the addition of a fan.
Lifetime Environmental Solutions is here to assist you in the construction of your new HUD property. We offer passive radon system installations, active radon system installations, vapor barrier installations, gas permeable layer implementation services, and more! Give us a call now for a free consultation.
Properties in Radon Zone 1
If the property is in radon zone 1, a passive radon mitigation system must be installed during construction. A passive system is basically a PVC pipe run from under the slab, through the interior of the structure, and out through and above the roof. Passive systems work with something known as "stack effect" (using the building thermodynamics to mitigate), so they need to be installed properly to work, therefore a radon professional will need to be present for the installation of a passive radon system. After the construction of the building has been completed, a radon test will need to be performed. If the results of the radon test show levels above the EPA action level of 4.0pCi/L, the passive system will need to be activated with the installation of a radon fan.
Properties in Radon Zones 2 & 3
Properties being built in radon zones 2 or 3 must have a gas permeable layer added underneath the entire building slab during construction. A gas permeable layer typically consists of gravel, or other similar aggregates. Gas permeable layers under the slab allow soil gasses to move freely and when used in unison with a radon mitigation system, the system can be a lot more effective in removing the majority of the gasses rising from the soil. In addition to the gas permeable layer, properties in radon zones 2 & 3 must also have a passive system installed and proper retesting once the building is finished. If the radon levels test above 4.0pCi/L, the passive system will need to be activated with the addition of a fan.
Lifetime Environmental Solutions is here to assist you in the construction of your new HUD property. We offer passive radon system installations, active radon system installations, vapor barrier installations, gas permeable layer implementation services, and more! Give us a call now for a free consultation.