Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC)Radon Resistant construction techniques are becoming commonplace in new builds as more people realize the dangers of radon gas. Radon resistant construction techniques should be used in almost every new build. In most scenarios, it is much more cost effective to have radon resistant features built in during the construction of the property than it is to have radon mitigation performed after the building is finished. Implementing radon resistant features into your new build can end up saving thousands of dollars and will ensure that the occupants of your building will be safe from this cancer causing gas. Lifetime Environmental Solutions offers multiple options depending on the type of building and the needs of the consumer. Give us a call today to discuss how you can include radon resistant features to your new build!
Radon Resistant Construction Methods:Addition of a Gas Permeable Layer of Gravel: One of the most basic and effective ways to get started towards a radon resistant property is to add a layer of gravel under the slab to allow soil gasses to move freely. This will make it much easier to mitigate a radon gas issue with a passive or active radon system if needed. The addition of a gas permeable layer should be mandatory for every new build when there is concern for dangerous soil gas intrusion.
Passive Radon Systems: If installed properly, passive systems can be effective to draw radon out from under the slab naturally. Passive radon systems work with stack effect as they should be routed through an interior wall where the warmth inside will cause a natural draft through the pipe. If the passive system doesn’t perform as well as needed for the amount of radon under the structure once the building is finished, a radon fan can always be added at a later date.
|
|
Active Radon Systems: The most effective way of mitigating possible radon issues from a property is to install an active radon mitigation system. The benefit of installing a fully active system during construction is the ability to completely hide the system aesthetically. The piping can be run through the walls and the fan can be installed into the attic space much easier during construction than it can be after the building is complete.
Vapor Barriers: Plastic sheeting in the addition of a gas permeable layer can help prevent gasses from getting up through the slab of the building. In the future, if the vapor barrier isn’t doing enough to trap all of the radon gas from entering, a radon system can be added to the vapor barrier for maximum depressurization.
Drain-tile for Slab on Grade Buildings: If the building will not include a basement or drainage systems, it is beneficial to add drain-tile under the slab to allow gasses to move freely (similar to adding gravel). Radon mitigation systems are exceptionally effective when installed into a drain-tile system because of the field extension drain-tile provides under the building.
Collection Chambers for Future Radon Systems: Collection points can be pre-dug under the foundation of your building and then capped off for future use. Once the building has been completed and tested for radon, these collection chambers can be used to mitigate the property if needed and for a cheaper cost.
Post Construction Radon Testing:
No matter which radon resistant features are built into the structure, the property still will need to be tested for radon gas once the project is 100% complete. If the levels come back low, the radon resistant features may be enough to keep radon out for years to come, but testing should be performed every two years to ensure your safety. The EPA recommends testing any livable building every two years for radon gas even if the building already has a mitigation system in place because radon gas levels can fluctuate throughout the years. If testing is performed and the levels are elevated, there are multiple cost effective options to add to your already existing radon resistant features to get the radon levels to an acceptable range.