Around one in every 15 American homes has radon levels beyond what the EPA deems safe. While this may be quite alarming, it also means that its commonality resulted in many radon mitigation methods that are effective in dealing with this radioactive gas.
When radon levels in your house exceed acceptable levels, you should take fast action, but don’t overreact. There are both DIY and professional solutions available.
Local radon abatement firms can assist you in reducing the amount of radon in your home. They have the tools and know-how to deal with this dangerous gas.
DIY Techniques for Radon Mitigation
These methods aren’t as effective or long-lasting as hiring pros to do it for you. It can, however, assist you in lowering radon levels before they occur:
- Cracks and openings should be sealed. Through these cracks, radon may enter your house. You can use urethane foam to plug all entrance sites.
- On the lowest floor, open the windows. Open the windows in the lowest section of your house if the weather permits. These windows might be in your basement or on the ground floor.
- Don’t turn on your exhaust fan. When your exhaust fan is on, the pressure within your home is reduced, which attracts radon like a magnet.
- Turn on the positive ion generator ceiling fan. A fan may assist in circulating air in your house, sucking out the gas if your windows are open. A ceiling fan with a positive ion generator, on the other hand, can be more effective since it can charge radon particles, making them heavier and more difficult to inhale.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that residences with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or above take measures to decrease radon. If the readings are still high after the second round of radon testing, it’s advisable to hire radon abatement professionals to deal with the problem.
Professional Methods from Radon Mitigation Companies
Experts have various ways to install a radon mitigation system in your house. The method that your radon abatement service expert can employ will depend on the type of property you have:
Pressure Systems
This system is not a piece of equipment but rather a set of best practices for reducing radon levels in your house. It’s one of the DIY radon reduction techniques mentioned previously in this section. In a word, it entails changing the pressure within your home to allow for air circulation.
Because you don’t have to acquire any tools or equipment, this is the least priced alternative. It is, however, only advised if radon levels are still below the acceptable threshold.
Active Suction
Do you have a basement with a concrete slab? Radon gas can accumulate beneath the foundation of your basement. Radon gas can seep through small gaps caused by wear and strain.
A vent pipe that runs all the way up through the ceiling is used in an active suction system. When the fan is switched on, it absorbs radon and disperses it outdoors, thereby eliminating the poisonous gas from your house.
Passive Suction
While the house is being built, this sort of system is placed as a preventative precaution. It operates on the principle of varying air pressure in rooms. This pressure fluctuation helps air to flow freely, preventing stagnant air from accumulating.
There’s also a radon-sucking duct system that directs any buildup outside the house. You can also implement passive suction in existing homes. It’s not recommended for older properties, however, because they are unable to accept ventilation adjustments.
Sub-Membrane
If your home has a crawlspace or has dirt or loose gravel for the floor, your radon abatement service may choose to go with this approach.
A thick plastic sheet is used to cover the crawlspace or floor. A tube is installed beneath the plastic covering. The plastic lid effectively drains the toxic gas while preventing it from escaping.
Choose a More Reliable and Effective Radon Mitigation Approach
While you may make particular efforts to reduce radon gas in your house, it’s still a good idea to contact a reputable company that handles radon mitigation. Colorado, like other cities, generally has several professionals on standby that can deal with any issue. The combination of both DIY techniques and professional methods can help bring radon to safe levels fast.