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A Guide to Radon Resistant New Construction

If I seal all the Cracks won’t that get rid of the radon problem?- NO Concrete is a porous material and radon can enter through it. The only way to reduce levels is with a radon mitigation system.

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A Guide to Radon Resistant New Construction

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  1. Building the Framework A Guide to Radon Resistant New Construction By Tony McDonald

  2. Should I be Concerned about Radon • YES • Your customers rely on you to construct a high quality safe home. • You can easily make adjustments to how much radon gets into the homes you build. • By lowering the health risk for you customers you can give them peace of mind about their purchase. • Indoor air quality is only going to become more important as a new home feature.

  3. Advantages to Builders for Building Radon Resistant • Gain Marketing Advantage • Good Investment for your buyers • Its relatively simple to install • Activating is easy

  4. Foundation Types and Radon • Full Basement • Slab on Grade • Crawlspaces • Manufactured Home • High Levels of radon can be found in any of these foundation types

  5. Reducing Radon in New Construction Install passive Sub Slab Depressurization System • What is a passive SSD System? • system of specialized pipes that collect radon from under the concrete slab and vent out the roof by passing the indoor air environment. • Air moves through the system via thermal differentials. • More effective in the winter when the outdoor air is colder than the indoor air. • Passive systems can reduce radon levels by up to 50% when optimal conditions exist and the system was installed properly. • Install an air tight lid on the sump crock to maintain the seal created by the vapor barrier and increase the pressure within the SSD system.

  6. Reducing Radon in New Construction Vapor Barriers • Vapor Barriers typically 6 mil or thicker, are used to separate the gravel layer from the concrete layer and contains the soil gas so it can be routed to the SSD system. • Must be installed properly. • Taped seams • Penetrations through the slab must be properly connected to the vapor barrier system. • On their own vapor barriers DO NOT reduce radon levels.

  7. Reducing Radon and New Construction Seal Concrete Control Joints and Floor /Wall Joints • Helps to reduce radon from entering on ground level and also helps reduce stack effect on upper levels. • Final step helps to maximize the efficiency of the passive system. Seal Duct Work • Seal the return air system in a crawl space to reduce the amount of negative pressure the furnace produces in the basement.

  8. System Installed During Construction

  9. Improper Installations

  10. Reasons to Install a Passive Radon System • Passive systems are less expensive to install than retro fit systems. • If not installed properly will save your homeowner more money down the road. • Can be sold as an “up sell” feature in the home. • It is always advisable to contract a licensed Radon contractor for this purpose.

  11. Activating a Passive SSD System • If radon levels are not controlled by a passive system alone, it will be necessary to activate the system. • Activation requires installing an in line fan in the attic. • Modern fans are available with energy star rating and consume as little as 12watts. • Once the house is at final walk through stage is when it should be tested to see if the passive system is doing enough to reduce radon levels or is activation is needed.

  12. Builder Questions • Is there a way to test a lot before building?- The amount of radon that will enter the home cannot be measured until a structure is built. • Would I Incur liability by installing radon resistant features?-You have more liability by stating there is no need to test because you installed a passive SSD system without using a licensed radon contractor. • Are there other ways to tell if the home will have a radon problem? – NO the only way to know is to test under “closed house” conditions.

  13. More Builder Questions • If I seal all the Cracks won’t that get rid of the radon problem?- NO Concrete is a porous material and radon can enter through it. The only way to reduce levels is with a radon mitigation system. • Can I spray a sealer on the basement floor and walls to get rid of radon?– NO Sealers are not a fix. Radon has been proven to penetrate them. • If I have my plumber install a passive radon system it will fix the radon problem?- NO In fact you are taking on unnecessary liability by not handing it off to a licensed radon contractor.

  14. New Construction Lawsuits by Google

  15. www.AZRADON.com

  16. Other Links for Information • www.epa.gov/radon • www.radonaway.com • www.greenbuildingadvisor.com • www.aarst.org

  17. Thank you for your participation!! If you or your customers have further questions please call our office at (330) 877 5515 Or visit our web page at: WWW.AZRADON.COM

  18. Radon Cloud Chamber

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