1

Radon-Resistant New ConstructionRadon-Resistant New Construction

Sponsored by National Radon Program ServicesConducted by Brian Hanson- Coordinator Engineering Extension

at Kansas State University

2

“Radon is a SeriousNational Health Problem”“Radon is a SeriousNational Health Problem”

American Lung Association American Medical Association Environmental Protection Agency National Academy of Sciences National Council on Radiation Protection

and Measurement U.S. Surgeon General World Health Organization

3

National Zone MapNational Zone Map

Red = Zone 1 High Potential Orange = Zone 2 Medium Potential

4

Building Codes: Appendix F of International Residential Code Building Codes: Appendix F of International Residential Code

AF101.1 General. This appendix contains requirements for new construction in jurisdictions where radon-resistant construction is required.

Inclusion of this appendix by jurisdictions shall be determined through the use of locally available data or determination of Zone 1 designation in Figure AF101.

5

Resource DocumentsResource Documents

6

Certification and RRNCCertification and RRNC

Certification is not required for those who install RRNC components we described, known as a passive system. (without a fan)

If a system is activated (a fan is added due to a high test result) that must be installed by a certified radon mitigation technician.

7

Should Land be TestedBefore Construction ?Should Land be TestedBefore Construction ?

NO! soil can be tested, but A strong radon source from the

soil could be easily missed It is better to use financial

resources to make the home radon resistant rather than for testing the soil

8

Basic Components of Passive RRNC System

9

How Does it Work?How Does it Work?

The pipe is warmed by house air creating a stack effect draft in the pipe.

The warmed air in the pipe rises, creating a slight vacuum on the cooler soil gas.

55 degrees

70 degrees

10

Can Be Applied to All Foundation TypesCan Be Applied to All Foundation Types

Basement

Slab on Grade Crawl Space

11

Workers Laying Aggregate

12

Improves air movement through

native soils

Tying Vent Pipe into a Drain Tile LoopTying Vent Pipe into a Drain Tile Loop

13

Sand, Plastic, Mesh and StandpipeSand, Plastic, Mesh and Standpipe

Plastic Sheeting or Vapor Retarder: Placed heavy-duty plastic sheeting or a vapor retarder over thegravel to inhibit radon and other soil gases from entering the house.

14

Polyethylene SheetingPolyethylene Sheeting

15

Connecting Through Footings to Slab Areas Connecting Through Footings to Slab Areas

Plan View ofFoundation

16

Riser Connection to Form A Drain Riser Connection to Form A Drain

17

Soil Gas CollectionMatting and RiserSoil Gas CollectionMatting and Riser

18

Minimum 3” VentMinimum 3” Vent

A Vent Pipe: Installed a vent pipe vertically from the gravel layer through the house’s conditioned space and roof. This safely vents radon and other soil gases outside the house.

19

Sealing Entry RoutesSealing Entry Routes

Seal floor openings with polyurethane or equivalent sealant

All floor, floor-wall joints sealed with polyurethane caulk or elastomeric sealant

Trap condensate drains or route through non-perforated pipe to daylight

Seal sumps with lid and vent pipe; if used as a floor drain have a trapped inlet

20

Using Sumps As An Alternative SystemUsing Sumps As An Alternative System

21

Crawl Space System Crawl Space System

Radon and moisture provided a pathway to collect and be exhausted away from building.

22

Plastic Spread Out in Crawl SpacePlastic Spread Out in Crawl Space

High density polyethylene laid on dirt.

Edges and seams sealed.

23

Crawl Space IssuesCrawl Space Issues

Air handling units in crawl spaces must be sealed

Ducts in crawl spaces must be sealed or under positive pressure

Seal floor penetrations with caulk to prevent air leakage

Seal access doors and openings between crawl spaces and basements

24

Testing Is Critical!Testing Is Critical!

The house must be tested to determine if the system is successful.

Testing can occur when ready for occupancy.

If the house tests above 4 pCi/L the system should be activated with a fan and system pressure indicator added to the pipe.

25

Electrical Junction Box in AtticElectrical Junction Box in Attic

26

Activating a System After Testing HighActivating a System After Testing High

1. Exhaust Fan in the Vent Pipe

2727

System Performance Indicator

System Performance Indicator

28

Labels Help Avoid Confusing the System with Plumbing

Labels Help Avoid Confusing the System with Plumbing

29

NAHB Research ResultsNAHB Research Results

Passive Radon-Resistant Techniques in 45 Homes

Radon Average - Capped (ie., passive system blocked) 5.9 pCi/L

Radon Average - Uncapped (ie., passive system working) 2.5 pCi/L

30

NAHB Research Center Study ResultsNAHB Research Center Study Results

20 of 45 homes had greater than 4 pCi/L - Capped Conditions

Radon Average Capped = 10.7 pCi/L Radon Average Uncapped = 3.7 pCi/L Average Decrease = 7.0 pCi/L 19 homes with reduced levels due to

techniques

31

NAHB Research Center Study ResultsNAHB Research Center Study Results

25 of the 45 homes had less than 4 pCi/L - Capped Conditions

Radon Average Capped = 2.1 pCi/L Radon Average Uncapped = 1.6 pCi/L Average Decrease = 0.5 pCi/L 17 homes with reduced levels due to

techniques

32

Common Problems From Manhattan’s First Two YearsCommon Problems From Manhattan’s First Two Years

Sump lid not sealed to floor Vertical pipe run goes outside heated

envelope Excessive horizontal pipe runs Excessive fittings/elbows Failure to label pipe

33

Why Build Using Radon Resistant TechniquesWhy Build Using Radon Resistant Techniques

Radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) typically costs a builder between $250 and $500.

RRNC could cost less than $250 if the builder already uses some of the same techniques for moisture control.

For a builder, it is much less expensive to install a radon-resistant system during construction than to go back and fix a radon problem identified later.

If a new homeowner tests for radon and has to mitigate high levels, it could cost the builder or the owner as much as $2,500.

Energy and moisture reduction benefits

34

Builder Buy-inBuilder Buy-in

Provide RRNC as Custom Feature For Non-Code Required Localities

Provides a marketing advantage in regions with demonstrated indoor residential radon problems

EPA recommends RRNC in all Zone 1 counties Provide the builder a list of Zone 1 counties in

which he/she builds residences.

35

Builder Buy-inBuilder Buy-in

Educate Sales Team Builder/Broker Companies

Offer RRNC and radon in real estate transactions training to companies that provide custom home building

Model Homes Offer to install a passive radon system in a home to be used as

a model home Post Signs

Clearly mark all RRNC homes available for purchase

36

Community OutreachCommunity Outreach

Governmental Education Approach Local Code Officials

Offer to provide RRNC training for area code officals

Community Education Approach interested groups in community

Local cancer survivor groups or advocacy groups Offer to provide a guest lecture on RRNC to construction

science classes at local technical or community colleges

37

Community OutreachCommunity Outreach

Inform Newspaper Readers Letter to the Editor “Educational” Advertising

Develop a PSA Market a 30 second radio public service

announcement

38

Resources for YouResources for You

Call National Radon Program Services 800-SOSRadon (800.767.7236)Web Site http://www.sosradon.org Bruce Snead – bsnead@ksu.edu Brian Hanson – bhanson@ksu.edu http://www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc/moreinfo.html