Radon Overview Reducing Radon in a Home. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module you will...
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Transcript of Radon Overview Reducing Radon in a Home. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module you will...
Radon OverviewReducing Radon in a Home
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Recall the most common method to reduce radon in a home
Identify why you can’t just seal the cracks to keep the radon out
Recognize the difference between a passive and active mitigation system
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Identify the rules for vent pipe location in an interior sub-slab depressurization (SSD) system
Determine where the exhaust fan should be installed in a interior SSD system
Recall what a manometer is, and what it does in a radon remediation installation
How To Fix A House If It Has Elevated Levels?
A Mitigation Contractor can: Install a system to reduce radon levels Prevent radon from ever entering the living space
Sealing visible cracks is a basic part of most radon mitigation approaches, but sealing alone is not enough.
Opening doors and windows to dilute the radon may sometimes be effective, but it is not a practical long-term solution.
How To Fix A House If It Has Elevated Levels?
Can’t we just seal thecracks? Radon can enter through
very small openings.
Without affecting house pressures, sealing is not a stand-alone technique.
Methods for Reducing Radon in Air
1. Depressurization Suck air from below basement (slab) Radon does not enter home Radon is exhausted away from home
2. Pressurization Blow air into the basement Push radon gas out Radon gas is diluted
All methods involve sealing foundation openings
Various Foundations May Require Different Methods
Basement and Slab-on-Grade Options
Most common method: Active sub-slab suction system Suction prevents radon from entering home Draws radon from below home and vents radon to pipe(s) Releases radon to air above home It is called an active system if we install a fan in the pipe(s) It is called a passive system if we do not install a fan in the pipe(s)
New homes often have a passive system installed at the time of construction.
Active Sub-slab Depressurization (SSD) Reliable Effective in reducing high radon levels Suction pipes are inserted through the slab into soil
or crushed rock below Vent fan draws radon gas up and
releases it outside, above the roof Works best when air moves easily
under slab
Major Requirements of an SSD System
All components should be clearly labeled “Radon Reduction System.”
If the system has an exhaust fan, the fan must be located outside or above the habitable space of the building. It may be located outside
or in an unused attic.
Major Requirements of an SSD System
Any exhaust fan must be located in a vertical run of the vent pipe.
If there is an exhaust fan, there should be a visible or audible warning device to alert occupants if the system fan stops working.
The vent pipe must end at least 12 inches above the surface of the roof.
Major Requirements of an SSD System
The vent pipe must end at least 10 feet from any window or opening into the house and at least 10 feet from any adjoining or adjacent buildings.
Ties or brackets must secure the vent pipes:
Every six feet in a horizontal run of pipe, and
Every eight feet in a vertical run of pipe
Labeling
The system must be clearly labeled as a “Radon Reduction System”
The contractor’s contact information must be attached to the system
Exhaust Fan: Exterior Installation
Exhaust Fan: Interior Installation
Usually more effective and last longer
Fan must be installed in unused and unoccupied space
Fan may not be installed in basement
Visible Gauge
Manometer: Does not measure
radon Alerts residents if
fan stops working
Discharge Point: Exterior Installation
The discharge point must be at least 12 inches above the surface of the roof
It must also be at least ten feet from windows and other openings, if it not located at least two feet above such openings
Exhaust Point: Interior Installation
The discharge point must end at least 12 inches above the surface of the roof
It must also be at least ten feet from windows and other openings, if it not at least two feet above such openings
Pressurization Methods
Typically used in homes with dirt or stone foundations Locations where depressurization would be
ineffective Types
Home/room pressurization Heat recovery ventilation (HRV), or air-to-air
heat exchange
Summary
In this module we have discussed:
The most common method to reduce radon in a home
Why you can’t just seal the cracks to keep the radon out
The difference between a passive and active mitigation system
Summary
In this module we have discussed:
The rules for vent pipe location in an interior sub-slab depressurization (SSD) system
Where the exhaust fan should be installed in an interior SSD system
What a manometer is, and what it does in a radon remediation installation