If you are about to begin the journey of building a new home, it is the perfect time to learn about radon in new construction homes. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It becomes an issue when it enters your home and you breathe it in. Before you begin construction you may have a few questions. Like can you test the soil around the new home to find out if radon will be an issue? Or should take preventative measures during construction to prevent radon from entering your home? Read on, and lets find out.
First, what is radon gas? Radon gas is the radioactive gas produced from uranium and radium decaying in soil and rock. When it disperses into the air outside, there is no problem. However, when it accumulates in your home, it becomes a health risk. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Your next question may be, can I check the soil before beginning construction. Unfortunately, no. There is no reliable way to test the soil before beginning construction. Soil testing has been tried and has come back with unreliable results.
The real question is this. Is there a way to prevent radon from entering your home. And the answer is... yes. in order to do this, it is recommended to install a passive radon system during construction. This does need to be coordinated with your contractor, so lets find out what this entails.
The first step to protecting your home from radon, is to put down a specialized air channel BEFORE the foundation is poured. This will help keep soil gases from ever entering the house. The second step would be sealing and caulking all cracks and openings once the foundation has been poured.
The third step would be installing a passive radon system. This is done during construction using PVC pipes and running them vertically from beneath the foundation and up through the roof to vent radon and other soil gases outside of the house. These pipes can be hidden in walls just like your plumbing lines.
Fourth step is to test for radon gas! Once your home is completed and closed house conditions (doors and windows can be closed) can be maintained a simple two day test can be run to check for radon. Often times a passive system is enough to prevent radon from entering the home. However, if high radon levels are still found after completion, a fan can quickly be installed to the passive system, turning it into an active system that will continuously remove the radon from your home.
So what are the benefits of installing a passive system during construction?
So if you about to start construction on a new home, NOW is the time to think about protection from radon gas. Call us today at 801-871-0715 to speak to a radon specialists and learn abour radon in new construction.
Why Test for Radon - Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is released when naturally occurring uranium in soil decays. Not only is it radioactive, but 1 in 3 homes in Utah have high levels indoors. Radon accounts for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year and is the leading cause of lung […]
Home has a Radon Problem? - If you have heard of radon gas and the potential health risks that exposure may present, you may be wondering how to know if your home has high radon levels. Rest assured, we’re here to break down what radon is, what the risks of radon exposure are, and how […]
Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your home through cracks and pores in the foundation as uranium decays underground. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, which means it requires specialized testing to protect your family. Side Effects of Radon Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United […]
