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Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Build Radon-Resistant Homes
Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Build Radon-Resistant Homes
Disclaimer Acknowledgements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Building Radon Out: A Step-By-Step Contributions from training sessions of
Agency (EPA) strives to provide Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Dave Murane of Sanford Cohen and
accurate, complete, and useful Homes was developed by the Indoor Associates are also acknowledged.
information. However, neither EPA nor Environments Division in the Office of
any person contributing to the Radiation and Indoor Air at the U.S. In addition, EPA would like to gratefully
preparation of this document makes Environmental Protection Agency. The acknowledge the review and
any warranty, express or implied, with lead EPA staff on the document was contributions of Terry Brennan,
respect to the usefulness or Paulina Chen. Other staff contributing Camroden Associates; Robert Brown,
effectiveness of any information, to the development of this document International Code Council; Thomas
method, or process disclosed in this were: Greg Brunner, Brenda Doroski, Dickey, City of East Moline, Illinois;
material. Nor does EPA assume any Gene Fisher, Matt Hiester, Wendy Ken Ford, National Association of Home
liability for the use of, or for damages Kammer, Jennifer Keller, Mike Rogers, Builders; Douglas Kladder, Western
arising from the use of, any and David Rowson. Regional Radon Training Center; and
information, method, or process Brad Turk, Mountain West Technical
disclosed in this document. Much of the description of building Associates.
techniques in this document is based
Mention of firms, trade names, or on training materials prepared by
commercial products in this document Douglas Kladder of the Center for
does not constitute endorsement or Environmental Research and
recommendation for use. Technology, Inc., including the book
Protecting Your Home from Radon by
Kladder, Burkhart, and Jelinek.
1
Table of Contents
2
27 Nuts and Bolts: Installation Guide
Planning
29 Answer The Question: To Intall Or Not To Install?
30 Determine What Type Of System To Install
32 Determine Vent Pipe Location And Size
34 Installation
35 Basement and Slab-On-Grade Construction: Sub-Slab Preparation
36 Gravel
38 Perforated Pipe
40 Soil Gas Collection Mat
42 Plastic Sheeting
43 Seal Off And Label Riser Stub
44 Lay Foundation
45 Crawlspace Construction
51 Seal Openings
55 Install Vent Pipe
58 Sealing Ducts and Air Handling Units
59 Install Electrical Junction Box
60 Post-Occupancy Testing
62 Activate the System
3
4
Building the Framework: Introduction
Yes.
5
Introduction
6
Building Radon Out
7
8
Digging Deeper: Questions and Answers
9
Questions and Answers
What Is Radon?
10
Building Radon Out
When radon enters a home, it decays The evidence that radon causes lung Radon is classified as a
into radioactive particles that have a cancer is extensive and based on: Class A carcinogen (known to
static charge, which attracts them to human data taken from studies of cause cancer in humans).
particles in the air. These particles can underground miners carried out over
get trapped in your lungs when you more than 50 years in five countries,
breathe. As the radioactive particles including the United States and
Some other Class A
break down further, they release bursts Canada; human data from studies in carcinogens are arsenic,
of energy which can damage the DNA in homes in many different nations, asbestos, and benzene.
lung tissue. In some cases, if the lung including the U.S. and Canada; and
tissue does not repair the DNA biological and molecular studies.
correctly, the damage can lead to lung
cancer.
Radon decay particles
are breathed into the
Not everyone exposed to elevated levels lungs
of radon will develop lung cancer, but
Energy released from
your risk of getting radon-induced lung
radon decay products
cancer increases as your exposure to
damages DNA
radon increases (either because the
radon levels are higher or you live in
the home longer). Smokers who have
high radon levels in their homes are at
an especially high risk for getting
radon-induced lung cancer.
11
Questions and Answers
12
Building Radon Out
13
Questions and Answers
Four main factors drive radon entry 3. There are pathways for the radon to
Common Radon Entry Points into homes. All of these factors exist enter the basement, such as small
in most homes throughout the country. holes, cracks, plumbing penetrations,
or sumps. All homes have radon entry
1. Uranium is present in the soil pathways.
nearly everywhere in the United States.
4. An air pressure difference between
2. The soil is permeable enough to the basement or crawlspace and the
allow radon to migrate into the home surrounding soil draws radon into the
through the slab, basement or home.
crawlspace.
14
Building Radon Out
The air pressure in a house is generally Mechanical systems, such as the be the dominant driving force. Air
lower than in the surrounding air and furnaces or central air conditioners, handlers and leaky return ducts can
soil, particularly in the basement and may also contribute to the difference in not only draw in radon, they can also
foundation levels. This difference in air pressure. In areas with very short distribute it throughout a home.
pressure causes a house to act like a mild winters, mechanical systems can
vacuum, drawing air containing radon
and other soil gases in through
foundation cracks and other openings.
Some of the replacement air comes
from the underlying soil and can
contain radon.
15
Questions and Answers
16
Building Radon Out
You can easily draw radon away and help prevent radon from entering the Can we keep radon out by sealing
home by with the following basic steps. the cracks?
You may already be employing many of Reduce stack effect Sealing large cracks and openings is
these techniques in the homes that you Sealing and caulking reduce stack effect, important to do when you build a
build. All of the techniques have and thus reduce the negative pressure in home, both in the lower portion of the
additional benefits associated with lower levels in the home. home to reduce radon entry points, and
them and they are very easy to install. in the upper portion of the home to
Install air distribution systems so that soil reduce stack effect. However, field
Install a sub-slab (or sub-membrane) air is not mined research has shown that attempting to
depressurization system Air-handling units and all ducts in seal all of the openings in a foundation
The objective of these systems is to basements and, especially, in crawlspaces is both impractical and ineffective as a
create a vacuum beneath the should be sealed to prevent air, and stand-alone technique. Radon can
foundation which is greater in strength radon, from being drawn into the system. enter through very small cracks and
than the vacuum applied to the soil by Seamless ducts are preferred for runs openings. These small cracks and
the house itself. The soil gases that are through crawlspaces or beneath slabs. openings are too small to locate and
collected beneath the home are piped Any seams or joints in ducts should be effectively seal. Even if all cracks could
to a safe location to be vented directly sealed. be sealed during construction, which
outside. would be costly, building settlement
may cause new cracks to occur.
Use mechanical barriers to soil gas entry Therefore, sealing large cracks and
Plastic sheeting and foundation sealing openings is one of the key components
and caulking can serve as barriers to of radon-resistant construction, but not
radon entry, entry of other soil gases, the only technique that should be
and moisture. employed.
17
Questions and Answers
The techniques may vary for different What pulls the soil gas through
foundations and site requirements, but the pipe?
the basic elements of the passive sub-
slab depressurization system are If the pipe is routed through warm
shown on the opposite page. space (such as an interior wall or the
furnace flue chase, following local fire
In many parts of the country, the codes), the stack effect can create a
gravel beneath the slab (gas-permeable natural draft in the pipe. Because this
layer), plastic sheeting, and sealing and method requires no mechanical
caulking are already employed for devices, it is called a passive soil
moisture reduction. In these cases, depressurization system.
simply adding the vent pipe and
junction box is extremely cost-effective If further reduction is necessary to
for reducing radon, and so cost- bring radon levels in a home below the
effective that even a cost-conscious action level of 4 pCi/L or even lower, an
builder like Habitat for Humanity has in-line fan can be installed in the pipe
been adding these features in many of to activate the system. The system is
its homes. then called an active soil
depressurization system. The future
There are more in-depth discussions installation of the fan can be made
about installing the features in the next easier with a little planning during
chapter.
18
Building Radon Out
B. Plastic Sheeting
Polyethylene sheeting is placed on top
of the gas permeable layer to help
prevent the soil gas from entering the
home. The sheeting also keeps
concrete from clogging the gas
permeable layer when the slab is
poured.
C. Vent Pipe
A 3- or 4-inch (recommended) PVC or
other gas-tight pipe (commonly used for
plumbing) runs from the gas permeable
layer through the house and roof to D. Junction Box E. Sealing and Caulking
safely vent radon and other soil gases An electrical junction box is wired in All openings in the concrete foundation
above the house. Although some case an electric venting fan is needed floor are sealed to prevent soil gas from
builders have used 3-inch pipe, field later to activate the system. entering the home. Also, sealing and
results have indicated that passive caulking the rest of the building
systems tend to function better with envelope reduces stack effect in the
4-inch pipe. home.
19
Questions and Answers
Soil testing for radon is not Why not wait to install the operating costs by planning to route
recommended for determining whether features until after the home is the pipe through warm space to
a house should be built radon- completed and a radon test is maximize passive operation of the
resistant. Although soil testing can be system.
performed?
done, it cannot rule out the possibility
that radon could be a problem in the It is much easier and far less costly to
house you build on that lot. Even if prepare the sub-grade to improve soil The best way to determine the radon
soil testing reveals low levels of radon gas flow before the slab is cast. Also, level in a home: test the home for
gas in the soil, the amount of radon the pipe itself can be run more easily radon after occupancy.
that may enter the finished house through the house before it is finished.
cannot be accurately predicted because This significantly improves aesthetics
one cannot predict the impact that the and can reduce subsequent system
site preparation will have on
introducing new radon pathways or the
extent to which a vacuum will be
produced by the house. Furthermore,
the cost of a single soil test for radon
ranges from $70 to $150, and at least 4
to 8 tests could be required to
accurately characterize the radon in the
soil at a single building site. Therefore,
the cost to perform soil testing is very
high when compared with installing the
passive radon system in high radon
potential areas (see page 22 on high
radon potential areas).
20
Building Radon Out
New homes built in the United States Model Standards and Techniques for
are not required to meet a specified Control of Radon in New Residential
radon level. You are not required to Buildings, EPA, March 1994
test a home, nor to guarantee that a
home will meet a specified radon level. Appendix F: One and Two-Family
By installing radon-resistant features, Dwelling Code, 1995 Edition, Council
you are proactively offering your home of American Building Officials
buyers features designed to reduce
radon levels. Adopting radon-resistant Appendix D: International One and
building techniques should not Two-Family Dwelling Code, 1998
increase your liability risks in any Edition, International Code Council
jurisdiction as long as due care is
exercised in following the proper Appendix F: International Residential
construction techniques. Especially in Code, 2000 Edition, International
high radon areas, radon-resistant Code Council
features may actually help you market
and sell the homes you build. Standard Guide for Radon Control
Options for the Design and
Once you have decided to build radon- Construction of New Low Rise
resistant, you will want to make sure to Residential Buildings, E 1465-92,
install the features properly. If your American Society for Testing and
building code includes provisions for Materials
the radon features, follow your code
requirements. Otherwise, follow the
guidance provided in this document or
in any of the following documents:
21
Questions and Answers
All homes could benefit from having a EPA recommends that all If you are building in a Zone 2 or 3
radon reduction system. However, it is homes built in Zone 1 (high area, the homes you build could still
especially cost effective to install the radon potential) areas have have high radon levels, particularly if
features in homes with the greatest there is a radon hot spot in your
radon reduction systems.
potential for high radon levels. county. According to an annual survey
by the NAHB Research Center, about
NAHB also recommends using the
The potential for elevated radon levels 60,000 homes in Zone 2 and 3 are built
passive system in homes in high radon
is not uniform throughout the United with radon-resistant techniques each
potential areas (Zone 1). Zone 1
States. EPA and the U.S. Geological year. You may want to consider
counties are listed by state on pages 24
Survey have identified areas of the applying the techniques in these areas
and 25.
country with the greatest potential for too. Since the map was developed,
high radon levels. The map shown on many States have acquired additional
the next page is the result of indoor information on high radon areas.
radon measurements, local geology, Contact your state radon office for more
and population densities in a combined information.
effort to rank radon potentials in all
counties across the U.S. The map Consumers have asked for the radon-
indicates three radon potential zones reduction features in many different
defined by the likelihood of finding parts of the country and in all three
radon measurements within certain radon zones.
ranges when a short-term closed
building radon test is performed.
22
Building Radon Out
23
Introduction
24
Building Radon Out
Dodge Somerset Steuben Licking Indiana Edmunds Lewis Fairfax Jefferson Big Horn
Douglas Sussex Sullivan Logan Juniata Faulk Lincoln Falls Church Marshall Campbell
Fillmore Warren Tioga Madison Lackawanna Grant Loudon Fluvanna Mercer Carbon
Franklin Tompkins Marion Lancaster Hamlin Marshall Frederick Mineral Converse
Frontier NEW MEXICO Ulster Mercer Lebanon Hand Maury Fredericksburg Monongalia Crook
Furnas Bernalillo Washington Miami Lehigh Hanson McMinn Giles Monroe Fremont
Gage Colfax Wyoming Montgomery Luzerne Hughes Meigs Goochland Morgan Goshen
Gosper Mora Yates Morrow Lycoming Hutchinson Monroe Harrisonburg Ohio Hot Springs
Greeley Rio Arriba Muskingum Mifflin Hyde Moore Henry Okanogan Johnson
Hamilton San Miguel N. CAROLINA Perry Monroe Jerauld Perry Highland Pend Oreille Laramie
Harlan Santa Fe Alleghany Pickaway Montgomery Kingsbury Roane Lee Pendleton Lincoln
Hayes Taos Buncombe Pike Montour Lake Rutherford Lexington Pocahontas Natrona
Hitchcock Cherokee Preble Northampton Lincoln Smith Louisa Preston Niobrara
Hurston NEVADA Henderson Richland Northumberland
Lyman Sullivan Martinsville Skamania Park
Jefferson Carson City Mitchell Ross Perry Marshall Trousdale Montgomery Spokane Sheridan
Johnson Douglas Rockingham Seneca Schuylkill McCook Union Nottoway Stevens Sublette
Kearney Eureka Transylvania Shelby Snyder McPherson Washington Orange Summers Sweetwater
Knox Lander Watauga Stark Sullivan Miner Wayne Page Wetzel Teton
Lancaster Lincoln Summit Susquehanna Minnehaha Williamson Patrick Uinta
Madison Lyon N. DAKOTA Tuscarawas Tioga Moody Wilson Pittsylvania WISCONSIN Washakie
Nance Mineral All Counties Union Union Perkins Powhatan Buffalo
Nemaha Pershing Van Wert Venango Potter UTAH Pulaski Crawford
Nuckolls White Pine OHIO Warren Westmoreland Roberts Carbon Radford Dane
Otoe Adams Wayne Wyoming Sanborn Duchesne Roanoke Dodge
Pawnee NEW YORK Allen Wyandot York Spink Grand Rockbridge Door
Phelps Albany Ashland Stanley Piute Rockingham Fond du Lac
Pierce Allegany Auglaize PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND Sully Sanpete Russell Grant
Platte Broome Belmont Adams Kent Turner Sevier Salem Green
Polk Cattaraugus Butler Allegheny Washington Union Uintah Scott Green Lake
Red Willow Cayuga Carroll Armstrong Walworth Shenandoah Iowa
Richardson Chautauqua Champaign Beaver S. CAROLINA Yankton VIRGINIA Smyth Jefferson
Saline Chemung Clark Bedford Greenville Alleghany Spotsylvania Lafayette
Sarpy Chenango Clinton Berks TENNESSEE Amelia Stafford Langlade
Saunders Columbia Columbiana Blair S. DAKOTA Anderson Appomattox Staunton Marathon
Seward Cortland Coshocton Bradford Aurora Bedford Augusta Tazewell Menominee
Stanton Delaware Crawford Bucks Beadle Blount Bath Warren Pepin
Thayer Dutchess Darke Butler Bon Homme Bradley Bland Washington Pierce
Washington Erie Delaware Cameron Brookings Claiborne Botetourt Waynesboro Portage
Wayne Genesee Fairfield Carbon Brown Davidson Bristol Winchester Richland
Webster Greene Fayette Centre Brule Giles Brunswick Wythe Rock
York Livingston Franklin Chester Buffalo Grainger Buckingham Shawano
Madison Greene Clarion Campbell Greene Buena Vista WASHINGTON St. Croix
NEW Onondaga Guernsey Clearfield Charles Mix Hamblen Campbell Berkeley Vernon
HAMPSHIRE Ontario Hamilton Clinton Clark Hancock Chesterfield Brooke Walworth
Carroll Orange Hancock Columbia Clay Hawkins Clarke Clark Washington
Otsego Hardin_ Cumberland Codington Hickman Clifton Forge Ferry Waukesha
NEW JERSEY Putnam Harrison Dauphin Corson Humphreys Covington Grant Waupaca
Hunterdon Rensselaer Holmes Delaware Davison Jackson Craig Greenbrier Wood
Mercer Schoharie Huron Franklin Day Jefferson Cumberland Hampshire
Monmouth Schuyler Jefferson Fulton Deuel Knox Danville Hancock WYOMING
Morris Seneca Knox Huntingdon Douglas Lawrence Dinwiddie Hardy Albany
25
26
Nuts and Bolts: Installation Guide
Installation is easy.
As youll see in this chapter, installing
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
radon-resistant features is simple,
because you use common building
practices and materials.
27
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Planning
Planning Step 1
? ?
To help you answer this question, Do you want to reap the benefits Are you building in a Zone 1 area?
consider the following points: of installing the features?
Check the radon potential map and the
The features not only protect your list of Zone 1 counties in the previous
customers health, they also affect your chapter. Some states and counties
bottom line: your profit. A small have done further research on radon
investment up front on your part may potential, and you can check with your
make a big difference in return down state or county government to find out
the road, particularly as home buyers whether additional information is
are increasingly looking for available.
environmentally-conscious builders and
healthy homes. If you are building in a Zone 1 area, you
should install radon-resistant features
in the homes that you build. Some
builders also choose to install the
features in Zone 2 and 3 areas,
particularly if radon-resistant
construction is a common practice in
their area.
28
Building Radon Out
? ? ?
Are you required by code to use Are other builders in your area Are the home buyers in your area
radon-resistant techniques? installing radon-resistant interested in features that
features? improve indoor air quality or
Some states and local juridisdictions energy efficiency?
have adopted Appendix F of the 1995 If so, you may want to find out why they
CABO One & Two Family Dwelling Code, are installing the features, how much it A sub-slab depressurization system not
Appendix D of the 1998 International One costs to install the features in your only helps to reduce indoor radon levels,
& Two Family Dwelling Code, or a area, and what the market response but also may help to reduce moisture
similar code requiring installation of has been. and other soil gases. The techniques
the radon-resistant features. The also improve energy-efficiency, which
International Code Councils new can translate into energy savings for
International Residential Code, the home buyer.
published in early 2000, also contains a
voluntary appendix for radon-resistant
construction requirements that
becomes effective if the appendix is
adopted with the code. If you dont
already know what is required in your
area, check with your local code official
for more information.
29
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Planning Step 2
Passive System
Determine What Type Of System To Install in Crawlspace
Recommended Option
There are three general types of radon- Passive sub-slab or sub-membrane
reduction systems that builders have depressurization system
installed.
It is cost-effective and recommended to
install a complete passive sub-slab or
sub-membrane depressurization
system, which would be fully-
functioning as soon as construction is Passive System
in Basement or with
finished. The home should be tested Slab-on-grade
after occupancy, and the passive
system should be activated if post-
occupancy testing reveals radon levels
at or above 4 pCi/L.
30
Building Radon Out
Activating a passive system by adding Some builders perform only the sub-slab
an in-line fan would be an effective preparation and stub the vent pipe
upgrade during construction. Virtually above the slab. A vent pipe can be
all homes with an active system have connected and routed through the home
radon levels below the 4 pCi/L action and roof later if radon levels are high.
level. This is not the recommended
approach. It is much more cost-
effective to run the vent pipe through
the house during construction rather
than after the walls have been closed
up. However, if you elect to rough in a
radon-reduction system, it is important to
be clear with the home buyer that the
home is not equipped with a functioning
system. Be sure to seal off the riser stub
so that radon is not being vented into the
living space. Also, label the stub so it is
not used as a plumbing waste line.
31
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Planning Step 3
The vent pipe exhausts radon collected proper clearances consistent with local In hot climates and predominantly air-
from beneath the slab or crawlspace. building and fire codes. This means conditioned houses, the passive stack
One objective of a radon system in a that the riser should be brought up will depend more on wind, a hot attic,
new home is to install it in such a through the slab within the same room and sun heating the pipe.
manner that a natural draft occurs in as the furnace or water heater. This
the pipe to draw the radon from the soil requires a little planning on your part
without the use of a fan. To accomplish to identify this location before the slab
this, route the pipe up through a warm is poured and to allow for sufficient
part of the house and exhaust it room in the chase.
through the roof.
In cold climates, do not route the pipe
Ideally, the vent pipe should be up through an outside wall. Routing the
installed in a vertical run, with the pipe up an outside wall will reduce the
least number of elbows which could natural thermal stack effect in the vent
restrict air flow. A radon vent pipe can pipe, reducing its effectiveness. It will
also be run through the same chase as also make it difficult to install a fan in
the furnace and water heater flue. Do the attic if it is needed later on. A
not tie them together, but rather allow better option is to route the pipe up
for enough room to route the radon through an interior wall.
vent pipe up alongside the flues with
32
Building Radon Out
To prevent radon from re-entering the If you are routing the pipe through the When deciding between 3-inch and
house or any other nearby buildings, same chase as the furnace flue, the 4-inch pipe (PVC or ABS), the 3-inch
make sure the vent pipe exhausts: vent pipe needs to exit the roof at least pipe size is the minimum you should
10 feet away from the furnace flue. use. However, 4-inch pipe is the
"a minimum of 12 inches above the Plan to elbow the pipe away from the preferred choice for a couple of reasons.
surface of the roof flue in the attic to maintain this Field results have indicated that
separation above the roof. However, passive systems tend to function better
"a minimum of 10 feet away from any the additional elbows and horizontal with 4-inch pipe. A 4-inch pipe will also
windows or other openings in the pipe length will restrict air flow through allow for a quieter system if the system
building the pipe if the system is activated. Use is activated.
45 degree joints to reduce friction.
"a minimum of 10 feet away from any
windows or other openings in
adjoining or adjacent buildings
33
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Installation
The type of system you install
also depends on foundation type. Please
see the pages listed below which
correspond to the type of foundation you
will be using.
34
Building Radon Out
Installation Step 1
If the house you are building has a slab- Perforated Pipe Alternative Soil Gas Collection Mat
on-grade or basement foundation, the Alternative
radon gas must be able to move laterally
beneath the slab to the location where
In some regions of the country, gravel In some areas, the perforated pipe
the vent pipe collects the gas. There
is not a feasible option, either because option may not be feasible if the labor
are three basic methods for improving
native soils are sufficiently permeable needed to dig a trench for the pipe loop
soil gas collection beneath slabs.
and gravel is not required for water is too expensive, or if sub-grade soils
drainage, or because lack of local supply are compacted or frozen. The third
makes gravel very expensive. One option is to install interconnected strips
Gravel alternative is to use the native fills of drainage mats (soil gas mats) on top
beneath the slab and lay in a loop of of the sub-grade and beneath the slab.
This option is generally chosen in perforated pipe to improve soil gas Drain mats consist of plastic material
regions of the country where gravel is movement. This method is already that resembles an egg crate. Wrapped
plentiful and economical or where employed in some homes with the use around the egg crate is a geotextile
gravel is required by the building code of a drain tile loop. The loop of filter fabric that allows for the passage
for water drainage. A continuous four- perforated pipe works well because the of air but prevents the infiltration of wet
inch layer of ½-inch to ¾-inch clean (no soil gases need only move to the loop concrete. The mat can be laid directly
fines) gravel placed beneath a slab rather than all the way across the slab on top of the prepared sub-grade, which
provides a largely unrestricted path for as in the case of a single collection should be a uniform layer of sand
radon to be collected. This size gravel point. (native or fill) a minimum of four
provides a drainage layer and capillary inches thick. The concrete can be
break for moisture control. poured directly over the soil gas
collection mat.
For installation guidance, see page 36. For installation guidance, see page 38. For installation guidance, see page 40.
35
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Installation Step 1A
Gravel
Option 1
Use post and beam construction by
setting teleposts that support overhead
beams on pads rather than continuous
footings.
Option 2
Provide a means for air to flow through
the grade beam. This is can be done by
inserting at least two 4-inch pipe
sleeves between the form boards or
trench and pouring the grade beam over
them. A minimum of two pipes should
be installed at opposite ends of the
grade beam. One pipe should be
installed every 10 feet. Tape the ends
Place a uniform layer of clean aggregate Grade Beam Obstructions so concrete does not enter the ends of
under all concrete slabs or floor systems the pipe while pouring the footing.
that directly contact the ground and are A grade beam or intermediate footing is Remove the tape when forms are
within the walls of the living spaces. often installed beneath a slab to removed and before connecting to pipe
Use a minimum 4-inch thick layer. support a load-bearing wall, presenting loop if a pipe loop is used.
The gravel should be about ½- to ¾-inch a barrier to the lateral flow of air
size. Smaller or fine gravel, or gravel beneath the slab to the soil gas Option 3
that is not as uniform in size, will collection point. There are a few Add a second riser on the other side of
restrict air movement under the slab. options that can be used to avoid grade the grade beam. Tie the riser into the
beam obstructions to soil gas air flow. vertical vent stack or run a second vent
stack.
36
Building Radon Out
Recommended
Improvement
37
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Pipe Alternative
Perforated Pipe
Lay a 3- or 4-inch diameter perforated What Kind Of Pipe Works How Much Pipe Do I Need?
drain pipe in a trench around the Best?
foundation perimeter just inside the Based on field work, it is recommended
foundation footing. This could be the Perforated and corrugated pipe is to lay a continuous loop of 3- or 4-inch
same pipe loop used for under-slab flexible, which makes it easy to lay diameter perforated pipe in the sub-
drainage. Be sure the pipe is covered down in a trench. The perforations also grade with the top of the pipe located a
by at least one inch of fill to keep allow for good soil gas collection. It is nominal one inch below the concrete
concrete from filling perforations. recommended that the pipe be covered slab, for slab areas less than 2,000
with a geotextile cloth to prevent fines square feet. The pipe loop should be
from clogging the holes. located approximately 12 inches from
the inside of the exterior perimeter
foundation walls. For slab areas greater
than 2,000 square feet, but less than
4,000 square feet, the same
configuration may be used but the pipe
size should be a minimum of 4 inches
in diameter. Slab designs in excess of
4,000 square feet should have separate
loops for each 2,000 to 4,000 square feet
depending upon the size of pipe utilized
(3-inch or 4-inch).
38
Building Radon Out
Installation
Tip
39
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Mat Alternative
Mat material
In buildings where interior footings or
other barriers separate the sub-grade
area, the matting should penetrate Use a soil gas collection mat or
these interior footings or barriers to drainage mat having minimum
form a continuous loop around the dimensions of one inch in height by 12
exterior perimeter. inches wide, and a nominal cross- Some mats that are sold for radon
sectional air flow area of 12 square reduction are only ½-inch high and only
Slabs larger than 2,000 sq. ft., but less inches. The mat matrix should allow have one side covered with a geotextile
than 4,000 sq. ft., should have an for the movement of air through it and cloth. If this material is used, use a
additional strip of matting that bisects yet be capable of supporting the weight minimum width of 24 inches. To keep
the loop, forming two areas equally of the concrete above it. The matrix concrete from entering the matrix, it
impacted by the two halves of the should be covered by a geotextile filter will need to be covered with geotextile
rectilinear loop. Slab designs in excess cloth on all four sides to prevent dirt or cloth. Do not cover with plastic strips
of 4,000 sq. ft. should have successive wet concrete from entering the matrix. because differential concrete drying
loops of drain mat with one riser per Repair all breaches and joints in the can occur and cause a crack in the
4,000 sq. ft. of area. geotextile cloth prior to the pouring of concrete along the edge of the plastic.
the slab.
40
Building Radon Out
Making Splices
When making splices, slit the fabric
of the two ends to be joined. Lay the
Connecting Soil Gas Seal Cloth Tears With core from one end on top of the core
from the other end with a three inch
Collection Mat To Vent Pipe Duct Tape overlap. Lay the fabric back over the
top of the splice and thoroughly seal
with duct tape to keep the wet
There is a special adaptor fitting that To insure that wet concrete does not concrete from seeping in. Drive at
will accept the flat mat and adapt to a enter the mat interior, cuts and tears least two 8-inch long staples through
round vent pipe (see graphic on right). should be sealed with duct tape. the mat at this point, being sure to
This type of adaptor is available from drive them through the point where
soil gas collection mat and drainage the two ends overlap.
mat suppliers, and from radon
mitigation equipment suppliers. The
Making TEEs in Mat
If you need to connect a length of
mat is inserted into the flat ends and
mat in the middle of another length
the geotextile fabric is taped to the of mat, make a TEE by: cutting back
edges to prevent wet concrete from the geotextile cloth, overlapping the
entering the TEE. The top of the TEE is interior matrix, replacing the cloth,
molded plastic to keep wet concrete out. securing with nails or landscape
After the concrete is poured, the top can staples, and using duct tape to seal
openings in the geotextile cloth.
be cut with a hacksaw and a 4-inch
riser inserted and glued or cemented
into place.
Securing the Mat
Installation To keep the mat in place while the
Tip concrete is being poured, the mat
should be nailed down with 8-inch
landscape staples, or 60 penny nails,
about every seven feet.
41
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Installation Step 1B
Plastic Sheeting
Laying plastic sheeting between the gas Separate sections of sheeting should be
permeable layer and the concrete slab overlapped by at least 12 inches. Below
or floor assembly serves several a slab, it is not necessary to seal the
important purposes. The sheeting can joint between overlapping sheets of
prevent concrete from flowing down plastic.
and clogging the gas permeable layer.
It can also bridge any cracks that may
develop in the slab or floor assembly,
thereby reducing soil gas entry.
Finally, the plastic sheeting can act as
a vapor barrier to reduce moisture and Below: Thomas Dickey of the East
other soil gas entry into the home. Moline, IL Health Department inspects
plastic sheeting installed for a group of
Prior to pouring the slab or placing the townhomes.
floor assembly, lay a minimum 6-mil
(or 3-mil cross laminated) polyethylene The sheeting should fit closely around
or equivalent flexible sheeting material any pipe, wire or other penetrations.
on top of the gas permeable layer. The
sheeting should cover the entire floor
area. Repair punctures or tears in the
material. Duct tape may work for
small, uniform tears or holes. For
larger tears, cover with an additional
piece of overlapping sheeting.
42
Building Radon Out
Installation Step 1C
43
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Installation Step 1D
Lay Foundation
Foundation walls and slabs should be Dampproof foundation walls, and seal Similarly, some contractors will put a
constructed to reduce potential radon any penetrations through the walls. layer of sand on top of the polyethylene,
entry routes. In general, openings in both to protect it and to absorb water
walls and slabs should be minimized, Slab from the concrete mix. This practice is
and necessary openings and joints Pour a strong slab, and take steps to not recommended. The sand may
should be sealed. control cracking. Although concrete become wet, from the concrete or rising
slabs will almost inevitably crack, ground water, and would have to dry to
Foundation Walls control joints can help the concrete to the interior through the concrete. The
In poured concrete walls, all control crack in planned locations. As with the presence of the polyethylene sheeting
joints, isolation joints, and any other foundation walls, all control joints or during this drying process may cause
joints should be caulked with an other joints should be sealed with moisture problems above the slab.
elastomeric sealant such as polyurethane caulk to reduce radon
polyurethane caulk. entry. Trap any condensate or floor drains
which pass through the slab, or route
Hollow block masonry walls typically Do not deliberately puncture holes in them through non-perforated pipe to
have cavities that can allow radon the plastic sheeting prior to pouring the daylight. Mechanical traps should be
movement. To prevent this, hollow slab. Some contractors will do this to used rather than wet traps which can
block walls should be topped with a allow excess water to drain from the wet dry out.
continuous course of solid block or be concrete. Putting holes in the plastic
grouted solid on the top. Alternatively, sheeting decreases (but does not Sump pits which are open to the soil or
use a solid concrete beam at or above eliminate) its effectiveness as a soil- fed by drain tile loops should be
the finished ground level or a full sill gas retarder. It is preferable to use covered with a gasketed lid. For more
plate. concrete with a lower water-to-cement information on sumps, see page 52.
ratio (low slump concrete).
44
Building Radon Out
Installation Step 2
Crawlspace Construction
45
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Crawlspaces Continued
The riser can be located anywhere in Clear the crawlspace area of objects Plan enough plastic to allow you to
the crawlspace. It does not need to be which may puncture the plastic overlap seams by 12 inches. The
in the center, so plan on placing it sheeting. edges should also be brought up on
anywhere in the crawlspace that will be the foundation walls about 12 inches
convenient for crawlspace access and Lay a continuous layer of minimum to allow for proper adhesion. It is
for routing the pipe up through the 6-mil (or 3-mil cross-laminated) critical to allow for enough excess
house. polyethylene sheeting or equivalent plastic so if a vacuum is drawn
membrane material to cover the entire underneath the plastic, the plastic can
Install Pipe crawlspace area. conform to the surface of the
crawlspace floor (like vacuum
Lay a length (usually five feet or more) packaging). If the amount of excess
of 3- or 4-inch diameter corrugated and plastic is insufficient, the plastic may
perforated pipe or a strip of geotextile stretch over a depression in the dirt
drain matting on the soil at the location like a trampoline.
where you will run the radon vent pipe
up.
46
Building Radon Out
Optional
Improvement
Special Precautions
Type Of Plastic
It may be necessary to take special
precautions to ensure that the plastic The minimum thickness of plastic is a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting.
sheeting will not be damaged after However, this material is not very durable if the crawlspace will be accessed
occupancy. In high traffic areas, the frequently or if occupants would like to use this area as storage. Regular 8-
polyethylene should be overlain by to 10-mil sheeting would provide better puncture resistance. High-density,
heavier material along expected traffic cross-laminated polyethylene has even greater puncture resistance and is
routes. Various materials have been stronger and more durable. Unlike the regular polyethylene sheeting, which
used for this purpose, including roofing can be torn by hand even with a thickness of 10 mil, the high-density cross-
felt, EPDM rubberized roofing laminated material cannot be torn by hand, even though its thickness may
membrane, and drainage mat. Also, if be only 4 mil. Due to its significantly increased puncture resistance, the
there may be foot traffic over the entire cross-laminated polyethylene is recommended. The high-density sheeting
crawlspace floor, or if the crawlspace is also available in white, making the crawlspace brighter and most suitable
has very irregular floors, such as sharp for use as storage space.
protruding rocks, it may be advisable
to use thicker cross-laminated plastic
sheeting or to lay a heavier material
underneath the polyethylene, between
the sheeting and the crawlspace floor.
47
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Crawlspaces Continued
Type Of Caulk
48
Building Radon Out
Sealing Edges And Seams For a more durable connection, trim the sheeting to pass beneath the
consider using mechanical fasteners, obstruction and caulk the sheeting to
Brush the walls with a wire brush at 6 such as strapping, to hold the plastic to the wall around the obstruction. At
to 12 inches above the crawlspace floor the wall. If there is an obstruction to corners, cut and tuck plastic sheeting
to remove any dirt or loose deposits. the wall within six to 12 inches of the neatly, and make sure that the sealing
floor, such as a crawlspace access door, is also airtight.
Make Plan on using one
sure the
11-ounce tube of caulk
sheeting
to attach an 8-foot Keeping Plastic In Place
lays flat
on the
length of plastic to While the caulk is curing, use duct tape along the seam to hold the sheets
crawlspace the wall. together. The tape can secure the seam to keep the seam from breaking
floor right during the cure as workers complete the installation. When sealing edges,
up to the wall. Leave several inches of it is also a good idea to temporarily tape the free edge of the plastic so it will
slack on the vertical section of the stay in place as the caulk cures. Place weights on the plastic to keep it from
plastic rising up the wall to help prevent being pulled off the walls as you work on the balance of the crawlspace.
the plastic from pulling on the seam
due to foot traffic or by the system itself Vertical Pentrations
when it is functioning. The sheeting needs to be sealed around posts and plumbing lines. It is
easier to seal a large sheet to a flat apron section than to try to fit it
Installation around the obstacle. You can use scraps of plastic to form an apron to fit
Secure plastic to the wall at 6 to 12
Tip around these obstructions. Also, try to plan your seams along rows of
inches above the crawlspace floor with
a ½-inch wide bead of acoustical piers. When sealing around plumbing risers, make sure that the clean-
sealant or butyl caulk along the wall. out is accessible.
49
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Crawlspaces Continued
The vent pipe needs to be connected It is a very good idea to label the riser
to the perforated pipe beneath the within the crawlspace so it is not
plastic in a manner that prevents air confused with any other plumbing. It
leakage. The plastic sheeting can be is also a good idea to label the plastic
wrapped around the vent pipe and to state that the plastic should not be
taped to the pipe securely. removed and, if cut, it should be
patched or replaced.
Another way to prevent air leakage
around the joint is to use two roof After home construction is completed,
flashing hoods. One roof flashing goes inspect the sheeting for damage and
below the plastic and one is placed repair as necessary.
above the plastic to provide a flat area
to which the plastic can be sealed. The
riser is sealed by the rubber grommet
on the roof flashing. The two roof
flashings are then secured by sheet
metal screws. Depending on the
location of the riser, there may be
either a PVC TEE or an elbow beneath
the plastic that has a short 4-inch stub
of pipe to which the corrugated and
perforated pipe will be connected.
50
Building Radon Out
Installation Step 3
Seal Openings
After you pour the slab or place the floor Seal Floor-To-Wall-Joints Seal control joints
assembly, seal major openings in the
slab to retard soil gas entry through Floor-to-wall joints are critical places to Control joints in the concrete slab,
openings in the slab or floor assembly. seal. Brush debris away from the joint whether they are saw cut or made with
before applying caulk. Apply enough grooving tools, should be cleaned and
Use materials that provide a caulk so when smoothed with a piece of filled with caulk. Even if they are not
permanent airtight seal such as non- cardboard cut in a convex form, the cracked initially, they will likely
shrink mortar, grouts, expanding foam, caulk will come out onto the floor and develop cracks in the future and
or similar materials. When caulking up on the wall about 3/8-inch. The caulking them before the floor finishes
slab openings, it is best to utilize a table on this page indicates the are in place makes sense. A gun-grade
polyurethane caulk which has approximate length of joint that an polyurethane or a flowable polyurethane
excellent adhesion characteristics for 11-ounce tube of caulk will cover. can be used. This seal does not
concrete. The following are some interfere with the expansion of the
examples of locations to be caulked control joint, but does block radon entry.
after the concrete slab has cured and Joint Type Feet per
before framing is installed. 11 oz. Tube
Cold 12
Expansion 8
51
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
52
Building Radon Out
53
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Other Considerations
Placing air handling ducts in or Placing air handling units in Avoid using floor drains and air
beneath a concrete slab floor, or in crawlspaces, or in other areas below conditioning condensate drains which
other areas below grade is not grade and exposed to soil gas, is not discharge directly into the soil below
recommended unless the air handling recommended. However, if they are the slab or into the crawlspace. If
system is designed to maintain installed in these areas, make sure installed, these drains should be
continuous positive pressure within that they are designed or sealed in a routed through solid pipe to daylight or
the ductwork. This is to prevent radon durable manner to prevent air through a trap approved for use in floor
from being drawn into the ductwork and surrounding the unit from being drawn drains. Mechanical traps should be
then distributed throughout the house. into the unit. used rather than wet traps which can
dry out.
54
Building Radon Out
Installation Step 4
55
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Allow For Future Installation Maintain Fire Resistive Rating Label Radon Vent Pipe
Of Fan Of Walls And Ceilings
Label the exposed portions of the pipe
Although passive radon systems are If you route your vent pipe through the so other people will know that the pipe
effective for reducing radon levels by wall between the house and the is not part of the sewer system during
an average of about 50%, it is always a garage, you will need to put a fire- construction. It is recommended that
good idea to plan ahead in case adding barrier around the pipe (on the inside the radon vent system be labeled in a
an in-line fan is needed for further of the garage) to maintain the integrity conspicuous location on each floor
radon reduction to bring indoor levels of the wall. Install a fire barrier with a level. Also, occupants and future
below 4.0 pCi/L, or in case the future rating equal to the wall. occupants will know that it is part of a
occupant wants to lower the radon radon vent system.
levels as much as possible. During Note that some ceilings are also fire
installation of the vent pipe, consider rated ceilings and will require fire Places to label include:
these criteria for locating a future fan: barriers as well.
"Fan cannot be inside the living space "Where riser exits slab
of the house. "Where pipe is seen in closets
"Fan cannot be in the crawlspace "Pipe run through attic
beneath the home.
"Fans are most often located in attics
or garages (unless there is living
space above the garage).
"Fans require a 30-inch vertical run
of pipe for installation.
"Fans require an unswitched
electrical junction box.
56
Building Radon Out
Installation
Tip
Recommended Improvement:
Screen On Discharge
Support the pipe
It is a good idea to put a 1/4-inch mesh Support the pipe using
screen on the discharge to keep birds plumbers strapping at least
from nesting in the pipe. once every 6 feet in
horizontal runs and once
Rain caps can reduce radon flow and every 8 feet in vertical runs.
can force radon (if the system is
activated) back down towards the Insulate the pipe
openings into the living spaces. In In cold climates, insulate the
most areas, they are not needed. For pipe where the pipe is routed
very high rainfall areas, use alternative through unheated spaces,
special devices which prevent large such as the attic.
amounts of rain from entering the
system while still allowing the air to
vent up and away from the building.
These devices are available through
radon mitigation supply distributors.
Another design option, which is more
commonly used with commercial
applications than with residential
installations, is an annular rain cap as
pictured here.
57
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Installation Step 5
58
Building Radon Out
Installation Step 6
Although in most cases the passive For attics with interior access, many
system alone is enough to keep radon building codes require a light in the
levels below 4 pCi/L, occasionally the attic. In these cases, if the junction
homeowner will want or need to box for the light is located at an
activate the system by adding a fan to appropriate location for the fan,
further lower radon levels in the home. another junction box will not be
To prepare for this possibility, pre-wire necessary. If not, wiring the additional
the attic when installing a passive outlet will be simple. The fan outlet
system. An unswitched electrical does not require a dedicated circuit; it
junction box should be installed in the may branch off the existing circuit for
attic or garage within 6 feet of the vent the light.
pipe. (See page 56 for a discussion
about fan installation location.)
59
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Installation Step 7
Post-Occupancy Testing
followed by a second short-term test tests lasting just 2 or 3 days during Steps For Testing
may be used, or two short-term tests unusually severe storms or periods of
may be performed simultaneously. unusually high winds, because these If you are conducting the radon test
conditions can affect the test results. prior to sale of the home, you will likely
Long-term Tests want to get results as quickly as
The test kit should be placed in the possible by following these testing
Long-term tests remain in a home for lowest lived-in level of the home, for steps. If a homeowner is testing the
more than 90 days. A long-term test example, the basement if it is to be home for radon, he or she should
will give a reading that is more likely to frequently used, otherwise the first follow the longer steps on page 69.
give a homes year-round average radon floor. It should be put in a room that is
level than a short-term test. used regularly, like a living room, Step 1
playroom, den or bedroom but not the Conduct a short-term test for at least
kitchen or bathroom. Place the kit at 48 hours. After the first test has been
How To Use a Test Kit least 20 inches above the floor in a completed, conduct a follow-up short-
location where it won't be disturbed and term test for at least 48 hours.
Follow the test kit instructions. For away from drafts, high heat, high
short-term tests, close all windows and humidity, and exterior walls. Leave the Alternatively, take two short-term tests
outside doors and keep them closed kit in place for as long as specified in at the same time in the same location
throughout the test, except for normal the device instructions. Once the test for at least 48 hours.
entry and exit. If you are doing a short- is completed, reseal the package and
term test lasting just 2 or 3 days, be send it to the lab specified on the Step 2
sure to also close windows and outside package right away for analysis. You If the average of the two tests is
doors at least 12 hours before beginning should receive test results within a few 4 pCi/L or more, activate the passive
the test. Do not conduct short-term weeks. radon reduction system.
61
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Optional Step 8
This section provides basic guidelines if its efficiency and life expectancy by
you decide to install an in-line fan to minimizing exposure to extreme
activate the system. Some states temperatures and moisture.
require that in-line fans for radon Placement in a non-conditioned space
reduction be installed by a prevents the accidental pumping of
certified radon mitigation radon directly into a home should a
contractor. Call your leak occur in the fan housing or at the
state radon contact vent-pipe joints.
for a list of certified
contractors (see Building designs that call for a flat roof
Appendix D for a list or cathedral ceiling, or some other
of phone numbers). design feature that makes the attic
installation unworkable, may
Location necessitate placing the fan on the roof
The fan and all positively pressurized or in an exterior venting pipe.
portions of the vent pipe should be
located outside habitable space in the Appropriate fan locations:
building. "Unoccupied attic
" Outside the house
The ideal location is in the attic, or, "In garage
perhaps, in an attached garage, where
the fan housing and vent pipe can be Inappropriate fan locations:
sheltered from the elements, yet be % In crawlspace
outside the buildings conditioned % In basement
spaces. Sheltering the fan maximizes %In occupied attic
62
Building Radon Out
63
Working With Homebuyers
All homebuyers want to know that they Prominently list the availability of a Provide a pamphlet on the basics of a
are buying a quality home. There are a radon system as a custom feature in all radon system in all hand-out sales
few simple things that you can do to your sales, promotional, and materials. You might include radon
educate your homebuyers that radon- advertising materials. Emphasize the maps from your specific geographical
resistant features make sense both desirability of a radon system in the area, as well as easy-to-understand
from a health and from an investment same way you would hardwood floors, information on why a radon system is
standpoint. nine-foot ceilings, upgraded important, how it operates, the costs
appliances, master bedroom suites, involved, and other questions that
The activities suggested here are etc. These are all features that home buyers might ask when
inexpensive and easy to implement. enhance the value of the house and considering a radon system. A number
Doing them will make your company make it more enjoyable to live in. of useful consumer-oriented
stand apart from the other builders in Stress the economic advantage of publications are available to be
your area by demonstrating your adding a radon system while the home ordered in bulk, such as the brochure
commitment to customer satisfaction is being built, thereby avoiding a more Buying a New Home? How to Protect
and healthy homes. expensive, retrofit installation. Your Family From Radon and radon
maps. See Appendix C for more
information.
64
Building Radon Out
All sales associates should be as Install a radon system in your model To increase home buyers awareness of
knowledgeable and positive about the home. Advertise it as another, must- radon, consider the following
value of a radon system as they are have feature that is desired by many promotional activities.
about every other feature you offer. new home buyers. Consumers expect a
Have them stress not only the builder to include the latest and Print Media
amenities you provide, but also the greatest product offerings in the Prepare a news release on the
solid construction techniques you model home; make a radon system one availability of your new homes. This
offer, including a radon system. Help of those special elements and promote can include a complete discussion of
your sales staff understand the radon it accordingly. features, size, location, floor plans, etc.
system and how it works, so that they Prominently mention that you are the
can explain its benefits to sales only builder in your area to offer
prospects. An on-site review of the radon systems (if this is appropriate and
Post Signs
system by a construction supervisor is accurate). Explain why you have
an excellent way to start. In addition, chosen to provide this important
have your sales personnel become feature to members of your community.
familiar with your radon information Highlight the value of a radon system by
materials and ask them to go over placing an explanatory sign in the Website Promotion
these materials with prospective home basement or near the crawlspace area More and more consumers are relying
buyers. of your model home. This will make on the internet for information about
prospective home buyers aware of the buying a new home. Develop a special
systems availability, function, and web page on radon systems to
benefits. As you prepare to install integrate with your existing website.
radon systems in your new homes,
increase the interest of drive-by
prospects by placing a Radon System
Being Installed placard on the site.
65
Working With Homebuyers
66
Building Radon Out
A radio public service announcement Brief, informational brochures or fact Community television programs on
about radons health effects and the sheets on radon and radon systems moving up or buying your dream
value of a radon system in protecting can be developed for free distribution home are always of interest to
people is a relatively inexpensive, but in grocery stores, schools, libraries, consumers. Use these programs to
highly effective, means of increasing banks, community centers, etc. These promote radon systems. Arrange to
community awareness about radon materials can help increase awareness appear on a community-based
and expanding the demand for radon of radons impact on the community television program and use the
systems. Your 30-second and the value of radon systems in opportunity to talk about why you offer
announcement can conclude by reducing radon exposure. Display radon systems in your homes. Local
identifying your company as the your companys name and logo on all cable stations are especially good
sponsor of the information and a educational materials you distribute. outlets for this type of activity.
builder who is interested in protecting
people from radon.
67
Working With Homebuyers
Once you have sold the house, there What Features Have Been conduct a radon test after they have
are a few key items to tell your Installed? occupied the home. Let the homebuyer
homebuyer about the radon features know where the system failure warning
that you have installed in their new Let your home buyer know whether device is located and inform the
home. you have installed a passive radon homebuyer that if the device indicates
system, an active radon system, or a a system failure, the fan is no longer
rough-in for a sub-slab depressurization working to vent radon out of the home.
system. Explain what the features are The homeowner should then contact a
designed to do. radon mitigation contractor to check
the system.
Passive System
If you have installed a passive system, Rough-In For Sub-Slab Depressurization
let the homebuyer know that they If you have installed a rough-in for sub-
should test their home for radon. Tell slab depressurization, it is very
the homeowner that if the tests important for the homebuyer to be
indicate a radon level at or above the aware that the house has not been
action level of 4 pCi/L, it is equipped with a functioning radon
recommended that they hire a radon system. Explain that the home would
mitigation contractor to activate the need to be tested for radon. If the tests
system, or you could offer to activate indicate a radon level at or above the
the system. action level of 4 pCi/L, it is highly
recommended that the homebuyer hire
Active System a radon mitigation contractor to install
If you have installed an active system, the rest of the radon system.
recommend to the homebuyer that they
68
Building Radon Out
Does This Mean This House How Does The Homebuyer Test
Has High Radon? For Radon?
Some homebuyers may be concerned The following are recommended steps Step 3
that you have installed the radon for the homebuyer to test for radon If you followed up with a long-term
system because the house has high once they have moved into the home. test: activate the passive system if the
radon levels. Simply explain that there These steps are slightly different from long-term test result is 4 pCi/L or
is no way of knowing whether or not a the steps outlined for builders on page higher. If you followed up with a
home has high radon until the home is 61, because the homeowner has more second short-term test: consider
completed and a radon test is time to perform long-term tests. activating the system if the average of
performed. Tell them that a passive the two short-term tests is 4 pCi/L or
system will reduce radon levels on Step 1 higher. The higher the short-term
average by about 50%. Also tell them Conduct a short-term test for at least results, the more certain you can be
that the home should be tested, and 48 hours. If the result is 4 pCi/L or that you should activate a passive
that the system should be activated if higher, take a follow-up test (Step 2) to radon system. Once a system has been
further reductions are desired or if be sure. activated, the radon testing should be
radon levels are at or above 4 pCi/L. If repeated with a short-term test
the radon features had not been Step 2 (preferably between 24 hours and 30
installed, it could cost $800 - $2500 to Follow up with either a long-term test or days after activation).
fix a radon problem after construction a second short-term test. For a better
has been completed. understanding of the year-round
average radon level, take a long-term
test. For faster results, take a second
short-term test.
69
Working With Homebuyers
70
Building Radon Out
71
Appendix
Appendix A
Architectural Drawings
72
Building Radon Out
Architectural Drawing
Passive Sub-Slab
Depressurization System
Used for basement and slab-on-grade
construction
73
Appendix
Architectural Drawing
Passive Sub-Membrane
Depressurization System
Used for crawlspace construction
74
Building Radon Out
Architectural Drawing
Active Sub-Slab Depressurization
System
Uses fan to mechanically draw air from
beneath the slab (or membrane)
through the vent pipe.
75
Appendix
Appendix B
Glossary
Active System Condensation Footing
Passive system with the addition of a Vapor in the air turns into water on The supporting base for the foundation
fan to more actively draw radon from cold surfaces. Beads or drops of water walls of a house.
the soil into the stack where it (and frost in extremely cold weather)
dissipates into the atmosphere. A accumulate on the inside of the Gas-permeable
system-failure warning device (alarm) exterior covering of a building when A material through which gas passes
is also installed to alert the occupant if warm, moisture-laden air from the easily.
the system is not working. interior reaches a point where the
temperature no longer permits the air International Codes
Action level to sustain the moisture it holds. Model codes published by the
Home owners should take action to International Code Council (ICC) to
lower radon levels indoors when levels Condensate drains combine all four model building codes
are at or above 4 pCi/L. Drains which remove condensation into one. The International Residential
from air-conditioning or other Code was published in early 2000.
Aggregate equipment, frequently empty into the
A coarse material, such as gravel, sump or below the slab. Junction Box
placed below the slab. An enclosed box used to connect or
Dampproofing branch electrical wiring.
ASTM Standard Guide 1465-92 Sealing the foundation walls to prevent
A guidance booklet published in 1992 outside moisture from entering the Map of Radon Zones
by the American Society for Testing basement, although not as tightly as in EPAs Map of Radon Zones assigns
and Materials according to their water-proofing. each of the 3141 counties in the
consensus process for deciding on the United States to one of three zones
content. Drain Tile Loop based on radon potential:
Typically refers to a length of
Building Code perforated pipe extending around all or Zone 1
Criteria or requirements (i.e., minimum part of the footing perimeter for Counties have a predicted average
standards) set forth and enforced by a draining water away from the indoor screening level greater than
state or local agency for the protection foundation of a home. 4 pCi/L
of public health and safety. Is usually
based on a model code (see below) Flashing Zone 2
and/or Model Standards published by Material for reinforcing and Counties have a predicted average
acknowledged organizations or weatherproofing the joints and angles indoor screening level between
associations. of the roof and penetrations through 2 and 4 pCi/L
the roof.
76
Building Radon Out
Zone 3 installation of a PVC pipe running from Stack Effect Reduction Techniques
Counties have a predicted average beneath the slab to the roof. Works by Features that prevent or reduce the
indoor screening level less than using natural pressure differentials flow of warm conditioned air upward and
2 pCi/L between the air in the pipe, and the out of the building superstructure. If
rest of the home and the outside air. not reduced, stack effect can actually
Elevated radon have been found in all draw soil gas containing radon into the
counties (Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3). Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) lower levels of the house. Most of
A unit of measuring radon levels. these techniques are part of the
Model Codes International Code Councils Model
Documents specifying requirements for Polyethylene Sheeting Energy Code.
building, mechanical, plumbing, and (used as soil-gas-retarder)
fire prevention installations. Often the Plastic sheeting, about drop cloth Sub-Membrane Depressurization
basis for state and local building weight, used over gravel and under the A system designed to achieve lower
codes. concrete slab to prevent soil gases from sub-membrane air pressure relative to
entering a home. The sheeting also crawlspace air pressure by use of a vent
Model Standard prevents the concrete from flowing into drawing air from beneath the soil-gas
A document that has been developed the gravel and blocking air flow beneath retarder membrane. May be a passive
and established to connote specified the slab. Also used as a moisture system (without fan) or active system
consensus and approval of certain barrier. (with fan).
techniques and standards. A prescribed
level of acceptability or an approved PVC Pipe Sub-Slab Depressurization
model used as a basis for comparison. A hollow plastic pipe generally used for A system designed to achieve lower
Voluntary technical guidance until plumbing in home construction. sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor
adopted into a building code. EPA has air pressure. May be a passive system
published one for radon-resistant new Slab (no fan) or active system (with fan).
construction, called Model Standards The concrete floor poured over the
and Techniques for Control of Radon in ground between the foundation walls, Sump / Sump pit
New Residential Buildings. either at ground floor or basement A hole going below the slab into which
level. water is drained in order to be pumped
Passive System out. Should be sealed to prevent
Short for passive sub-slab Soil Gas radon from entering the home.
depressurization system. Features to Any gas emanating from the soil,
reduce radon levels by utilizing barriers including radon, methane, and water
to radon entry and stack effect vapor.
reduction techniques and the
77
Appendix
Appendix C
EPA Publications Model Standards and Techniques for Other Sources of Informaton
Order copies in singles or in bulk from Control of Radon in New Residential
the National Service Center for Buildings International Code Council (ICC)
Environmental Publications (NSCEP) EPA/402-R-94-009 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 708
1-800-490-9198 or Falls Church, VA 22041
www.epa.gov/ncepihome/index.html EPA Map of Radon Zones (color) (703) 931-4533
EPA/402-F-93-013 (703) 379-1546 fax
Sample of available publications: www.intlcode.org
Radon Doesnt Have to be a Problem ICC publishes model codes, including
Building A New Home: Have You EPA/402-V-95-015 the International Residential Code (IRC).
Considered Radon? 12-minute video by the National The IRC contains an Appendix on
EPA/402-F-98-001 Association of Home Builders (NAHB) radon-resistant construction. They also
Colorful brochure on the basics of explaining radon-resistant features. publish a separate guide to radon-
radon-resistant features. resistant construction.
Radon Resistant New Homes: A Public
Buying A New Home? How To Protect Officials Guide to Reducing Radon Risk
Your Family From Radon EPA/402-V-95-014
EPA/402-F-98-008 Short video by the National Conference
This brochure provides a quick of States on Building Codes and
summary and diagram of the major Standards (NCSBCS) on radon-resistant
components of the radon reduction features.
system. Great for educating
homebuyers about radon.
79
Appendix
Appendix D
80
Building Radon Out
Note
As of 9/30/98, EPA no longer runs a
National Radon Proficiency Program.
Some states regulate providers of
radon measurement and mitigation
service providers and measurement
devices by requiring registration,
certification, or licensing. Some of
these states issue identification cards.
Call your state to learn more. You can
also contact the National
Environmental Health Associations
(NEHA) National Radon Proficiency
Program at 1-800-269-4174
(radonprog@aol.com) or, the National
Radon Safety Board (NRSB) at (303) 423-
2674 (info@nrsb.org) for more
information on radon proficiency.
81
Building
Radon
Out
This toolkit is designed to:
"Answer your questions about radon and radon-resistant features in new homes
"Give you step-by-step guidelines and tips on how to install radon-resistant features
"Provide practical ideas on educating potential home buyers about the features