Five Ways To Mitigate Radon In The Home

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can lead to long-term health issues. It comes up from the soil and pools in the basement or first floor of your home, unless it is dispersed.

1. Encapsulate Your Crawlspace

Radon comes up from the ground, so having bare dirt beneath your floorboards means that there is no barrier between your living spaces and radon. This is most often a concern in homes with a crawlspace. Encapsulation involves laying thick plastic sheeting over the floor of the crawlspace and beneath the floorboards above. Not only will this reduce radon incursion, but it can also help keep the crawlspace dry and free of pests.

2. Plan for Regular Testing

Regular testing is a must so that you can monitor radon levels, particularly in homes that have tested positive for radon and require an ongoing mitigation plan. You can either schedule an annual professional test, or you can have a monitoring station installed. The benefit of a monitoring station is that you can check radon levels daily and catch any problems before they affect your family's health.

3. Seal Foundation Cracks

Cracks in your foundation can provide inlets for radon into the home. Any crack, joint, or pipe pass-through in the foundation should be repaired promptly. This may require patching the actual concrete, but in many cases, you can simply seal the crack or hole with caulk. Monitor the area regularly so you can reapply the caulk in the event the crack begins to open up again. Major cracks may require professional repair.

4. Cover Sump Pumps

Many basements are equipped with a sump pump and pump pit, which can provide an opening for radon incursion. Yet, these pits are necessary in order to prevent basement flooding. Fortunately, there are covers designed to snugly fit over the pump housing. These covers both protect your sump pump and minimize the chances of radon making its way into your home.

5. Install a Mitigation System

Mitigation is often the only solution for radon in homes that are subjected to high radon levels. A mitigation system is basically a ventilation system that moves the radon out of the house so that it safely disperses. Some systems are passive, in that the radon vents on its own, while others are active and have attached fans to help move the gas. A professional can help you determine the option best suited to your home.

Contact a radon mitigation service if you need further assistance with any radon concerns in your home.

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