Things To Know About Radon Mitigation To Make Your Home Safe From Radon's Health Hazards

Since radon poses a threat to your health, it's a good practice to check your home for the gas if you never have. Radon can't be detected through sight or smell, so testing is necessary to determine if your home has a radon problem. If radon is detected, a radon mitigation contractor can install equipment that lowers the level of radon as much as possible. Here are some things to know about radon and how to reduce the level of it in your home.

Radon Occurs Naturally Underground

You're probably exposed to low levels of radon daily since it exists naturally in nature. The gas wafts up through the ground, so you might be exposed to tiny amounts outdoors. When radon rises through the soil and builds up in your home, it can threaten your health.

Radon Mitigation Is Customized For Your Home

Radon mitigation involves blocking the gas at the soil level and routing the gas outside rather than let it enter your home. The exact equipment used depends on the type of foundation your house has and the type of soil under your house. Everything from the diameter of the vent pipes to the type of vent fan is chosen based on your home's unique features. However, there are common aspects to radon mitigation.

The soil is sealed if possible to keep radon from wafting up. This might be done by filling cracks in a basement floor or by putting a vapor barrier down in a crawlspace. These treatments are done along with using a vent system that pulls radon out of the soil and away from your house.

Some types of soil are dense and compact and harder to pull radon from. This is why it's important for a contractor to choose the right radon mitigation equipment for your house. When radon is pulled out of the soil by the fan and routed outdoors, it doesn't have a chance to collect in your house.

Your Radon System Should Be Monitored

The radon mitigation system only works as long as the fan runs. If a problem develops with the system, radon starts collecting again. Your contractor may recommend testing for radon once your system is installed and again every couple of years. Periodic testing ensures your mitigation system is working and also monitors your radon levels since they can fluctuate over time.

In addition to testing, a radon vent system has a pressure manometer on it you should check frequently. The manometer lets you verify the fan is working and creating enough negative pressure to be effective.

Contact a local radon mitigation service to learn more.