Depending upon where you live in the nation, you may have a radon problem. Although this substance can never be eliminated, radon levels can be reduced significantly. The most effective way to attack the problem is with several techniques. The following are four ways radon can be reduced in your home.
Seal all cracks in your foundation
Most of your radon problem comes from the soil beneath your house, so this is the best place to start. Make sure there are no cracks in or around the foundation of your home. Cracks in the cement of the foundation should be sealed with an appropriate caulking compound such as a resin. The outside of your home should be sealed as well.
Install a vent shaft
This is more effective that sealing cracks, but the work of sealing should be done in conjunction with installing a vent shaft. This vent will run from underneath your house and up through the roof of the house. You can check this out at a radon mitigation company’s website. They usually have an illustration. The amount of radon that travels through this shaft will be significant and reduce radon levels significantly. It is important to have this type of vent installed by a professional technician because the vent must be kept away from windows and protrude far enough away from the house to avoid contamination.
Water filter
Radon gas is released every time water is agitated. This will happen when water comes out of the faucet, and you wash your hands or wash your body in a shower. Unfortunately, a typical water filtering system does likely not accomplish the filtering needed. The most popular method of removing radon from water is to install a tank that uses a granular activated carbon to take away the radon gas. This method has demonstrated its efficacy over time.
Covering up exposed ground areas
Since radon gas comes from exposed ground areas, it only makes sense that covering the ground will reduce radon exposure. Of course, the trick is in knowing which areas of ground are of concern, and the materials that should be used to seal the ground. This is where it becomes necessary to have a radon technician analyze the patches of ground that are of concern.
Although there is some work a homeowner may be able to do himself, it is best to contact a professional radon mitigation company for best results. I tell you, this is not like turning a 48 black light on and checking which items will glow. Professionals can not only can they do all of the work, but they can analyze your home to determine the extent of the radon problem.
I didn’t realize that when it comes to radon most of it can come from under your house. I can see how making sure you seal all cracks in the foundation can help you avoid not only damaging your foundation more but also avoiding any health problems due to overexposure. I would want to make sure I ask the contractors I choose about this and how to avoid any risks. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, John. Glad the article was helpful.