To fix radon gas issues in a home there are some steps you will need to take. Radon mitigation in Colorado Springs is no different than anywhere else in the country. Radon-222 is a radioactive gas. It is colorless, tasteless, odorless and hazardous to human health. It’s released in the course of natural decay of uranium and thorium. Gases like this are widespread, naturally occurring components found in soil and rock.
What Causes Radon to Enter A Building?
Pressure variations between the surrounding soil and foundation results in a vacuum. That is to say, a vacuum ultimately sucks up radon gas from the soil into the foundation. The gas cannot be diluted resulting in significant levels of accumulation. Devastating effects like cancer can manifest if the levels of radon gas are not controlled. Such a dangerous gas should be handled by a professional. Inspections will help keep your family or tenants safe.
Below is a list of efficient ways to fix radon. Otherwise known as radon mitigation.
Radon Tips
- Seal Cracks and Openings.
Sealing of cracks and openings alone is not enough to fix the radon problem. Adding a seal mitigates the loss of conditioned air and will restrict the circulation of radon gas inside the house. When you seal cracks it will increase the efficiency of other radon control techniques. - House Pressurization.
A fan interrupts pressure, which will ultimately assist mitigate radon gas penetrating into the house. - Soil Suction.
Pipes suck up gas from under the house venting it away. In other words, preventing the gas from entering the building. - Heat Recovery Ventilator.
Cooled/heated air is used to cool/warm the air entering the building to mitigate the radon. - Active radon sump.
An active sump will prevent radon gas from entering the building completely. It has a documented 94%. rate of success. - Passive sumps.
A passive sump is another technique on how to fix radon gas in buildings. Passive sumps use wind circulating over the top of the sump pipe which draws radon gas up through the system. Passive sumps are used when levels are below 400 Bq/m3. These sumps have success rates of up to 65%.
When purchasing a property, you should hire a mitigation contractor. They inspect buildings for any trace of radon gas. A mitigation contractor will determine the presence of radon. They can also determine how it enters the building. Then they will advise you on the most effective technique on how to fix radon gas.