What are radon-resistant features?
radon The techniques vary for different foundations and site requirements, but the basic elements are: • Gas Permeable Layer—This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel. • Plastic Sheeting—Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor. • Sealing and Caulking—All openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home. • Vent Pipe—A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house. • Junction Box—An electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later.
Radon-resistant techniques (features) may vary for different foundations and site requirements. If you’re having a house built, you can learn about EPA’s Model Standards (and architectural drawings) and explain the techniques to your builder. If your new house was built (or will be built) to be radon-resistant, it will include these basic elements: • Gas-Permeable Layer: This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel. This gas-permeable layer is used only in homes with radon cutawaybasement and slab-on-grade foundations; it is not used in homes with crawlspace foundations. • Plastic Sheeting: Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas-permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawl spaces, the sheeting (with seams sealed) is placed directly over the crawlspace floor.
The techniques vary for different foundations and site requirements, but the basic elements are: • Gas Permeable Layer—This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel. • Plastic Sheeting—Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor. • Sealing and Caulking—All openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home. • Vent Pipe—A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house. • Junction Box—An electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later. Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed in the
The techniques vary for different foundations and site requirements, but the basic elements are: A. Gas Permeable Layer—This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel. B. Plastic Sheeting—Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor. C. Sealing and Caulking—All openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home. D. Vent Pipe—A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house. E. Junction Box—An electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later. Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed i
Related Questions
- Are any special skills or equipment needed to install radon-resistant features during construction of a new home?
- Aside from the health benefits, are there any other benefits to installing radon-resistant features?
- How much will it cost to add radon-resistant features during construction of a new home?
