Solved: What Is the Best Way to Mitigate Radon?

Radon gas in homes is a serious concern. It is an invisible threat that can increase the risk of lung cancer. Many homeowners worry about addressing this issue and want to know the best methods for reducing radon levels and keeping their families safe.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the CDC. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the amount of radon inside a home. This article helps you understand reliable ways to lower radon levels and protect your home from this danger.

Key Takeaways

• Active Soil Depressurization is the most effective way to reduce radon levels. This method uses fans and pipes to vent radon outside before it enters the home.
• Sealing cracks and openings in floors, walls, and foundations can help prevent radon from entering, but this step is most effective when combined with other methods.
• Professional radon mitigation is often more effective than trying to do it yourself, as professionals ensure proper installation and follow building codes.
• Testing radon levels is essential. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action if levels reach 4 pCi/L or higher.
• Improving ventilation by opening windows, using fans, and installing vents can help reduce radon buildup inside the home.

Understanding Radon Mitigation Systems

Radon mitigation systems are designed to reduce harmful radon levels by pulling gas from the soil and venting it outside. Some methods work better than others, depending on the home’s structure and the severity of the issue.

Active Soil Depressurization

Active Soil Depressurization is the most effective way to reduce radon levels. This system uses a fan and pipes to remove radon gas from beneath the house and release it outside before it can enter living spaces.

Proper installation is important for the system to work well. A pipe is placed below the basement floor and runs up through the roof. The fan continuously pulls air from beneath the home, preventing radon from accumulating indoors.

Many experts recommend this method because it significantly reduces radon levels. However, sealing cracks and openings can improve its effectiveness even more.

Sealing Cracks and Openings

Sealing cracks and openings is an important step in radon mitigation. Radon gas seeps into homes through small gaps in foundations, floors, and walls. Blocking these entry points can help limit radon exposure.

Common areas that require sealing include:

• Floor-wall joints
• Sump pits
• Gaps around pipes

Caulk, foam, and specialized sealants can be used to close these openings. While sealing alone will not eliminate radon, it helps other mitigation methods work more effectively. Combining it with Active Soil Depressurization provides better results.

DIY vs. Professional Radon Mitigation

Many homeowners wonder whether they should try to reduce radon on their own or hire a professional. Here is a comparison of both approaches:

Hiring a professional radon mitigator ensures that the system is installed correctly and works properly. Specialists install vent pipes and fans to remove radon from the soil before it enters the home. For houses with crawlspaces, professionals use a method called submembrane suction, which is highly effective in reducing radon levels.

Kaber Robinson of Arizona Radon, LLC advises homeowners to be cautious when considering do-it-yourself mitigation. He explains, “Many people try to handle radon mitigation on their own, but without the right equipment and knowledge, they may not see the results they need. A poorly installed system can even make the problem worse. Professional mitigation ensures radon is properly vented out of the home, keeping families safe.”

Steps to Reduce Radon Levels

Reducing radon requires a step-by-step approach to achieve the best results. The process begins with testing radon levels and improving air circulation before installing a mitigation system.

Testing and Monitoring Radon Levels

Testing for radon is an important step in keeping a home safe. Homeowners can purchase test kits or hire professionals to measure radon levels.

• Short-term tests last between two and seven days.
• Long-term tests take three to twelve months and provide more accurate readings.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action if radon levels reach 4 pCi/L or higher. Regular testing can help detect changes over time.

Some homeowners use digital radon monitors that provide real-time readings and send alerts if levels become dangerous.

Once testing is complete, the next step is improving air circulation to reduce radon buildup inside the home.

Improving Ventilation

Better airflow helps reduce radon levels. Here are some simple ways to improve ventilation:

• Open windows and doors to allow fresh air inside.
• Use fans to move air throughout the home, especially in basements and lower floors.
• Vents should be installed in crawlspaces and attics to increase air circulation.

These adjustments can help lower radon levels. However, the best approach is to install a professional radon mitigation system for long-term results.

A sub-slab depressurization system is one of the most effective ways to reduce radon levels. It works by pulling radon from beneath the home and venting it outside. When installed properly, this method can reduce radon levels by up to ninety-nine percent.

Conclusion

Reducing radon levels is important for a safe and healthy home. The most effective way to address radon is through Active Soil Depressurization, which uses a fan system to remove radon from the soil and vent it outside.

Regular testing is necessary to monitor radon levels and ensure that mitigation efforts are working. While sealing cracks and improving ventilation can help, professional mitigation system installation provides the best results.

You can reduce radon levels and protect your family’s health with the right approach.