We previously discussed testing your home for radon. Now let's discuss
the methods of mitigating radon from you home. The methods we'll
discuss with you today are sealing cracks, pressurization, natural
ventilation, and heat recovery ventilation. Most of these methods are
considered to be either temporary measures, or only partial solutions to
be used in combination with other measures. Contact A-1 Foundation and Crack Repair for any other
information about measures you can take to help prevent radon exposure.
Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of
most approaches to radon reduction. Sealing does two things, it limits
the flow of radon into your home and it reduces the loss of conditioned
air, thereby making other radon reduction techniques more effective and
cost-efficient. It is difficult to identify and permanently seal the
places where radon is entering.
House pressurization uses a fan to blow air into the basement or living
area from either upstairs or outdoors. The effectiveness of this
technique is limited by house construction, climate, other appliances in
the house, and occupant lifestyle. In order to maintain enough pressure
to keep radon out, the doors and windows at the lowest level must not
be left opened, except for normal entry and exit.
Some natural ventilation occurs in all houses. By opening windows,
doors, and vents on the lower floors you increase the ventilation in
your house. This increase in ventilation mixes radon with outside air
and can result in reduced radon levels. Natural ventilation in any type
of house should normally be regarded as a temporary radon reduction
approach because of the following disadvantages: loss of conditioned air
and related discomfort, greatly increased costs of conditioning
additional outside air, and security concerns.
A heat recovery ventilator or "HRV", also called an air-to-air heat
exchanger, can be installed to increase ventilation. An HRV will
increase house ventilation while using the heated or cooled air being
exhausted to warm or cool the incoming air.
Make sure you test your home for radon and use these methods to help
reduce exposure to radon. Just like leak problems, this can seem small
yet become a big problem later on down the road.