If you’ve ever purchased a home before or know someone that has, you’ve likely heard about radon testing. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has been proven to cause lung cancer when exposure happens over a long period of time. Testing for radon allows a homeowner to determine if there is any radon present and in what amount.
What Does Radon Testing Reveal?
When you opt to have radon testing performed on your newly constructed home, the test will measure the amount of radon present. The standard tests used to measure radon in the form of picocuries per liter or pCi/L for short. Any radon tests that indicate a level of 4 pCi/L requires a homeowner to enact measures to reduce the radon level for the safety of the home’s residents.
Purchasing A Radon-Resistant Home
As you’ve learned, radon can be a harmful gas for those exposed to it for long periods of time. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home, it’s crucial that you ensure your home’s construction is radon-resistant. This is done through various radon-resistant features.
Gas-Permeable Layer
In homes with a slab-on-grad or casement foundation, a 4-inch layer of clean gravel will be installed underneath the house. This allows the gas to move freely under the home.
Plastic Sheeting
Plastic sheeting is installed on top of the gas-permeable layer to protect the gas from entering the slab. For homes that have a crawlspace, the plastic sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor.
Caulking and Sealing
As another precautionary feature to prevent radon from entering your home, your builder will caulk and seal all of the below-grade openings on the foundation floor.
Vent Pipe
Your builder will install a PVC pipe or another type of gas-tight piping that runs from the gas-permeable layer up to the roof of the house. This allows the radon gas to safely vent into the air above your home.
Junction Box
It’s highly suggested to have a junction box installed in the attic to wire up a fan for the vent. This will help speed up the removal of radon gas from your home in the event that it seeps in.
Do I Need Radon Testing For My Home?
If you’re interested in getting radon testing performed on your home, then it’s time to give us a call at 4Front Energy. Our experts will perform radon testing at your home, explain the results and any recommendations, and answer all of your questions regarding radon and your newly constructed home.
Interested in scheduling an appointment with 4Front Energy? Contact us at (952) 933-1868 or get started by scheduling your service online today!
