What Builders Should Consider about Radon in New Home Construction
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Important radon facts for new residential projects
Radon is a hidden danger hiding underneath homes across the country. A byproduct of uranium as it decays, radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and rock in parts of the United States and Canada. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless—the only way it can be detected is with radon sensors. When radon seeps into homes, long-term exposure can be extremely harmful to occupants—given that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
When building a new home, there is no way of knowing if radon will enter the house until after it is built. As a matter of fact, testing your home is the only way to know if radon is present in any home, new builds or existing. Refer to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) state program guidelines for updated zones throughout the United States and Canada.
Radon Control Techniques
Regardless of what zone you're building on, radon control techniques (also known as radon-resistant new construction) are standard practice in new construction. The following techniques help minimize the opportunity for radon to enter the home after it is built.
Gravel:
Layering 4 inches of gravel below the slab helps move soil gases freely underneath the home. Adding gravel to the foundation is commonly referred to as the "airflow layer" or "gas permeable layer." Techniques and stone can vary to accommodate different foundations and building site requirements.
Vapor Barrier:
A barrier between the slab and gravel helps prevent radon from penetrating into the house.
Adding a Vent Pipe:
Running a PVC pipe commonly used for plumbing vertically from the sub-slab to the roof can safely vent radon and other soil gases outside the home.
Sealing Cracks:
Sealing all openings and cracks in the home's concrete slab can help prevent radon and other gases from entering the new house.
As an extra precaution, you can install a radon mitigation fan in the vent pipe to move any radon gas out that may be present in the home. For more information on radon control techniques in residential buildings, refer to the EPA and Appendix F.
For more resources on radon, check out our radon professionals page.
Radon Alarm Installation
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