Comments on: Radon Venting—Do It During Construction or Add a Zero

By: Colin Genge

Colin Genge — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 05:17:02 +0000

About 20+ years ago I
About 20+ years ago I designed a balanced ventilation system that had the effect of reducing radon by over 50% when compared to exhaust only. The slight change in pressure at the slab of only 2 Pa reduced radon by a bunch.

We also discovered that houses would get much higher readings during rain storms where the ground around the houses was sealed with water. Same in the winter. Radon levels are higher with snow on the ground AND the increased negative pressure at slab level due to stack.

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:40:59 +0000

A bit unrelated but they
A bit unrelated but they tried to mandate radon testing prior to a home sale in MN. Got shot down, of course. Too expensive. Lung cancer is better, I guess.

I asked my realtor about it before we bought our house 10 years ago. "Oh, no" she said. "Radon's not a problem in this area." Being young, dumb, and in a rush I said ok. Yeah, we're in zone one. Had it tested maybe 5-6 years later, was borderline high, had it remediated (the expensive way).

By: jeff_williams

jeff_williams — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 18:15:31 +0000

A retrofit system typically
A retrofit system typically just has a small pit to draw from. When it's installed with the foundation is there a suggested percentage of the total sqft of basement that should have the draw piping under it? In the picture above are both sides of that foundation wall being vented? Looks that way.

By: Dixie Wong

Dixie Wong — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:43:10 +0000

I live in Berrien County
I live in Berrien County Michigan. The estimate to instal Radon Remediation in an existing home is under $1000. I like your suggestion to use this procedure during construction. January is Radon Remediation Month. This is a good month to suggest to homeowners to get their home tested. It is common for buyers to request a radon test as part of their purchase agreement.

By: Thomas A. Peterson

Thomas A. Peterson — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 09:37:24 +0000

We've been doing it this way
We've been doing it this way in Southern Maine for 10 to 15 years now. It is a very cheap insurance policy to deal with radon.