Radon gas is something that you might not have heard of before, but it’s something that everyone should be aware of. Simply put, radon gas is a substance that is created when naturally occurring uranium breaks down and moves upward towards the surface of the Earth. If a home happens to be built over the area, the gas will move into it as well. This can develop into a serious problem over time, as the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. While this sounds bad, and it is, there are ways to keep safe by employing a radon testing company, and radon mitigation services to keep levels of radon gas at a safe amount. This article will take a look at a few of the ways to keep your home safe from radon gas.
- Have the Sump Pump Sealed After Installation: One way to keep your home safe from radon gas is to have the sump pump area properly sealed once the sump pump installation is complete. Part of sump pump installation involves drilling a hole through the foundation to connect the pump to the sewer line. Since this hole can provide an entry point for radon gas, the hole needs to be properly sealed and covered after sump pump installation to keep any gas out.
- Make Sure the Foundation is Properly Sealed: Another way to keep your home safe from radon gas is to make sure the foundation is properly sealed. Any crack, no matter how small, can let radon gas into the home, so it’s important to make sure the entire foundation is inspected by a professional to make sure any and all cracks are professionally sealed to keep the area whole and secure.
- Have a Layer of Gravel Placed Underneath the Foundation: A third way to keep your home safe from radon gas is to have a layer of gravel placed underneath the foundation. This can be done in one of two ways. First, the gravel layer can be placed as the home is being built. Or, the gravel layer can be added to an existing foundation by creating a void underneath the foundation slab and filling it with gravel. The gravel layer helps by giving the radon gas a place to disperse and settle, in effect preventing it from continuing to move upwards into the home.
- Place a Vapor Barrier in the Crawlspace: And finally, a fourth way to keep your home safe from radon gas is to install a vapor barrier in your home’s crawlspace. This is an area in the basement that typically has an exposed earth floor. Since bare earth can provide the perfect point of entry for radon gas, this area should be sealed with a plastic vapor barrier to keep any radon gas from getting into the home in this way.
In conclusion, there are several ways to keep your home safe and secure from radon gas. These ways include having the sump pump sealed after installation, making sure the foundation is properly sealed, having a layer of gravel placed underneath the foundation slab, and placing a vapor barrier in the crawlspace. These are all ways to keep the home safe and secure from the dangers of radon gas.
