Radon gas is something that you might not have heard of before now, but it is something that all homeowners should be aware of. Radon gas is created when naturally occurring uranium breaks down deep under the ground and begins to move to the surface. If radon testing detects radon in your home above a certain level, then action will need to be taken. About 1 in 15 U.S. homes are estimated to have radon levels at or above the EPA action level. After radon testing is completed, there are several ways you can make your home safe from radon gas, and that’s what this article will take a look at.
- Seal All Cracks in the Foundation: One way to make your home safe from radon gas if local radon testing detects its presence is to have all cracks in the foundation professionally sealed and repaired. As the gas is moving up from below, the foundation is one of the first obstacles it will encounter, and cracks can provide the perfect means of entry. Therefore, it is vitally important to have the foundation inspected, and any cracks that are discovered closed up.
- Place a Vapor Barrier in the Crawl Space: Another way to make your home safe from radon gas if testing for radon detects its presence is to place a vapor barrier in the crawl space of your home. Most crawl spaces have bare earth floors, which, like cracks in the foundation, can give radon gas a perfect means of entry into the home. Vapor barriers are made from several layers of plastic that will repel any radon gas that tries to get into the house from this direction.
- Seal the Sump Pump After Installation: And finally, a third way to make your home safe from radon gas if radon testing detects its presence is to seal the sump pump after installation is complete. Since the pipe that connects the sump pump to the sewer generally cuts through the foundation, the hole created for the pipe can leave a small opening for radon gas to come through if it’s in the area. Therefore, the area around the sump pump needs to be sealed once installation is complete to prevent this from happening.
In conclusion, there are several ways you can make your home safe from the dangers of radon gas. These ways include sealing all cracks in the foundation, placing a vapor barrier in the crawl space, and sealing the sump pump after installation. These are just a few of the ways to make your home safe from radon gas.
