We previously discussed testing your home for radon. Now let's discuss
the methods of mitigating radon from you home. The methods we'll
discuss with you today are sealing cracks, pressurization, natural
ventilation, and heat recovery ventilation. Most of these methods are
considered to be either temporary measures, or only partial solutions to
be used in combination with other measures. Contact A-1 Foundation and Crack Repair for any other
information about measures you can take to help prevent radon exposure.
Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction. Sealing does two things, it limits the flow of radon into your home and it reduces the loss of conditioned air, thereby making other radon reduction techniques more effective and cost-efficient. It is difficult to identify and permanently seal the places where radon is entering.
House pressurization uses a fan to blow air into the basement or living area from either upstairs or outdoors. The effectiveness of this technique is limited by house construction, climate, other appliances in the house, and occupant lifestyle. In order to maintain enough pressure to keep radon out, the doors and windows at the lowest level must not be left opened, except for normal entry and exit.
Some natural ventilation occurs in all houses. By opening windows, doors, and vents on the lower floors you increase the ventilation in your house. This increase in ventilation mixes radon with outside air and can result in reduced radon levels. Natural ventilation in any type of house should normally be regarded as a temporary radon reduction approach because of the following disadvantages: loss of conditioned air and related discomfort, greatly increased costs of conditioning additional outside air, and security concerns.
A heat recovery ventilator or "HRV", also called an air-to-air heat exchanger, can be installed to increase ventilation. An HRV will increase house ventilation while using the heated or cooled air being exhausted to warm or cool the incoming air.
Make sure you test your home for radon and use these methods to help reduce exposure to radon. Just like leak problems, this can seem small yet become a big problem later on down the road.