Crawlspace Radon Mitigation: Choosing the Right System
In Kentuckiana, we see a lot of homes with either slab or crawlspace foundations, but the danger is what you don't see - the radioactive threat right beneath your feet.
In the Southern Indiana & Louisville, KY area, not all radon systems are created equal, particularly when your home sits above a crawlspace. The health of you and your loved ones is important, and radon mitigation for these types of homes can be complex. Today I hope to demystify the process, and give you practical knowledge for what suits your home best.
How it Works
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced from decay products of Uranium. Uranium is found in soil, rock, and water. Anything that is found under the surface of your home has the ability to produce radon gas. This gas, when inhaled at high levels over a long period of time, can lead to lung cancer. When the radon levels in your home are elevated, there is one common thread that is essential for the system’s effectiveness:negative pressure. Because radon is a gas, it will always go from areas of high pressure, to areas of low pressure. What we seek to do: create more negative pressureunderyour home, thaninyour home.
Types of Systems
There are a few important factors when identifying the type of Radon System that works best in your crawlspace. There are three main types of systems that we can use: no matter what the crawlspace.
Sub-membrane depressurization
This process works best on crawlspaces that are gravel at the base, and easily accessible. We start by encapsulating your crawlspace with a 12mm tear-resistant vapor barrier. We seal all of the edges and seams to create a crawlspace that is air-tight. We then run the PVC pipe into an open section of the vapor barrier and connect the PVC pipe to a radon fan outside of your home. When the fan is activated, it draws the vapor barrier towards the surface of the crawlspace, creating a thin layer of significant low pressure beneath vapor-barrior. The fan then draws the gas out of the crawlspace before it ever gets into your home.
The Radon Well
This process works best on crawlspaces that are dirt at the base, and can be used for easily accessible crawlspaces or tight crawlspaces with restricted mobility. We start by digging a 2 foot by 3 foot hole in the dirt of the crawlspace, and bury the well beneath the surface. We then add compact dirt back on top of the well and pour a thin layer of concrete for sealing. This system creates a large pit of negative pressure beneath the surface of the crawlspace. These systems are very effective, even in extremely-tight soil.
Crawlspace depressurization
This process works best in crawl spaces that are not vented and not-accessible. We start by drilling horizontally into the base of the foundation wall of the crawlspace with a 4” core drill. We insert a 4” pvc pipe into the side of the crawlspace and connect it to a radon fan outside of the home. This process depressurizes the entire crawlspace, and draws radon gas into the fan via negative pressure.
Our “Zero Entry” System
As you can see pictured below, we have a “Zero-Entry” solution for homes who would rather not have a 4” pipe coming through their living room and a fan constantly running in their home. By keeping the fan external to the house, it makes for a quieter, safer indoor environment. The fan is completely encapsulated and not effected by normal outside weather conditions.
Get an Idea of Your Radon Levels NOW!
Use our interactive map to see what the past radon levels have been. We created this map using the EPA, Kentucky Geological Survey, and our own testing data so you can have an idea of what your levels may be for your Kentuckiana home.
Our Promise
No matter what type of crawlspace your home sits above, or level of radon gas in your home, we will work diligently to come up with the best solution for you. We are so confident in our work that we guarantee results! All of our systems include a guarantee:the system we install will bring your radon levels down to the acceptable EPA Level. This gives you the peace of mind to make sure your loved ones are in a healthy home, every day.
David w/ GuardianPro Environmental Services
