I’ve been inspecting for 10 years.  In those years I’ve my fair share of head-scratching moments as it relates to radon installation efforts. From DIY enthusiasts to well-meaning handymen, the battle against radon often encounters unexpected challenges. This article unveils the top five common mistakes made during radon mitigation installations and emphasizes the significance of getting it right.

What is Radon and Where Does it Come From?

Radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas, emerges from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks. Its stealthy intrusion into homes through the ground poses a severe health risk, making awareness crucial for homeowners and potential buyers. To learn more about radon check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

The Top 5 Mistakes and Why They Matter:

How many mistakes can you identify in this installation?

1. Fan on Interior: The Phantom Ventilation Game

Placing radon mitigation fans inside homes defeats their purpose, turning residences into inadvertent radon recirculation systems. The goal is to expel radon, not invite it indoors.

2. Missing Manometer: The Pressure Predicament

A radon mitigation system without a manometer is like sailing without a compass. This crucial instrument monitors system pressure, ensuring efficiency and avoiding blindfolded navigation through radon seas with potential leaks and inefficiencies.

3. Vents Near Window: The Draft Dilemma

Sometimes a homeowner wants a vent to go out a specific wall or in a specific location.  However, placing a vent near windows can create drafts, compromising system efficiency. Preventing radon from sneaking back through windows is vital.

4. Sump Pump and Cracks Unsealed: The Leaky Sieve Scenario

Unsealed cracks and sump pumps in a home’s foundation resemble a leaky boat, allowing radon infiltration. Properly sealing these entry points is essential for an effective mitigation system. Without sealing these areas the vacuum cannot be created beneath the slab for the mitigation fan resulting in an ineffective mitigation system.

5. Inadequate Sealing Around Penetrations: The Escape Route Oversight

Neglecting to seal pipe penetrations and other openings in the foundation is akin to building a fortress with a secret backdoor saying, “Enter Here!” Radon will find any escape route it can, undermining the entire purpose of the mitigation system.

Conclusion:

In the quest to protect homes from radon, it is imperative to avoid these head-scratching mistakes. Radon mitigation isn’t merely about installing a system; it’s about meticulous attention to detail. Let’s bid farewell to the days of unintentional radon recirculation, re-entry through windows, and unsealed foundations. By addressing these common pitfalls, we can fortify our homes against the stealthy threat of radon, providing peace of mind for homeowners and buyers alike. So, the next time you embark on the radon mitigation journey, remember – it’s not just about banishing radon; it’s about doing it meticulously and thoroughly.

Need testing?  Contact Home Partners Inspections.  Call or text 913-390-3376.