If you don’t know the answer to the question “What is Radon?” don’t worry, you’re not alone. Radon gas is something that not many people know about, but it’s something that all homeowners should be aware of due to how dangerous it can potentially be. At high enough levels, radon in your home can be hazardous to your health. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Local radon testing can reveal if you have radon in your home. If the levels of radon in your home are above a certain level, then you will need to take certain steps to achieve radon mitigation and abatement in your home. This article will take a look at several ways you can prevent radon in your home.
- Seal Cracks in the Foundation: One way to prevent radon in your home is to seal any and all cracks in your home’s foundation. Radon is a gas that forms deep underground before slowly working its way to the surface. Cracks in the foundation slab and walls can provide the perfect means of entry for radon gas, so it’s important for any cracks to be thoroughly and professionally sealed.
- Seal the Area Around the Sump Pump : Another way to prevent radon in your home is to have the area around your home’s sump pump sealed. This needs to be done because the pipe that connects the sump pump to the sewer is generally cut through the foundation, leaving a small space that radon gas could potentially get through from the ground into the house. If this area is properly sealed, radon gas won’t be able to get in that way.
- Place a Vapor Barrier in the Crawl Space: And finally, a third way to prevent radon in your home is to place a vapor barrier in the crawl space if your home has one. Crawl spaces typically have bare earth floors opening into the basement, which can allow radon gas into the home. A vapor barrier is made up of several layers of plastic sheeting that are laid down over the bare earth and prevent radon gas or any other substance from working its way into the home.
In conclusion, there are several ways you can prevent radon in your home. These ways include, but are not limited to: sealing cracks in the foundation, sealing the area around the sump pump, and placing a vapor barrier in your home’s crawl space. These re just a few of the ways you can protect your home from radon gas.