As radon is a radioactive gas that can be extremely harmful, it is important to be aware of some of the best tips to reduce the level of radon emitted in the home. In order to find ways to begin radon reduction, first take an accurate measurement. There are a minimum of five methods of radon reduction. These include installing a radon sump system, increasing underfloor ventilation, installing a positive supply ventilation system, improving the overall ventilation of the home. and sealing floors and walls.
In order to get an adequate measurement of radon produced in a house, a detector should be placed in the living room and another in the master bedroom. This should provide an accurate reading and allow homeowners to take action with regard to radon reduction. This measurement may not work on unusually designed houses which may need extra detectors.
Houses with solid concrete floors can utilize a radon sump system. Homes with a high radon level may have no other means of radon reduction. It is an effective system that can reduce the level of radon by 10%. This method can also be used on timber floors as long as there is a layer of concrete covering the soil underneath.
Underfloor ventilation can be improved by the addition of vents. Replacing old vents with newer plastic vents can also reduce the amount of radon in the home. A fan can also be added for buildings that have high levels of radon. Homes with cellars or basements which are full will not benefit from this solution.
Positive supply ventilation involves a fan which blows outside air indoors. This was originally used to reduce condensation. This radon reduction method is most effective in airtight buildings and ones which have moderate to low levels of radon.
Radon reduction can also be achieved by changing the ventilation system of the home in order to prevent radon from being drawn up through the floor. Examples include sealing unused chimneys, avoiding open fires, or adding trickle ventilators to all windows. Mechanical fans can also be used to draw air out of the basement because this is the area with the highest level of radon in the home.
Radon seeps through cracks in the floor so sealing these can be a useful method of radon reduction. This method will probably be insufficient to deal with high levels of radon, however, and is unlikely to do much more than reduce the current level by half. Unless an unused space in the basement has been marked out for future use, there appears to be little point in carrying out large-scale sealing on floors and walls.