What to know as a homeowner before your free estimate for a Radon Mitigation System…

Looking to get an estimate on a Mitigation System? Here’s what you need to know:

Lung Radon is here to educate, guide, and support you every step of the way. Below is what you - the homeowner - should be knowledgeable on before someone comes to give you an estimate on a mitigation system.

1.The Basics

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, gas that comes up from the bedrock. It’s invisible and odorless, but dangerous to your health. It’s the #1 cause of Lung Cancer for non-smokers!

How does Radon get into your home?

Radon seeps up from the bedrock underneath your home. It comes up through cracks in the foundation, gaps, or holes – like a sump pump. Due to your home’s HVAC system, your home has its own pressure system. The concentrations of radon within your home can build and stay high since the HVAC system is often recirculating the air in your home.

How is Radon Dangerous?

Radon Particles can attach themselves to dust particles and can be breathed in by the occupants. These particles will then attach themselves to lung tissue and release radiation. This radiation can affect the cellular tissue within your lungs and cause mutations which may lead to Lung Cancer.

The longer an individual is exposed to higher levels of radon the higher the probability they may develop lung cancer.

Above is look at the harmful effects of radon when compared to the effects of cigarettes.

That is why if you’re radon levels are high; it is important install a mitigation system in your home.

2.What is Radon Mitigation?

In its simplest form, Radon Mitigation is the process of getting the bad air - from the bedrock - out from underneath of the home before it enters and causes harm to the family living there.

Below is a visualization of what the final product looks like in a home. It may look a little different based off of the type of home you have, but the core principle is the same. The in-line fan draws air from underneath the home and pulls it outside via pipes and vents it above your roof thus preventing high concentrations of harmful radon gas from building up in the home.

Mitigation Types

1. If your home is on top of a slab (not a crawlspace) you’ll likely need a mitigation type called “Sub-Slab Depressurization”. This is the most common and straight forward type in the Louisville area. Typically the hole will be drilled near an exterior wall in your utility room and routed outside your home via a nearby exterior wall.

2. If your home has a Sump Pump, your home may require Sump Pump/Drain Tile Mitigation. This method of mitigation is typically more effective as it taps into the existing drainage system around the home. Often time this type of mitigation is paired with “Sub-Slab Depressurization” to maximize the effectiveness of your system.

3. If your home is above a crawlspace you will need “Sub-Membrane Depressurization”. This type of radon mitigation will require Crawlspace Encapsulation which involves the installation of vapor proof barrier over the bedrock/dirt floor of your home within the crawlspace.

*It is important to note that some homes may have a combination of the above*

3.Key Considerations when talking with a Radon Mitigator.

As a homeowner, you are in control of what this mitigation system look likes. Sometimes you just need to know what to ask:

1. Exits and Exterior Mounting

   1. The most important decision you should discuss with the estimator is where you would prefer to have the system exit the home.

      1. The ideal place to install your fan is in the back or side of your home that is out of the way.

         1. You likely don’t want the fan the be mounted on your deck, by a sidewalk or in your driveway.

      2. Depending on the layout of your home it’s possible to mount the fan in your garage or exit through roof via the attic.

      3. Either way you should discuss your preferences to make sure they are considered during the estimate.

2. Electrical Work

   1. Radon Fans require an electrical connection and have to meet certain codes that only a licensed electrician can complete.

3. Warranties

   1. Many of the fans that are installed have a warranty - somewhere between 3 and 7 years - on them. Make sure you ask about it and receive that information from the installer once the system is installed.

4. Accessories/Add-ons

   1. There are several accessories that can be installed to augment your system.

   2. Examples:

      1. Fan Covers for aesthetics

      2. Suppressors to reduce overall noise levels

      3. Condensation collectors to reduce water buildup in your pipes

      4. Other Options like: Rain Guards, Gutter Adapters, etc.