Radon question

[SkunkedAgain]

My 60-year old later rambler is just below the recommended safe level for radon. I got the $15 kit online and had the results sent back. Luckily my situation will be pretty simple to remedy. I've got two additions that have dirt crawl spaces underneath, which is the main source of my radon issues. This spring I'm going to lay some thick poly in each crawl space from wall to wall and sealing the edges. Hopefully that cuts down on my radon levels dramatically, as those are the only openings I've got - no sump pump

[reddog]

That will/should reduce your radon levels, assuming its sealed. but it will also decrease your humidity levels.. which is also a good thing.

dirt crawls dump a tremendous amount of moisture into a home, even though the dirt feels bone dry..

while youre in there doing work, do a rim joist inspection also. If you dont have 2" foam there, do it.. Batt insulated rims are a bad thing.

my $.02

[SkunkedAgain]

There's nothing in there except old oil cans and a bunch of other debris. I found that out the other year when I was running coax through the crawl space and up to my office.

That's a good idea about the rim joists. I might as well

[CrappieNight]

If any of you are interested in learning the real facts about Radon, talk to a Radon professional. Look up Fixradon and check out the facts. You will learn that most of what you've read here isn't 100% accurate.

[delcecchi]

If any of you are interested in learning the real facts about Radon, talk to a Radon professional. Look up Fixradon and check out the facts. You will learn that most of what you've read here isn't 100% accurate.

Anything in particular you wish to add by way of information?

[CrappieNight]

Wasn't trying to offend anyone's knowledge of Radon and I apologize if it came across that way.

I've installed hundreds of Radon mitigation systems over the years as my Dad owns Radon Removal Inc.

In talking with home owners over the years regarding their knowledge of Radon it became quickly apparent that there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding Radon, the mitigation process and what really works.

I'm not trolling for a debate on Radon, just offering the facts via an EPA trained N.E.H.A. certified company. As I said, Fixradon.com will give you all the information you need.

[ts_hunter]

When you cant get a line fished thru the structure, then it is much easier to simply run a 4 inch pvc line from the sump basin (sealed) to the rim joist and exit out the side of the house. There is not enough temp diff to drive this system, so an inline fan will be needed. You can buy a FanTech 4 inch inline fan for $208.00 from Grainger, and thats the first place I looked.. If it were my property, and I needed remediation, this is the route I would go. It will offer positive ventilation, 100% of the time, compared to a passive system, that is temperature dependent for a drive system.. Works well in the winter, when there is a large delta T, but not so effective in the summer, when the opposite is happening..

This is the route I would have to take as I don't have a way to vent to the roof. If I can seal the sump pit and put a 4" pvc line w/ inline fan, what controls when the fan runs? It isn't on all the time is it?

[rundrave]

This is the route I would have to take as I don't have a way to vent to the roof. If I can seal the sump pit and put a 4" pvc line w/ inline fan, what controls when the fan runs? It isn't on all the time is it?

I have a setup similar to this, its simply plugs into an outlet in the basement and runs all the time.

[ts_hunter]

I have a setup similar to this, its simply plugs into an outlet in the basement and runs all the time.

Interesting. Have you done any testing after the install? I see 4" inline fans from $70 up to $300+, besides noise, any benefits to the more expensive fans?

[SkunkedAgain]

In talking with home owners over the years regarding their knowledge of Radon it became quickly apparent that there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding Radon, the mitigation process and what really works.

Agreed. The government has some very good websites devoted to discussing radon, and those are the best ones to visit IMO. I wouldn't read an internet forum and make my decision based upon them, but they can at least get you thinking and looking for the right information.