This is a fan for a radon mitigation system that is installed on the outside of a home. Sometimes these fans can be installed on the inside, but this one has been placed on the outside. Radon fans should be inspected for any type of mechanical damage.
There are three main types of radiation. Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Although alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper or clothing, alpha particles are of the most concern because they could lung cancer when they are inhaled.
Standard Sub-slab Depressurization Installation: A Diagram of an standard sub-slab depressurization radon mitigation system installation and a brief overview on how this radon gas mitigation system functions to reduce radon gas from your home or establishment through the process of sub-slab depressurization.
A client asserting claims against a home inspector may rely on a variety of legal theories, including negligence, breach of contract, and misrepresentation. This article explains the four elements a plaintiff must prove to prevail in a negligence claim. Understanding these will help inspectors to better understand how to reduce their risk of being found negligent.
The four elements of a negligence claim are:
duty;
breach;
causation; and
damages.
Radon something that each of us as ho,e inspectors should closely consider. The simple fact that the air within our own homes may be killing us should be enough to make any of us want to become more aware of what can be done to mitigate this proble, both for ourselves and our customers.
Liability is something all business owners face, and in todays day ang age where roughly half of the commercials on tv deal with settlements and lawsuits; todays public seems all to eager to cash in at someone elses expense. Maintaining proper coverages is both mandatory and necessary if one plans to succeed in business and still sleep at night.
This is a RadStar Pro Series 3 continuous monitoring radon detector. This model is EPA approved, and can be calibrated every year to ensure accurate results. This detector is placed 20 inches above the ground and is in the middle of the floor space, away from walls, in the lowest livable area of this residence. This detector will give short term results, after 48 hours have passed, to show the radon levels in this house.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, that is virtually in every livable human environment. Radon is a known carcinogen and contributes to an estimated 20,000 deaths every year. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that Radon levels below 4 pCi/L do not necessarily need mitigation efforts in an average home. Levels above 4 pCi/L have been flagged as needing mitigation for the health and safety of any given residence.
This is an image of a fresh air vent that brings in outside air to the basement and is make up air for the furnace and area basement. The fresh air vent is covered with duct tape. This will not allow make up air for the furnace and will also cause depressurization to the surround basement walls which could allow radon to infiltrate in to the living space. This defect needs to be further evaluated by a professional. This will help with indoor air quality issues which include minimize possible high Radon levels.
This is an image of circuit breakers in an electrical panel. One of the breakers in the top description contains a double tap. The lower description is the correct wiring method. A double tap is a defect because a breaker should only contain one wire. Multiple wires on one breaker could cause arcing which could lead to a fire in the panel. Multiple wires are more likely to be incorrectly fastened to the lug and also, two circuits on one breaker could cause the breaker to trip more frequently from overloading and is harder to determine which circuit is causing the trip. I recommended a qualified electrical contractor to further evaluate.
Cracks in basement slabs should be sealed. There should be a bead of caulk applied to any gaps around the parameter of the basement slab where it meets the basement wall. 6 mil vapor barriers under basement slabs will also reduce radon from entering a livable space.
The EPA recommends that you take action to reduce you homes indoor radon levels. If your radon test results are 4 pCi/L or higher. It is better to correct a radon problem before placing your home on the market because then you will have more time to address any radon problems.
As a home inspector that offers radon measuring and testing, it is imperative during short term tests for devices to be placed at least twenty inches off of the floor, 4 inches from other objects, twelve inches from walls, and twelve inches from the ceiling of the room.
The purpose of the Radon mitigation standards (RMS) is to provide radon mitigation contractors with uniform standards that will ensure quality and effectiveness in the design, installation, and evaluation of radon mitigation systems in detached and attached residential buildings three stories or fewer in height.
This radon testing device is set up in the lower level of a home. It is 20 inches off the floor, but it may not be 12 inches away from the wall, and may not be 4" away from everything else around it. Ensuring that the testing device is properly located is important for quality results.
I read the InterNACHI article “Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon”. I focused on the section concerning placement of the monitoring device as well as the section on preventing and detecting interference. I think it would be tough to obtain a sellers signature concerning interference with the device. However, I can certain post the guidelines near the monitor and also leave a copy on the kitchen counter to ensure the occupant read the warnings of tamper detection devices that are within the monitor.
The Radon system pressure gauge is called a Manometer it indicates how hard the fan is moving air. Often confused by Homeowners as an indicator of the Radon levels in the home. During inspections with a Radon system in the home it’s a good idea to explain the function of the manometer to the homeowner and how it monitors the air flow.
Radon gas is created by the breakdown of Uranium in the earth. You cannot determine radon levels based on other measured home in the areas to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are next to each other can have different radon levels. Testing is the only way to accurately determine the exposure in your home.
The above picture shows a fairly new natural gas water heater showing the Pressure Release Valve. As you can see by the picture the Pressure Release Valve has a PVC pipe connected to it. It is not recommended to have a PVC pipe connected to the Pressure Release Valve because of the extremely hot water which would flow through the piping. What is recommended is using a copper pipe instead which would better withstand the hot temperatures.
If you are building a new home, why is it important to install Radon remediation protections? The most important reason is of course your health because all homes have a degree of Radon Gas expelled. Another reason is the cost factor. Here’s what I mean. By integrating Radon protocols as the home is built will cost somewhere between $300 to $500, but to add the same features after the home is built will cost you somewhere between $800 to $2500. Also, the piece of mind you receive is priceless!
