The crack in the sub grade foundation along with this being the same room as the forced air furnace and coupled with return air vents that are not sealed creating a negative pressure makes this basement a good candidate for a radon test to be done.
In the study of the check list of inspecting Radon mitigation systems i learned that not only the EPA but also the surgeon general recommends the testing for radon levels in the home. With levels above 2 pCi/L being recommending to be monitored and retested occasionally and levels 4 and above having a system installed to reduce the levels.
This is just an example of a crawlspace that has a high quality vapor barrier installed. Though this particular home isn’t one with issues pertaining to radon, the vapor barrier would certainly add some level of protection if it were in an area where radon were a concern. I think this could be a good example as it pertains to sealing measures taken to prevent radon penetration.
I read an article about radon that was very informative. I had no idea, prior to reading the article, that radon was a serious issue. I found it fascinating that radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It was also nice to learn that if someone does have an issue with radon, that the mitigation process if fairly inexpensive, which is always good for the consumer.
I used gallery image radon system rain cap. After study of image i found a rain cap is required on vent for radon system.Rain hits the side of the cap,drips out through annulus between cap and stack. Rain cap should be attached to stack with supports.
This is a T fitting on a common vented water heater and furnace. I don’t have any pictures of a radon system. Radon systems are a good thing for the people to have in a house instead of a t fitting.
I learned that radon is bad and there should be a system for mitigating radon if it is inside the home. I think all new construction will have a mitigation system installed with in the next 5 years as a standard.
This is a short term Radon Test Kit. It is one of the most common used and most likely to be used when deciding to purchase a home. It is not as accurate as a long term Alpha Track Test Kit but those take 3 to 12 moths to show any kind of accurate measurement and that time line is only available after the purchase of the home. This kit contains granular activated charcoal where the radon is absorbed by the charcoal and then sent to a lab for testing after the test period.
I chose “Radon Gas (Consumer Targeted)” as I am very focused on his subject. Radon Gas is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and as such it is not to be taken lightly. Short term radon testing should be done on any home or structure about to be purchased followed up by long term testing to ensure that there is little danger or to inform of the need for a fix to be put in place. This could be anything from sealing up cracks in floors and walls up to a radon mitigation system being installed in the home.
Things to think about when buying or selling a home. Has the home been tested for radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas that cause 21,000 cases of lung cancer and kill thousands yearly. Was the home build using resistant contraction features. If it was tested and the reading are over 4 picoCuries or higher this should be fixed. Know that lower levels too can cause a risk to health. Radon gas can be mitigated and should be done so buy a qualified contractor.
This home tested at 36 picoCuries of radon gas. One of several steps needed to mitigate the radon gas will be to make sure this sump pump hole has been sealed properly as to not allow air flow. It was also unknown weather proper radon resistant construction methods were used when pouring the foundation.
Many new homes have sump pumps wells installed, however, many of those wells are not sealed. This area can potentially be a gateway for Radon gas to enter the interior of the home. It is important that the cover for any sump wells be sealed properly so that gas cannot enter the home in this fashion.
In taking the Radon course I learned how serious and perpetual the existence of Radon can be in a home. I also learned it is the second leading cause of lung cancer with 20,000 deaths a year attributed to airborne Radon gas. Additionally I learned that Radon can also be present in the drinking water, which claims up to 1800 lives per year. My take away from this is that Radon testing is a dangerous component to a home and should be addressed in a serous fashion.
This is a portion of a radon mitigation system. It is an active radon mitigation system with a centrifugal fan using a 4 inch abs pipe located in the rear exterior of the house. Everything is functioning and in working order.
This essay will be on ant inspection. The key factor will be to look for signs of an intrusion or more importantly, an infestation. Look for intrusion points i.e pipes into the home (electrical, plumbing, or cracks) looking for trails. listen for nests (nest are large and can produce audible sounds). Also, check vegetation outside, potted plants, etc. keep your eyes open.
The one downside to gutters is they require work. Homeowners must be vigilant in keeping them clean and in working order. Chances are if you have gutters you probably don’t clean them out often enough. If you wait until they are full of leaves and if you are scooping soil out of your gutters you are waiting far to long.
What I want to focus on is dryer vent safety. Lint builds up in your dryer. Excessive lint build up occurs slowly and gradually. You don’t realize it is happening. You think by cleaning out the lint filter after each use you are doing your job and maintaining the dryer. Take it a step further and get you a dryer lent brush and get the extra lint that the filter has left behind.
This is an image of an E-PERM system. These systems are passive type radon detectors. One benefit of using a E-PERM is that compared to other systems they are cheaper. These systems are typically as reliable as more expensive systems. One disadvantage of the E-PERM is that you cannot receive test data onsite.
This is an image of an E-PERM system. These systems are passive type radon detectors. One benefit of using a E-PERM is that compared to other systems they are cheaper. These systems are typically as reliable as more expensive systems. One disadvantage of the E-PERM is that you cannot receive test data onsite.
This isn’t an example of a radon mitigation system mounted on the exterior of a home. The system collects the radon before it permeates the slab and with the use of a fan ejects the gases appropriately above the roof line.
