Radon-Resistant New Constructions
Whether you are having a new home built yourself or are just purchasing a newly built home, you should consult with the construction team to see if your home is a radon-resistant new construction (RRNC). Because radon is so prevalent in homes and can cause great health risks, construction companies can now use specific techniques that will greatly reduce the amount of radon in your new home.
What Makes My New Home Radon-Resistant?
Building a RRNC doesn’t require a lot of fancy techniques. It just takes implementing a handful of safeguards that can ultimately make a huge difference in protecting you from the harmful effects of radon. A construction team builds a RRNC by making sure the following are in place:
Gravel layer below the foundation to allow radon to flow freely around underground and never get into your home- Plastic interlayer placed on top of the gravel to use as a barrier when the concrete slab is poured to keep radon below the foundation
- Vertical PVC pipe that runs from the gravel layer up through the home and out of the roof to vent the radon out and away from the home
- Sealant to cover any cracks in the foundation floor
- Outlet to be able to plug in a fan, if needed, in the attic for further removal of radon
To be safe, you should always touch base with your home builder to make sure these are in place if you chose to have a radon-resistant new construction.
How Do I Know If My Home Is Radon-Resistant?
The only way to know for sure if your home is radon-resistant is to talk with your builders. Make sure they have a radon system installed, test the radon level in your home before you move in, and go over the results with you. Also, if your home is certified by NAHB, LEED, or IAP, you my have a radon-resistant home. You can always call the team at AmeriServ Radon of Iowa to help with any radon testing or mitigation, as well. We are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about keeping families safe from radon.
To learn more about the EPA’s recommendations for RRNC’s, visit their website.