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radon-resistant construction is something known as 'passive SSD' (passive sub-slab depressurization) that can reduce potential radon levels by as much as 50%. This technique is actually easily implemented using common building materials, and costs between $200 and $500, on average.

Purchasing a house featuring a passive SSD system is certainly an advantage, but it does not guarantee that your home is effectively radon-free. You should find out what the exact level of radon concentration in your home is. The passive SSD system may have reduced radon levels by 50%, but what are the present levels? Again, you'll need to perform a home radon test (an initial screening test followed by a long-term test). This can help you decide whether you wish to upgrade to an 'active' SSD system to further reduce radon levels, a process that involves adding a centrifugal in-line fan.

Radon Mitigation:

Professional radon mitigators hired to install a radon remediation system in your home must adhere to Radon Mitigation Standards and respect a number of specific installation requirements. For example, radon soil suction exhaust pipes must vent properly, at least 10 feet away from all opeinings, to ensure that vented radon gas cannot re-enter the home, the exhaust fan must be located either in an unoccupied part of the house or outdoors and the system must include an (easily heard) alarm that will alert you if it stops functioning. Of course, all installations must adhere to local building and electrical codes. It is recommended that you conduct a radon remediation test within 30 days after the mitigation system is installed.

Check reguraly to make sure that both the warning mechanism and the radon mitigation fan are operating. Fans need to run continuously, and may need to be replaced or repaired every five years or so. Should you decide to do any home remodeling, re-test the radon levels after the work is completed to ensure that your radon remediation system has not been affected by the construction work.

Radon Gas Sealers:

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can seep through construction gaps and openings, but also through porous concrete. Because radon mitigation systems are costly, some people decide to use 'radon sealers' to prevent radon gas penetration.

There are two kinds of sealers: urethane-based caulk and 'penetrating concrete sealer'. Using caulk to fill in utility openings and the like may partly inhibit radon penetration into your home

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