If your radon testing kit or your continuous radon monitor identifies high radon levels then Better Indoors can help. There are two main remediation techniques available for lowering your radon levels:
1. Introduce positive pressure ventilation within the building
2. Introduce powerful sump extraction ventilation to underfloor voided spaces (if possible)
The primary objective for radon mitigation is to reduce radon gas levels to below the target level however, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration when designing a mitigation system. These include how high the radon levels are, which areas of the building are affected, the overall size and layout of the building, the floor construction and of course aesthetics.
Homeowners can perform radon testing using a radon gas detector, one of which is placed in a living room and one in a bedroom. If the results show elevated levels (above the action and/or target levels) a mitigation system must be designed and installed.
In many instances, houses have a footprint that is a lot larger than a single room, therefore the radon levels throughout the ground floor can differ considerably. Other properties may have been extended, with different areas having differing floor constructions (for example part suspended and part solid).
Better Indoors has years of experience in designing and installing mitigation systems that reduce concentrations to safe levels. The video above has more information:
A radon sump extractor is an effective choice for properties with pre existing underfloor voids or where there is space for a void to be created.
The void becomes a negative pressure space resulting in gas in the air within the void or in the soil being removed via an exhaust pipe incorporating a fan away from the property.
New buildings in radon affected areas often have a radon sump incorporated under the floor at the time of construction, ready to be brought into use if testing shows it is necessary.
A perforated sump box is usually installed centrally beneath the building with pipework capped-off beside an external wall. To activate the sump, a fan should be fitted to the pipework and the exhaust pipe extended.
Buildings with a large footprint or properties that have had extensions added may require more than one sump system.
Having gone to the effort of installing a radon mitigation system, it is vital to ensure that it continues to operate effectively. As radon is constantly escaping from the ground, if the mitigation system stops running, indoor radon levels will increase once again.
Radon sump fans do not contain a filter however they are drawing gas directly from the ground and other debris can sometimes also be drawn into the pipework which can make the system noisy or clogged.
We recommend a ‘clean and check’ inspection is carried out every year. Given these systems are typically installed outside, it is less likely that building occupants will notice if the fan has stopped running for any reason, so it is important to proactively check this periodically.
The second method of radon reduction, positive input ventilation (PIV), involves the installation of a purpose designed unit in an attic or loft or on the internal side of an external wall if a roof void is not present.
The fan draws clean air into the property and disperses it around the property to very gently pressurise the building. In doing so, this will inhibit radon from the soil from being ‘sucked’ inside, meaning radon levels can be safely reduced.
Positive input ventilation units incorporate a filter that can get clogged with dirt, reducing the airflow through the fan. Not only does this affect the performance of the unit, but it can also ultimately lead to the motor burning out and requiring complete replacement.
The amount of air flowing through the unit with a blocked filter can be severely reduced, risking the radon levels rising and compromising the health of the occupants. Whilst most PIVs come with manufacturer’s guarantees, the filters should be cleaned regularly (at least annually) and replaced when necessary.
Better Indoors has many years of experience in designing radon mitigation systems that reduce radon levels to safe levels in both private and public sector domestic and commercial buildings.
In order to specify a design we must verify the property so that all aspects including the size, room layout and floor spaces can be taken into consideration, as well as the results from a radon test. Better Indoors is the only UK company capable of doing this remotely or we can visit the property anywhere in the UK at cost. Afterwards we will provide a specification and installation quotation.
