As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the general population, radon can be silently dangerous. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends radon testing your home or prospective abode. But what happens if testing indicates high results? Here are three ways to reduce radon levels in your home to keep you and your family safe from this odorless, colorless gas.
Home Renovation
Oh, the wonders of home renovation! While you may have little to no say over a home’s initial construction, you are welcome to introduce change as a homeowner. Since radon is present in soil found in crawl spaces, consider applying a layer of gravel below the foundation slab underneath the home.
Afterward, apply a plastic sheet or vapor layer on top. By incorporating these minor adjustments, radon particles will remain separate from the standard airflow within your property.
Improved Airflow Within Home
You want to look into two types of ventilation when reducing radon levels in your home. First, consider assessing the underfloor ventilation, especially if your property has a suspended ground floor with underfloor vents.
Vents can often become clogged with dirt and foliage, so remember to clear all obstructions to promote airflow. Next, experiment with airflow strategies by opening vents and windows throughout your space to ensure maximum ventilation.
Sealing Foundation Cracks
It’s standard to see foundation cracks in older homes. Consider sealing cracks, dents, and holes with concrete or other caulking products to seal access points in your space. Access points would include imperfections in floors, windows, and doors. You can also fill these points with draft excluders and rubber components.
Measuring radon is crucial to your health and safety within your space. Ultimately, you can incorporate ways to reduce radon levels in your home according to your state’s prevention program, but remember to contact professionals for assistance.
