Laserfiche WebLink
Builders: Basic Techniques � Radon-Resistant New Construction � US EPA Page 1 of 1 <br /> ���.. <br /> Radon-Resistant New Construction(RRNC) <br /> Builders: Basic Techniques <br /> All of ihe techniques and meterials described below aro commonly used in home construdion.No Tools You Can Use <br /> special skills or materials are required when adding radon-resislant features es a new home is <br /> being built. � • BuiMina Codes:A Primer <br /> � • List ot State Buildina Code <br /> While the techniques may vary tor diHerent house foundations and building sde requirements,the ' p��epo�; <br /> fiva basic features that builders should inGude to prevent radon irom entering a,home are: • Listina of Stete and/a Loca1 <br /> Jurisdictiom that heve RRNC Codes <br /> 1. Gnvel:Use a 4inch ��� • BuiWerlContreclor Resources <br /> iayer of Gean,coarse ���. RaAo�G�� • CoMec[Your State Redon <br /> gravel below the'slab; �. �� •^^q°•^e � ,Q� �M e Coordinator.Fnd Mae State-bv- <br /> also called the ' Stele Resources <br /> foundation.This layer of � �� � � • Find RRNC Trainina <br /> gravel allows the soil <br /> gases,which inGudes '� ..�.. AII homes should be tested tor radon. <br /> radon,that occur _... � � Find a aualified service orovider near <br /> € <br /> naW rally in the soil to "�+� .w�esM� vou. <br /> j . <br /> move freely undemeath i i ` .�.... <br /> the house.Builders cell - Step up to Indoor�irPLU3 <br /> lhis the"air flow layar"or A new oppoMnily br leadinp buildeis to <br /> "gas pertneable layer � aeate better ernironments indde and out. <br /> because ihe loose „> � ::--... : `- Hornebiryers <br /> gravel allows the gases • don 6as today ere •+ <br /> lo circulate. 6rrvM Baneaeh wb Inpea9hgry <br /> , ., - �.; „i.� .. � concemed <br /> NOTE: In some regions �. ebout Me indoor <br /> of tha wuniry,grevel eir qually of ���� <br /> may be too expensive or their homes. ���p��� <br /> unnetessary. R on Q#s Issues§ke 4� _y <br /> � rtald,redon, '�"kowo" <br /> Alternatives are allowed, . ........ . _... .. ..... ._. _ ..._.. ....... .. ..... ,... ... <br /> carbon <br /> such as a peAorated pipe or a colledion mat.(Sea Buildino Radon Out(PDFI;ea;u.:'�.:�� monaride arM Waic chemicak have <br /> �n,anoN PDF;pp.35-40 br more infortnation.) received preetx ettentlon Man ever as <br /> poor indoor�r quaBly has been fnked M a <br /> 2. Plastic Sireeting or Vapor Retardar.Place heavy dury plastic sheeti�g(6 mil. host ot heatlh prohbms.BuiWera can <br /> polyethylene)or a vapor retarder on top of ihe grevel to prevent the soil qases from enqloy e variery�consVu�on practices <br /> entering ihe housa.The sheeting also keeps the conaete from dogging ihe gravel layer and technologies in their new homes to <br /> when t�e slab is poured. help address ihese concems.Learn more <br /> about EPA's IiWaor eirPLUS oroarem <br /> 3. A VaM Pipe:Run a 3inch or 4-inch solid PVC Schadule 40 pipe,like the ones <br /> commonly used(or plumbing,veAicalty from the gravel layer(stubbed up when the slab <br /> is poured)Nrough the house's wndi6oned spaee and roof to safey vaM redon and other <br /> soil gases oulside above tha house.(Although serving a different purpose,this venl pipe <br /> is similar to the drein waste vent,DVW,installed by the plumbei.)This pipe should be <br /> labeled"Redon Syslem."You�plumber or a eertified radon professional can do this.Ysit <br /> Me National Radon Profieiena Proaram.or NRPP�Z�.y+y?sro-��n.�r,the National Radon <br /> SafeN BoaM.or NRSB S.'�3.Lv6trt�:d.N�z�.!3 or your state redon coordinator tor service <br /> providers in your area. <br /> 4. Sealing and Caulkinp:Seal all openings,crades,and aevi�s in the concrete <br /> foundetion floor(induding the slab perimetar crack)and walls with polyureNane caulk to <br /> prevent redon and oNer soil gases hom entering the home. <br /> 5. Junction Box:Install an elactrical jundion box(outlet)in the attic for use with a vent <br /> fan,should, aNer testing tor radon,a more robust system be needed. _ <br /> The cost to a builder of including radon-resislant features in a new home during construc6on wn <br /> vary widely.Many builders routinety indude Nesa features in some of their homes.Tha cost to <br /> the builder o(induding Mese features is typiwlly less than the cost to mitigate the home after <br /> construction.�8uilders shoulC provide customers with a ehecklist of inGuded teatures R( RNC <br /> Checklist(PDR i�pz:au.'.s±H.).New home buyers may ask the builder about these features,and <br /> ii not provided,may ask the builder to include them in lhe new homa.If a home is tested aRar <br /> buyers move in and an elevated level o/radon is discovered,She ownera'cost of fixing tha <br /> problem ean be mueh more.Construding with RRNC in new homes can add value by <br /> proteding health and redudng cosls for your wstomers. <br /> Heatth fPosks Mao of Radon 2ones Radon and Real Estate State Indoor Radon Granls <br /> Hottines&Resources Media Camoaians Radon in Drinkina Water Test or Fix Your Home <br /> Indoa airPLUS Netional Radon Actlon MonM Radon Leaders Sevino Lives Webinars <br /> Kids.SludeMs end Teachers RedoMiesistant New ConsW ction State Redon CoMacls In'kor Air QualiN <br /> http://www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc/basic_techniques_builder.html 9/19/2014 <br />