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Radon Control Methods

VLADIMIR LEVIN

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Joined
Jun 11, 2019
Messages
136
Location
NY
In new construction, does the radon pipe need to actually penetrate the roof or can it be brought to the underside of the sheathing?
AF103.1 says its "...intended to prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation, if neccessary"

Installing all the piping "prepares" the building, and if needed in the future a roof penetration can be made then.
 
If a pipe was installed during construction, wouldn’t that be done if the neighborhood had a history of radon? Or should all homes be built with radon protection “just because”?
 
It depends whether the jurisdiction has adopted Appendix F.
Virginia requires all counties which are identified as areas of high radon potential (IRC AF101 Zone 1) to enforce Appendix F.
 
In new construction, does the radon pipe need to actually penetrate the roof or can it be brought to the underside of the sheathing?
AF103.1 says its "...intended to prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation, if neccessary"

Installing all the piping "prepares" the building, and if needed in the future a roof penetration can be made then.
There's a lot that goes into a radon mitigation system. Stopping at the underside of the roof sheathing seems wrong.
 
EPA Standards
 
A properly installed sub slab radon system will act as a passive vent and help quite a bit, and if radon levels are ever found to be higher than wanted through testing then the in line fan can be added. Seems crazy to not put it through the roof during construction.

"if necessary" my be as required by geographic area.
 
The internet states that every California county has radon. I have never seen a radon mitigation system. I’ve seen plenty of methane barriers and they are probably similar in makeup.
 
In new construction, does the radon pipe need to actually penetrate the roof or can it be brought to the underside of the sheathing?
AF103.1 says its "...intended to prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation, if neccessary"

Installing all the piping "prepares" the building, and if needed in the future a roof penetration can be made then.
Well, if the code requires you to prepare only by installing the pipe were not accessible, then connecting the pipe between were it rises out of the slab floor to the riser to the attic would not be needed I guess because you can access it later and make the connection if need be. Its an open area right?

So lets say you don't penetrate the roof and exit the building, and now the pipe produces venting radon gas in the attic, after the new owner moves in?

So, with an existing home it has had time to produce a radon gas build up if present that can be tested for, prior to the sale.

How does one test on a new home?

Simple, plan for the worst to a minimum. The minimum is at least install a passive system, under slab to the exterior, aka out the roof.....

I would not want to be the one trying to explain why we saved the cost of diner for 2 and ended up with this...
 
Bringing it to just below the sheathing technically prepares the house, but I always recommend going through the roof during construction—it’s way easier and avoids future headaches if mitigation is needed.
 
I looked into what a radon system entails and I am not impressed. A methane barrier is also used to control a gas but there is a lot more involved. I understand that methane has explosive properties but the radon system is is just short of why bother.
 
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