Radon-Resistant New Construction Techniques

Radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) techniques are a series of steps that the new home builder can incorporate into their homes during construction to make them “radon ready”. These techniques in themselves do not necessarily prevent radon entry, but they do make it much easier to solve a radon problem once a family is in the finished home and find through radon testing that they have an indoor radon problem, which is very common in Pennsylvania. The techniques also make for a much more aesthetically pleasing radon system since it is all contained with the structure. There is no longer a “ugly” pipe running up the outside of the house nor a fan at grade level. All that is visible is a 12-inch stack out the roof for an exhaust. Not all RRNC installed systems need to be “activated” via a fan. Some homes will simply have low radon levels that do not need the installed system. However, it is felt that it is far better to have the system installed and not need it, rather than not have it installed and find out later that it is needed.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the basics of radon, the level of concern for radon, and the current code requirements for RRNC in Pennsylvania.
2. Understand the basic principle of operation of a passive and active radon mitigation system.
3. Understand the five basic steps involved in installing the radon system components during construction.
4. Appreciate the indoor air quality and health benefits incurred by occupants with low indoor radon levels