What is radon gas? You might not have heard of it, but it is something that every home owner should be aware of. Radon gas is generated from naturally occurring uranium that breaks down deep below the surface before moving upward. Radon in your home can lead to a number of issues, in fact the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Even if this is the very first time you’re learning about what is radon, be assured that there are ways to protect your home from radon if radon testing companies detect the gas in your home. This article will take a look at several ways to protect your home from radon gas.
- Seal All Cracks in the Foundation: One way to keep your home protected from radon gas is to seal any and all cracks in your home’s foundation slab. Knowing what is radon, a gas, cracks in the foundation provide the perfect means of entry into the home. A professional should be brought in to inspect the foundation to make sure no cracks have been missed. As they’re sealed, that should make the foundation more secure against radon gas.
- Seal the Area Around the Sump Pump: Another way to keep your home protected from radon gas is to seal the area around the sump pump. The sump pump connects to the sewer by means of a pipe that is typically drilled through the foundation. It’s this drilled area that needs to be sealed and covered once the sump pump installation is complete, so as to keep the radon gas from entering the home.
- Place a Layer of Gravel Under the Foundation: And finally, a third way to keep your home protected from radon gas is to have a layer of gravel placed underneath the foundation of your home. This can be done in one of two ways: a void can be created under the house by drilling a hole through the foundation and then filling it with gravel. Or, the gravel can be laid down as the house is being constructed. The idea is that the graveled layer will give the radon gas a place to go and settle as it rises up, preventing it from going upwards into the home.
In conclusion, there are several ways you can keep your home protected from the dangers of radon gas. These ways include, but are not limited to: sealing all cracks in the foundation, sealing the area around the sump pump, and placing a layer of gravel underneath the foundation. These are just a few of the ways that your home can be protected from radon gas.