When you are building a new home, you will have so many choices – paint colors, carpets, layout, cabinets, etc. And one of the main things you should consider is the safety of you and your loved ones. So should you consider putting a radon system in a new home?

Why should radon be a consideration during construction?

Radon is associated with over 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. Behind cigarette smoking, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon occurs naturally in soil and rock. It is the radioactive byproduct of the decay of uranium. This gas can then enter a home through cracks and pores in the foundation, where we then breath it in. So what if you could stop it from ever entering the home? When you are building, you have that opportunity.

Reducing radon levels in a home

The basis for a radon mitigation system includes a hole in the foundation connected to a series of pipes throughout the house. It is then hooked to a fan which sucks the radon from the soil up through the pipes and out into the air. The fan is what makes the system active. Without the fan, it is called a passive system. A passive system can be installed after the house is complete but it can also be installed during construction.

Radon Systems in new construction homes

You can save some money by installing a passive system during construction. It is important that you do this before the foundation is poured. So what does this entail?

• Step one: A layer of gravel will be placed down then covered with heavy plastic sheeting. A vent pipe hole will be configured.

• Step two: After the foundation is completed, cracks and opening will be caulked.

• Step three: The vent pipe will be run from the foundation up through the house and out the roof. Doing this stage during construction allows pipes to be hidden in walls.

• An electric junction box will be installed so if needed an electric fan can be added to activate the system.

When you move into the home, give it a few weeks and then test for radon. The test results will tell you if you need to add a fan and activate your system. The simple measure of laying plastic can often be a good barrier in preventing radon from entering the home. However, if radon levels are still high, it is simple to add the fan and activate the system.

Click here to learn more or contact the experts at Utah Radon Services to learn about your options for radon reduction in your home.