Re: Radon problems..

On Oct 31, 12:39 am, "john" <john111111_2654spammen...@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
This is the 2nd time i've tested my house for Radon and its come up above
the normal levels both times. The first time around 4.2pci and the most
recent 8.0 pci. (these were 48 hour short term tests)

I already had it planned to rip out my carpets on my foundation level. (1st
floor - bi-level house) So I was going to try it on my own first with
ripping out the carpets and filling in the foundation cracks. (if any are
found...which there should be) I would rather go this route first before
spending a $1000 or more on a Radon system.

Does anyone recommend what I should use to fill in the foundation cracks?
Regular cement caulking in a tube...is that ok ? And should I use some type
of sealant coating on top after the cracks are filled?

My sump pump / well water area is closed off and sealed well.. Plus its
closed off. (door) so im not worried much about that area.

I do have a sink down there in which i'll have to use a sealant to caulk up
the small gap and the bottom of the pipe. Thats another thing... the EPA
hotline guys said I should use a polyurethane sealant... while the Kidde
radon company I used to test my radon levels recommend using a Silicone
sealant for that area.. so im not sure which one to go with there..

Any help would be much appreciated. You guys are the best at giving general
advice.

John in PA

There's some websites which discuss just sealing the concrete as a
first try to eliminate the radon (and sell you the stuff). Seems
similar to what they use for waterproofing, in that it kind of expands
and locks into the concete pores. Radon is pretty leaky though, it's
an inert gas, therefore a single atom per molecule, i.e. tiny and will
seep between molecules, so it'a just a question of slowing it down,
rather than eliminating it.

Another site suggested trying to reduce the radon by putting suction
on the sump pump hole, before going the regular route and drilling
holes for subfloor suction; since you mention your area is sealed off,
that might be worth a try, especially combined with sealing the
concrete.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Radon problems..
    ... The first time around 4.2pci and the most recent 8.0 pci. ... I would rather go this route first before spending a $1000 or more on a Radon system. ... I do have a sink down there in which i'll have to use a sealant to caulk up the small gap and the bottom of the pipe. ... John in PA ...
    (alt.home.repair)
  • Radon problems..
    ... This is the 2nd time i've tested my house for Radon and its come up above the normal levels both times. ... So I was going to try it on my own first with ripping out the carpets and filling in the foundation cracks. ... I do have a sink down there in which i'll have to use a sealant to caulk up the small gap and the bottom of the pipe. ...
    (alt.home.repair)