Passive Radon Mitigation System
A passive radon mitigation system is typically installed when a home is being constructed. A passive contains two components:
- A PVC ventilation pipe that extends from beneath the slab up to the eave line of the roof.
- a physical barrier between the soil and house foundation.
Passive system relies on natural pressure differentials and air currents to eliminate radon from the home.
Sometimes when a home is being built, the building company will install a passive system without ever testing the home for radon.
This can be a problem because passive radon systems do not bring extremely high levels of radon below the EPA recommended 4.0. Many home buyers do not realize this when purchasing a home with a passive system.
Active Radon Mitigation System
An active radon mitigation system is installed when the home contains elevated levels of radon. It called active because a fan is always pulling radon from beneath the home therefore it doesn't have the opportunity to enter. This is also called sub-slab depressurization method.
Active system has 4 components:
- Electric vent fan.
- System failure warning device called u-tube manometer.
- Ventilation pipe running from the sub-slab of the basement up above the eave line of the roof or in the garage attic.
- Sealed and Caulked cracks in the foundation.
Theres several ways an Active system can be installed depending on the layout of the home. The average radon mitigation system can be installed for under $1500.