Radon is, potentially, a cancer-causing radioactive gas which is emitted from the earth as a result of decaying uranium. It is widespread and present in Colorado. It can be trapped inside homes as the gas moves up through the earth and into the atmosphere. When radon levels inside homes exceed the EPA recommendations for acceptable levels, radon mitigation is highly recommended.
You cannot see, taste or smell radon, the only way to detect it, is to test for it. There are home testing kits available online and at your local hardware store. After testing your home for radon, if you determine that mitigation is required, contact a licensed radon mitigation company.
Benchmark Homes, a premier Northern Colorado Home Builder, installs radon mitigation systems into each of our homes. We start with a moisture/thermal barrier under the basement slab. This is an insulated blanket that is rated for radon protection and acts as a block to inhibit the radon gas from entering the structure. Next, we install a vent pipe into the basement slab which runs up through the house and exists the roof. The pipe extends below the radon barrier and creates a pathway for the gas to safely exit the structure without being trapped inside the home. This system is referred to as a “passive” radon mitigation system and has been determined to work very well in many areas of Colorado. In certain areas with exceptionally high levels of radon, it may be necessary to add a fan onto the vent pipe which turns the system into an “active” radon mitigation system. The fan helps to evacuate the gasses from under the structure.
Our basement radon/vapor barrier also helps to reduce moisture in the basement and creates a thermal break to decrease the amount of heat loss in the winter. The results are a warmer and dryer feeling basement.
