Radon is a home-invading gas with no odor or visible detection. Exposure can lead to health problems if levels remain high for extended periods. Some regions may be more prone to radon due to their soil composition, but the naturally occurring substance can impact homes anywhere.
Detecting and reducing the gas often requires professional help.
What Are the Steps Involved in Radon Abatement?
The EPA recommends taking action to eliminate high radon levels when the gas reaches 4.0 picocuries per liter of air. Even if you are considering installing a mitigation system yourself, you should consult with an Atlanta-based specialist about the extent of the exposure and the installation process. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America, so getting a professional opinion is essential.
Follow these steps to begin the radon mitigation system installation process:
1. Find a Specialist
Around 90% of people globally breathe polluted air. Adding radon to the mix might be more than the nervous system can handle. It’s crucial to find a specialist who understands the urgency of reducing the gas in your home.
Conduct an online search for radon mitigation in Atlanta. Once you find a list of contractors, research their reputation by looking at online reviews or asking for referrals in local neighborhood groups on social media sites like Facebook and NextDoor.
2. Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve found someone who understands how to install radon abatement systems in Atlanta homes, set up an appointment for them to assess the situation and present recommendations. Even if you conducted a test or had a radon alarm go off, most specialists run their own tests to get accurate readings and later ensure the mitigation system is working after installation.
Georgia does not require certification for installing radon mitigation systems. Do your research to ensure the person is qualified to complete the work. Some individuals seek national accreditation from the National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety Board. While Georgia does not require certification, possessing credentials from reputable organizations does verify that someone has been thoroughly trained to safely handle and reduce radon.
3. Get Quotes
Installation costs in Atlanta may be more than in smaller, surrounding areas. It’s worthwhile to seek several quotes before hiring a company or specialist to remove radon and install a mitigation system. You may pay more for a certified mitigator, but you’ll have peace of mind that the removal is thorough.
4. Choose the Radon Mitigation System
Your radon specialist will have ideas for the best abatement methods for your home’s design and level of radon. The most common system is called active soil depressurization and uses a vent pipe and fan. The fan pulls the radon from under the house and vents it to the outside. During the system selection process, the specialist should explain how the equipment works and the expected timeline for radon reduction.
What Should You Expect During Mitigation?
Your radon specialist will arrive with system components, including:
- A manometer to track system pressure
- A fan to create suction
- Sealing materials to close off foundation cracks and other openings
- PVC pipes to pull the gas out of your basement or crawl space
Your radon specialist will then perform the following installation steps.
- They will create a hole in a basement slab with a rotary hammer. This hole will act as the suction point, so the specialist will ensure it’s large enough to hold the PVC pipe.
- The installation team will dig a pit under the hole to draw the gas out. Its size depends on the soil composition under your home. Most Atlanta homes sit on red clay, which can be dense, so you’ll need a larger pit of about 20 inches around.
- The specialist will insert the PVC pipe and vent it through your house to the attic. The complexities of adding elbows and joints make this a job better suited for a professional installer. They will glue and support all pipe joints and make sure they won’t work themselves loose over time. They will seal the pipe around the slab.
- The specialist will check airflow to ensure everything is functioning properly and there are no leaks.
- They will then insulate piping in unprotected spaces where it might freeze or heat up too much.
- Finally, they will install a monitoring system if you don’t already have one to alert you to dangerous radon levels.
What Should You Expect After Radon Mitigation?
Most professionals will return to check levels and make sure the system functions properly within 48 hours. You can also schedule follow-up tests about 90 days later. If levels are acceptable, an annual test should be all you need to verify that the radon mitigation system is working.
Avoiding Radon Exposure
Radon exposure is a serious health risk but one you can avoid. Your family’s health is too important to leave to chance. Keep your home safe and radon-free by contacting an Atlanta home radon specialist today.
 | Rose Morrison |
