Sub-Slab Radon Mitigation Design for Rome Residence
Challenge
During routine air quality testing, a Rome homeowner discovered that radon gas concentrations in their lower level exceeded the EPA's recommended action threshold of 4.0 pCi/L. Natural decay of trace elements in the local soil was continuously releasing invisible, radioactive radon gas into the earth beneath the foundation. Air pressure differences between the warm home interior and the cold sub-slab environment created a vacuum effect, drawing the carcinogenic gas inside through unsealed slab cracks, cold joints, and sump pit openings, posing a significant long-term health risk to the family.
Solution
To eliminate the sub-surface gas hazard and establish a continuous negative pressure zone beneath the foundation, our design specialist engineered a high-performance active soil depressurization plan. The system requires core-drilling a targeted suction point through the concrete floor slab into the crushed stone aggregate below. Heavy-duty PVC piping will extend from the suction cavity to a quiet, continuously operating inline radon fan installed on the exterior of the home or in the attic. This fan actively draws gas out from under the slab before it can enter the living space and vents it safely above the roofline to dissipate harmlessly. Additionally, all basement slab cracks, expansion joints, and sump covers will be hermetically sealed with specialized elastomeric sealant to maximize suction draw.
