Radon Protection
Basements
In radon-risk areas basements can be found to contain particularly high concentrations of radon.
This is because radon gas is heavier than air and will therefore have a tendency to accumulate at the lowest level of a building.
In some cases, the basement tanking system will provide adequate protection against the radon ingress. However, where a radon measurement reveals levels of radon above the recommended action level, remedial measures will usually be required. The BRE identify six main methods of reducing the amount of radon entering a house with a cellar or basement.
Ways to Reduce Radon Intrusion
Installing a radon sump system
Sealing floors and walls
Increasing underfloor ventilation
Installing whole house positive pressurisation or positive supply ventilation system
Improving ventilation of the house
Improving ventilation of the cellar or basement
A simple way of combining the first three of these methods is to install a cavity drainage system such as Oldroyd Xv Clear connected to a modified sump system designed to pump both water and radon away from the basement. An example of such a radon mitigation system is shown to the left.
Oldroyd Xv Clear is a semi-transparent, studded cavity drainage membrane manufactured from polypropylene.
It is specifically designed for application to damp/contaminated internal floors and walls, and is particularly useful in basement waterproofing and conversion applications.
1. | BR343 “Dwellings with cellars and basements: a BRE guide to radon remedial measures in existing dwellings” CR Scivyer and MPR Jaggs. |
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