There’s been a lot of press about the dangers of radon gas recently and it’s understandable that homeowners are concerned. This gas (the leading cause of lung-cancer in non-smokers) can accumulate in the poorly vented spaces of your home, such as basements and crawlspaces.
You might think that waterproofing these spaces would mean that Radon would gather more quickly, sealing in the gas as well as out the water. That needn’t be the case. A well-considered waterproofing system can actually make it easier to mitigate this accumulation of dangerous gas.
What is Radon and Why is it Dangerous?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, found in the rocks and soils all around us. It’s colorless, ordorless and tasteless which means it’s undetectable without specialist testing. We’re constantly surrounded by it in low concentrations, and in these small amounts, it’s basically harmless.
Where it becomes a problem is when it’s found in greater concentrations. When it builds up to dangerous levels, it is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking. This means that keeping it under control in our homes is vital to our health.
Sources in Basements
While there’s always a small amount of Radon in the air, basements are particularly prone to accumulating the gas. It enters through cracks in the foundations from the soil and rocks around your home. Some areas, those with particularly permeable soil or certain types of bedrock, are particularly prone to larger quantities.
Compounding these issues is the fact that basements are generally not very well ventilated. This allows the gas to enter but can lead to it being trapped, building up to dangerous levels.
Understanding Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing, as the name suggests, is the art of stopping water penetrating your basement. Its primary aim is to protect your building’s structural integrity, but it also comes with a lot of other positive effects. When done right it can create a healthy, dry, liveable environment below ground.
Components of a Waterproofing System
There are many different methods that can be employed to keep your basement dry and there’s no one-size solution. The most common systems include things like:
- French drains and perimeter drains
- Sump pumps
- Vapor barriers
Many of these help deal with water finding its way in. There’s a certain level of overlap with the gaps that Radon gets through too.
The Connection Between Radon Mitigation and Waterproofing
Beyond the fact that water and gas can both find their way in through the same cracks, there’s a lot of overlap when it comes to keeping them out.
Both Radon mitigation and waterproofing share the same basic aim: both aim to seal the basement, improving air quality and home safety. In fact, some methods of waterproofing, such as sealing cracks and installing vapor barriers work a double duty: they help keep Radon out too.
In fact, a well thought-out waterproofing system should include aspects which help deal with gas too. Elements such as waterproof sump pumps and drain tiles can play an important role in venting Radon.
Radon Mitigation Systems and Their Synergies with Waterproofing
The main method of Radon mitigation is active soil depressurization (ASD). This makes use of a vent pipe and fan to redirect Radon from the soil around your home, releasing it where it can do no harm.
Alongside this, it’s important to deal with any cracks that form in your basement floor or walls. This will block a point of entry and make your vents more efficient. It’s also our first point of overlap between dealing with Radon and water: gaps let things through.
Compatibility with Waterproofing systems
Some interior basement drainage systems can either help or hinder your radon mitigation efforts. An open sump pump, for example, leaves a large gap for radon to flow through. A sump pump with a radon lid doesn’t and a properly waterproof model can be adapted to vent gas as well as liquid.
Likewise, a French drain can, when connected to your radon mitigation vent, do double duty. The drain pipes can make an effective method of channelling gas away from liveable areas, just like they do with water.
Benefits of Combining Radon Mitigation and Waterproofing
Both Radon mitigation and waterproofing systems are necessary for a healthy home and it often makes sense to combine them.
Firstly, this means that you’re getting more comprehensive protection, especially when it comes to air quality. Mold thrives in damp conditions and the same factors which cause these conditions can lead to Radon gas build ups too.
Of course, with any work taking place in your home, cost is always going to be a factor. With so much overlap between systems, it makes sense to combine them to save labor and material costs where you can. Why pay twice when once will work just as well?
Building on the cost factors is the fact that a good waterproofing system and Radon mitigation can boost the value of your home significantly too. This could see as much as a 25% uplift in your asking price as people want safe, clean and healthy environments and will pay a premium to get them.
Signs You Might Need Both Systems
Luckily, both Radon and moisture problems are fairly easy to detect. You might need one system but not the other, though both combined generally makes most sense.
Waterproofing Indicators
Warning signs of waterproofing problems range from the subtle to the screamingly obvious. They include things like:
- High humidity
- Visible leaks
- Mold growth
- Pooling water
- Persistent moisture and dampness
Radon Indicators
As Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it’s important to get your home properly tested. The EPA-recommended limit is 4pCI/L and if you have higher levels, mitigation is a very good idea.
Some areas are more prone to high concentrations. In these places, it’s often wise to install mitigation systems pre-emptively.
When Both Are Needed
If your home has no radon mitigation systems in place but does have cracks in the foundation, a sump pump or drainage systems, it’s probably worth integrating a venting system during any overhauls.
The Process of Integrating Both Systems
Brining both Radon mitigation systems and waterproofing together into a cohesive whole isn’t a complex process. As with much of these processes, the inspection and installation contains a lot of overlap.
First, you need to know what you’re working with. A proper inspection will allow your contractors to assess cracks, gaps and other potential infiltration points. This means they can create a detailed, comprehensive plan and what, if any, mitigation is needed.
Next, those gaps and cracks need to be sealed and the other installation steps are done. This might involve adding venting systems, airtight covers or other upgrades as needed.
With your family’s health at stake, this really is a job for the experts. Aim to work with a firm with knowledge of both waterproofing and radon mitigation for the best results.
Maintenance and Monitoring
As with any protection system, it’s important to make sure things stay in working order. Regular inspections of sump pumps, drains and vapor barriers will head off issues before they become serious (and expensive).
Testing the air quality in your basement every so often will let you know if your mitigation system is in working order. Alongside this, it’s worth scheduling a regular inspection of the components themselves as breakdowns and gaps can happen.
Keeping up with these basic tasks means that you can rest assured that both water and Radon aren’t going to be threatening your basement.