Radon venting
nilst
| Posted in Green Building Techniques on
Why would anyone want to vent radon through conditioned space via a hole through the roof as per the detail library? Also, would the venting system need an air intake somewhere so as to propulse the radon gas out?
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Replies
Nils,
Q. "Why would anyone want to vent radon through conditioned space via a hole through the roof as per the detail library?"
A. You need to extend the radon pipe above the roof line for maximum stack effect and to get the gas away from the breathing zone. While it's possible to run the PVC pipe on the exterior of your house, attached to the siding, that's ugly. Almost everyone would prefer to have the radon pipe run indoors, penetrating the roof like a plumbing vent, for aesthetic reasons.
Q. "Would the venting system need an air intake somewhere so as to propulse the radon gas out?"
A. No. Soil is porous.
Hi Nils -
Martin did not cite his blog on this topic: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/all-about-radon.
Passive radon mitigation relies on stack effect to move subslab air up and out the radon vent stack but many homes need more than that so an inline fan is used to increase air flow/pressure. I have always felt that since stack effect depends on climate and season, the 24/7 action of a fan-driven radon mitigation system makes more sense.
Peter