Will sealing all cracks and holes in my basement walls help to reduce radon levels?

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: That's always a good thing to do, but it may not address the primary cause of Radon

Answer: Yes
Explanation: In some cases, sealing cracks/holes in basement walls and floors may help lower a home's radon level. Every home is different and recognized radon mitigation standards include sealing wall/floor openings as part of the radon mitigation process, but it alone is not the only thing needed in most homes.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: I don’t test for radon

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction. Sealing the cracks limits the flow of radon into your home, thereby making other radon reduction techniques more effective and cost-efficient. It also reduces the loss of conditioned air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend the use of sealing alone to reduce radon because, by itself, sealing has not been shown to lower radon levels significantly or consistently. It is difficult to identify and permanently seal the places where radon is entering. Normal settling of your home opens new entry routes and reopens old ones. Radon reduction requires more than just sealing cracks in the foundation. In fact, caulking and sealing of foundation openings, on its own, has proven not to be a reliable or durable technique. However, sealing is done in conjunction with other mitigation steps. For more detailed information on reduction techniques refer to: https://sosradon.org/reducing-radon-in-your-home -and- https://www.abe.iastate.edu/extension-and-outreach/radon-reduction-methods-a-homeowners-guide/

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: I do not inspect for radon.

Answer: No
Explanation: The best way to reduce the effects of radon is ventilation. windows, fans, etc.

Answer: No
Explanation: Radon gas infiltrates homes through basement slabs. Filling cracks and holes in the foundation and slabs will do little to reduce levels within the home.

Answer: No
Explanation: Sealing alone will not work. We have tried this on marginal properties at the 3.5 - 4.3 pCi/L range and it has never been successful.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: In most cases this will help. Other factors are involved though.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Doing so will prevent the entry of gasses into your home and also add to the energy efficiency of the house.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Usually... somewhat depends on individual situation. sometimes french drain with resealing earth side of wall or foundation. Sometime venting also.

Answer: No
Explanation: Radon mitigation is accomplished by exrtra ventilation.

Answer: No
Explanation: It depends on where you live, some areas do not have a radon problem, others do. Research radon, it is not an issue were I work so I can not say for sure.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: The radon gas enters the resident from the soils below the slab. A sealed slab will decrease the amount of radon present in the basement area.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Somewhat however depending on the radon levels present a mitigation system may be recommended

Answer: Yes
Explanation: It will help but not totally mitigat. Recommend qualified radon mitigation contractor correct.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Radon can enter the home through the floor as well, so sealing the walls is no guarantee .

Answer: Yes
Explanation: It will help but that is not all it takes. Having a proper remediation system designed and installed will lower the levels below the current standards.

Answer: No
Explanation: It may slow the entry, but it is suggested that it be mitigated at the source.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: yes, but radon can come up through floor cracks.

Answer: No
Explanation: This will only trap Radon in your basement

Answer: No
Explanation: Radon gas is produced naturally deep inside Mother Earth and radiates to the surface. Since most foundations are made from material found in the ground sealing holes and cracks will have no beneficial effect. Proper Mitigation of radon gas is to install a vacuum pump to draw gases from beneath your foundation and vent to atmosphere.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: A licensed professional Radon Mitigator should evaluate your need for a mitagation system.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: This is the best way to slow down Radon leakage. If your Radon Gas testing comes back and it is higher then safe levels. You should seal cracks plus install a Radon removal system.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Sealing cracks and holes will help reduce radon levels but should NEVER be considered adequate radon mitigation without testing to confirm the results.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: The sealing of all routes of air migration from the soil to the basement is a first line of defense.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: It will help but studies have found it is not the most effective way to reduce radon levels. In many properties it is all but impossible to seal all the potential areas where radon can enter the home.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: There are measures to take to reduce Radon. However Radon testing is not part of the home inspection

Answer: Yes
Explanation: with the proper sealing, it will help

Answer: Yes
Explanation: They will help reduce levels but not eliminate them.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Sealings cracks and holes in a home help reduce radon entering a home, but has not been found adequate by itself. Every home should be tested in Iowa due to the high levels found in our soil.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: A mitigation system should also be installed.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Radon is known to leak into structures through cracks and penetrations. While it may not stop radon infiltration, sealing any opening may to help reduce the Radon level, if present.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It might, but radon gas can penetrate concrete