Should I Seal My Basement Floor To Help Lower Radon Levels?

Because radon often enters the home through cracks in foundations and basement floors, many homeowners believe that sealing those cracks will keep radon out. There’s some truth behind that thought process!

However, if you’re thinking of sealing your basement floor to help lower radon levels, it’s best to have a mitigation system in place as well. Learn more about sealing materials and how they can help in this guide from Festa Radon Technologies Co.

How Radon Enters the Home

Radon is an odorless, colorless noble gas that naturally releases during the breakdown of radioactive materials in the ground. It’s a small atom, so it can creep into your home through even the tiniest cracks or gaps in your concrete foundation. Over time, it builds up in enclosed spaces and contributes to the development of lung cancer in those who breathe it in for many years.

Different Sealing and Encapsulation Methods

There are a few things you can do to seal cracks or create barriers that keep radon from building up in your basement.

Sealants

Sealing up cracks with an epoxy material is a common DIY solution. While some homeowners may reach for caulk to get the job done, many types of caulk have a limited lifespan in basement environments. Thick, non-porous epoxy solutions will last longer and seal gaps more thoroughly.

Encapsulation

If you have a radon mitigation fan installed, keep the installation area separate from the rest of your basement to prevent radon from spreading. Use crawlspace encapsulation materials like VaporBond tape and airtight barriers to increase the functionality of your radon fan.

Will Sealing Work To Mitigate Radon?

The answer to this question depends on what else you’re doing to keep radon from accumulating in your home or building. On its own, sealing your basement floor may reduce your radon levels by a couple of pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

However, the best way to mitigate radon in your home is to get a radon fan system. Sealing your basement floor, when you have it done in conjunction with the installation of a mitigation fan, can make a noticeable difference.

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I seal my basement floor to help lower radon levels?” the answer is a yes. Sealing your basement floor will help prevent radon from creeping in through the cracks. But the best way to mitigate radon is to also use a fan. Do both in conjunction with one another to ensure that radon doesn’t build up in your home.