Sealing for Radon Reduction

Can I reduce my level by sealing for radon gas in my basement?

Sealing is not consider to be a good stand alone technique for radon abatement. There are a few reasons for this:

Caulk has a limited life span especially in basements where constant moisture changes can be expected in cement foundations and floors.
New cracks can occur as the basement ages.
Even the best sealing efforts can easily miss hair line cracks that can add up to significant radon gas entry points.
Block wall foundations can very difficult to seal properly, especially if you have open cores along the top course.

Should I try radon sealing?

If you have a level close to 4pCi/L you may be able to reduce it a few points. Open sumps are huge entrance points for radon and moisture and sealing can prove to worthwhile. Also crack sealing with a good polyurethane caulk and filling large holes like rough ins for future tub and shower drains can help. But please don't be surprised if little or no results are achieved, many try and few succeed, I see it happen all the time. Regardless of the results, sealing needs to be done anyway for a radon mitigation to stop the radon fan from sucking the air out of the home. So it's a good first step, if you want give sealing a try before installing a complete radon system.

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