Radon is a dangerous and very real risk for many households in the United States. It’s one of the leading causes of lung cancer and can slowly seep into a home unnoticed if the right steps aren’t taken to mitigate this threat. That’s where Americover comes in. We have the radon-resistant vapor barriers contractors need to protect the families they serve. Our site provides a variety of options for contractors and homeowners to choose from, each with its own unique differentiation points.
Interested in learning more? Here’s how you can test for radon and use radon-resistant vapor barriers to add an extra layer of protection to a building:
The Dangers Of Radon Exposure
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that is also radioactive. As a result, it presents a unique health risk for Americans since it comes up from the ground naturally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is associated with over 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in this country, with nearly 3,000 of those deaths happening to non-smokers.
In fact, radon is so deadly that it ranks as the second-leading cause of lung cancer, following tobacco use. A byproduct of uranium decay, it occurs naturally in soil, rock, or well water and most commonly enters the home via foundations and crawl spaces.
Related Article: Crawl Space Vapor Barriers for Radon Mitigation
How To Test For Radon
Detecting radon is actually a pretty straightforward process. There are plenty of home kits that homeowners and contractors alike can purchase. The most important part, however, is what you do with the test once it’s been administered. Results should always be sent to an EPA-certified laboratory for analysis. The closer the result is to the EPA’s action level cutoff of 4 pCi/L, the more serious your exposure may be.
As a result, short-term tests are a great indicator of radon exposure but may not necessarily tell the whole story. If your radon levels come in between 4.0 pCi/L and 10.0 pCi/L, a long-term radon test (that lasts at least 91 days or more) is recommended.
Related Article: Reducing Your Home’s Radon Risk
The Role Of Radon-Resistant Vapor Barriers
Vapor barriers play a significant role in preventing radon exposure. When used in the most vulnerable areas of the house, they can drastically reduce the amount of radon making it into the home. When purchasing a vapor barrier for this purpose, we recommend ASTM E1745 Class C Standard products, which are precisely manufactured to block radon and other harmful substances.
Vapor barriers create an airtight seal, reducing radon levels by preventing its entry into crawl spaces or under concrete slabs. These can be used in tandem with radon mitigation piping to provide even more protection for the home.
Using Your Vapor Barrier With A Radon Mitigation Pipe
By placing a radon mitigation pipe beneath your radon-resistant vapor barrier, you’ll be able to direct radon up and out of the house instead of merely trapping it beneath the building. This creates an exclusive “chimney” of sorts that redirects the harmful radon away from human contact. Using butyl tape to connect the pipe to the vapor barrier seals the deal by providing an airtight connection that ensures no radon or moisture escapes.
Related Article: Radon Vapor Barrier: Where Does It Go in a Radon Mitigation System?
Our Top Picks
At Americover, we love helping our clients choose the right radon-resistant vapor barriers for their needs. Here are a few that we recommend for 2024:
The Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier is a class 1 radon-resistant vapor barrier that passes all ASTM E1745 class A, B, & C qualifications. It also does a great job of blocking moisture, which makes it especially attractive for contractors.
The VaporBlock® Plus™ 20 Mil Vapor Barrier is also a fantastic option when looking at radon-resistant vapor barriers, as it is designed to retard moisture migration through concrete and also exceeds ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, and C qualifications.
Find The Right Radon-Resistant Vapor Barriers
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. For more information or a free sample, call us at 760-388-6294 or visit our Contact Us page.