Ethan Clarke
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in concrete floors and walls, or via pipes. It poses a risk to human health, particularly lung health, so it is important to prevent radon from entering homes. To do this, it is recommended to seal any openings, cracks, and crevices in concrete floors and walls with polyurethane caulk. In addition, placing heavy-duty plastic sheeting (6 mil polyethylene) or a vapor retarder on top of a gravel layer can prevent soil gases, including radon, from entering the house.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of sealant | Polyurethane caulk, epoxy, plastic sheeting, cementitious sealers, silicone caulk, soldering, glass jars, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, metal tins |
| Materials sealed | Concrete, cement, gravel, pipes, tiles, bags, floors, walls, basements |
| Purpose | Prevent radon entry, prevent radon escape, radon mitigation, radon-resistant construction |
| Other considerations | Thickness of plastic, removal of laitance, neutralizing lime, waterproofing |
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What You'll Learn
Sealing concrete with RadonSeal
RadonSeal is an effective way to seal concrete and protect your home and family. It is a deep-penetrating concrete sealer that can penetrate up to 4 inches into the concrete, making it the deepest-penetrating sealer of all. It is ideal for use on concrete blocks, cinder blocks, limestone, and both indoor and outdoor concrete.
RadonSeal works by reacting chemically with the alkalis found in concrete, forming a cementitious mineral inside the pores that is permanent. This prevents water seepage, water vapour, and soil gases from entering your home through the concrete. It also strengthens concrete surfaces, reducing dusting and cracking, and protecting against freeze-thaw cycles and road salts. It is safe for use around people, plants, and pets, with no hazardous solvents or toxic chemicals.
Before applying RadonSeal, it is important to prepare the concrete surface properly. Any previous coatings or sealers must be removed, and the concrete should be cleaned and etched to open the pores. This can be done using sandblasting, shot-blasting, scarifying, acid etching, or similar methods. It is also important to note that RadonSeal is not suitable for coloured concrete or certain other materials due to potential interference with the chemical reaction.
After applying RadonSeal, you may notice a powdery substance on the surface of the concrete. This is normal and indicates that RadonSeal is reacting as it should. The powdery substance can be easily brushed off. Once the RadonSeal has cured, the concrete can be painted, tiled, or otherwise finished as desired.
Overall, sealing concrete with RadonSeal is a safe and effective way to protect your concrete and your home from water damage, mould, and the entry of soil gases, including radon.
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Using plastic sheeting or vapor retarder
When building a new home, it is important to consider radon-resistant features to reduce the risk of lung cancer from exposure to radon in indoor air. One such feature is the use of plastic sheeting or a vapor retarder.
Plastic sheeting or a vapor retarder is placed on top of a 4-inch layer of clean, coarse gravel, also known as the "slab" or foundation. This layer of gravel allows soil gases, including radon, to move freely underneath the house. The plastic sheeting prevents these gases from entering the house and also keeps the concrete from clogging the gravel layer.
It is recommended to use heavy-duty plastic sheeting with a thickness of 6 mil polyethylene or thicker. Ordinary 6-mil polyethylene will effectively block water vapour and radon as long as it has no holes or rips. Thicker and tougher polyethylene is less likely to get holes during installation and can withstand being walked or crawled on occasionally. For exposed polyethene, a thickness of 20 mils is recommended for long-term durability.
In addition to the plastic sheeting, it is important to seal all openings, cracks, and crevices in the concrete foundation floor and walls with polyurethane caulk. This helps prevent radon from entering the home and improves the overall radon-resistant construction of the house.
By following these steps and incorporating radon-resistant features, builders can help improve indoor air quality and provide a valuable selling point for health-conscious homebuyers.
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Sealing with epoxy
Radon is an inert, odourless, tasteless, and colourless gas that can cause cancer. It typically enters homes through the lowest point, such as cracks and holes in the foundation. Sealing the basement floor with epoxy coatings can help reduce the amount of radon entering the home. However, sealing only the cracks is usually insufficient for long-term radon reduction.
To effectively seal with epoxy, it is crucial to follow specific steps and considerations. Firstly, it is essential to test your home for radon, as this is a cheap and straightforward process. Before applying any epoxy coating, all cracks and openings in the foundation must be filled and sealed. This step ensures that there are no paths for radon to enter your home. The use of high-quality epoxy is vital, and 100% solids epoxy coatings are recommended. These coatings should be thick, with a dry film thickness of over 10 MILS, to effectively mitigate radon. When applying the epoxy, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper mixing and application procedures. Some epoxy products, such as RadonSeal Epoxy Surface Sealer, have specific working times and temperature requirements that must be considered for successful application.
It is worth noting that sealing with epoxy may not always be sufficient to reduce radon levels to safe levels. In such cases, additional measures such as a sub-slab depressurization system, drain tile suction with a fan system, or block-wall suction with a fan system, are recommended. These systems work by drawing radon from beneath the house and venting it outside, diluting it beyond any harmful levels.
While sealing with epoxy can be a valuable part of a holistic radon mitigation strategy, it should not be solely relied upon. A combination of sealing and ventilation techniques is often necessary to effectively manage radon levels and create a safe indoor environment.
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Sealing with polyurethane caulk
Polyurethane caulk is a flexible and durable sealant that can be used to fill cracks and crevices in concrete and other materials. It is important to note that polyurethane caulk is not suitable for sealing all types of materials. For example, it is not suitable for coloured concrete, fibercrete, or polymer patching compounds. However, it is very effective when used on porous materials such as concrete, gunite, shotcrete, mortar, grout, and stucco.
When sealing with polyurethane caulk, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a proper seal. The surface to be sealed should be clean and dry, and any previous sealants or paints should be removed. It is also important to ensure that the caulk is applied in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from polyurethane caulk can be toxic.
In addition to polyurethane caulk, there are other sealants that can be effective against radon. These include silicone and urethane sealants. Silicone sealants have the advantage of being long-lasting and flexible, but they may not adhere well to concrete and are not suitable for painting. Urethane sealants, on the other hand, provide a strong and durable seal but may degrade over time due to UV light exposure.
Overall, sealing with polyurethane caulk is a recommended method for preventing radon entry into your home. By following the necessary preparation and application steps, you can effectively create a barrier against this harmful gas and improve the indoor air quality of your living space.
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Sealing with silicone caulk
Prepare the Surface:
Start by cleaning the area where you will be applying the silicone caulk. Use a sponge dipped in soapy water to wipe down the surface, then rinse and wipe it again to ensure it is completely clean. If there is any old caulk or residue, use a window scraper or a putty knife to remove it. You can also use a cleaning brush and paper towels to remove any dirt and debris. Make sure the surface is dry before proceeding.
Apply Masking Tape:
Use masking tape to define the area where you will be applying the caulk. Apply the tape to both sides of the gap, leaving space in the middle for the sealant to fill. This will help you achieve a neat and even finish by preventing the sealant from smudging or spreading beyond the desired area.
Cut the Nozzle:
Using scissors or a utility knife, cut the nozzle of the silicone caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. This will ensure easy and precise application. Cut as close to the tip as possible to create a small hole, which will allow you better control over the flow of the sealant.
Apply the Silicone Caulk:
Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle to the gap you are sealing. Place the nozzle against the surface and squeeze the trigger steadily, applying even and consistent pressure. Maintain constant pressure on the trigger to control the flow of the sealant. If the gap is deep, you may need to apply multiple layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
Smooth the Sealant:
Use a gloved finger or a silicone spreader tool to smooth the sealant and create an even finish. Remove any excess sealant with a clean cloth. Remove the masking tape immediately after smoothing the sealant to prevent it from sticking to the tape and creating an uneven finish.
Allow the Sealant to Dry:
Check the packaging of your silicone caulk to determine the specific dry and cure time instructions. In general, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours for the sealant to dry completely before using the surface. You can speed up the drying process a little by using a fan or a hairdryer on a low setting.
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Frequently asked questions
To seal radon plastic down, you can use products such as RadonSeal or LastiSeal. Ordinary 6-mil polyethylene will also work, as long as it has no holes or rips.
RadonSeal is a sealer that penetrates up to four inches deep and seals tightly against vapour and gases. It reacts chemically with cementitious materials like concrete, gunite, shotcrete, mortar, grout, and stucco.
Seal all openings, cracks, and crevices in the concrete foundation floor and walls with polyurethane caulk. You can also seal radon plastic down in a basement by pouring sand on the floor, laying vent pipes in the sand, and then covering it with plastic and a new concrete floor.
