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FLORIDA STANDARD FOR MITIGATION OF RADON IN EXISTING BULDINGS
Florida Standard For Mitigation of Radon In Existing Buildings
Effective: June 1, 1994
INTRODUCTION
Radon is a radioactive gas which occurs naturally in soils. It has been found
in high concentrations in some areas of many states including Florida. Radon
can enter buildings through floor cracks and openings driven by pressure differences
which result from space conditioning and ventilation systems, temperatures and
wind. Its radioactive decay products can cause lung cancer when breathed.
The following building standards have been developed in accordance with Section
553.98, Florida Statues to protect the public by setting standards for mitigation
of radon concentrations in existing buildings.
Principal Approaches for Radon Mitigation in Existing Buildings
This building standard addresses five principal approaches to mitigating radon
accumulation in buildings:
1. Radon control using the building structure as a gas barrier. This is a passive
approach which requires no fans. (See Chapter 4)
2. Radon control by lowering the air pressure in the soil beneath the building
relative to the indoor air pressure of the building. This is an active approach
which requires one or more electrically driven fans. (See Chapter 6)
3. Radon control by raising the indoor air pressure in the building relative
to the air pressure in the soil beneath the building. This is an active approach
which may either use an existing heating and air-conditioning system blower
or an additional electrically driven fan. This approach may have significant
negative impact on the annual energy consumption of the building due to heating
and cooling of additional outdoor air in addition to fan power consumption.
(See Chapter 5)
4. Radon control by ventilating the building with outdoor air. This is an active
approach which may either use an existing heating and air-conditioning system
blower or an additional electrically driven fan. This approach may have significant
negative impact on the annual energy consumption of the building due to heating
and cooling of additional outdoor air and to increased fan power consumption.
(See Chapter 5)
5. Radon control by separating the building and source with a ventilated region
of outside air. This approach is generally applicable to buildings with a crawl
space, and may be either active or passive. (See Chapter 6)
The standard does not mandate the implementation of any of the principal approaches
listed above. It establishes minimum standard practices for each of the principal
approaches. Implementation of these minimum standard practices does not guarantee
successful mitigation. A post mitigation indoor radon concentration test must
be conducted to demonstrate successful mitigation in compliance with the rules
of the Department of Health and Chapter 3 of this standard.
FOREWORD
The practices incorporated in the standard are based on experience, testing
and in certain cases expectations founded on interpretation of fundamental physical
principles. The demonstration at successful mitigation utilizing the different
approaches incorporated in this standard varies.
Sub-slab depressurization, crawlspace ventilation, and sub-membrane depressurization
have the highest demonstrated success rates. Success with these approaches has
in many cases required modification and enhancement of systems based on post
mitigation indoor radon tests.
Effective sealing of accessible entry points has been demonstrated to make
a significant impact on indoor radon concentrations. However, mitigation by
sealing entry points alone has not had a demonstrated level of success equivalent
to the aforementioned active mitigation systems. This is understood to be principally
because of the difficulty in locating and treating enough entry points to resist
the driving forces which cause radon laden soil gas and crawlspace air entry.
The significance of entry points and their treatment can be ranked based on
their size, location and the degree of depressurization of the building space
surrounding them. Design and construction of successful sub-slab depressurization
systems also depends on entry point size, location and the magnitude of coincident
building depressurization. Attention to limiting entry at points of high depressurization
such as space conditioning system return plenums, mechanical closets, etc.,
is critical to the success of both passive mitigation and minimally designed
active mitigation systems.
Building pressurization is expected, based on fundamental principles, to provide
a potentially effective mitigation strategy. The effectiveness for individual
cases may rely on occupant behavior as well as building leakage characteristics.
Pressurization systems also have potentially major impacts on occupant comfort,
humidity control and energy use.
Building ventilation has potential application where low indoor radon concentrations
exist initially. This approach can have significant impacts on the ability of
a building's climate control systems to perform adequately in the hot and humid
climate and on energy consumption for comfort conditioning.
None of the techniques in this standard are guaranteed to provide adequate
mitigation. The complexities of existing buildings and the inherent limitations
in the ability to determine the building's construction characteristics result
in conditions too diverse for a standard to anticipate. Successful mitigation
depends on the experience of the mitigator to make an effective selection of
mitigation options. A post mitigation indoor radon test is essential for determining
if initial mitigation has been successful. Proper maintenance and operation
of mechanical systems implemented as part of active mitigation approaches are
critical to the long term effectiveness of mitigation where such systems are
used. Periodic retests of indoor radon concentrations at least every two years,
and when the building undergoes significant structural alterations, are advised
for all mitigation approaches to provide continued assurance of safe indoor
radon levels.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Administration
101 General 102 Alternate Materials and Methods 1 103 Compliance
Chapter 2 Definitions
201 General 202 Definitions
Chapter 3 Testing
301 General
Chapter 4 Structural Sealing and HVAC system Balancing
401 General 402 Sealing Cracks and Joints in Concrete Floors and Walls 403
Floors Over Crawlspace 404 Combined Construction Types 405 Approved Sealant
Materials 406 Space Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
Chapter 5 Engineered Systems
501 General 502 Design Criteria
Chapter 6 Soil Depressurization Systems
601 General 602 Soil Depressurization System Installation Criteria 603 Soil
Depressurization System Design Criteria 604 Crawlspace ventilation
CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION
101 GENERAL
101.1 Title
Provisions in the following chapters and sections shall constitute and be known
as, and may be cited as, the Florida Standard For Mitigation of Radon in Existing
Buildings, hereinafter referred to as "this standard."
101.2 Intent
101.2.1
General This standard applies to those alterations to existing buildings that
are implemented to reduce indoor radon concentrations, in order to enable control
of human exposure to indoor radon and its progeny. 101.2.2
Limits This standard is intended to improve indoor air quality with respect
to radon. These standards are based on the principle of limiting radon concentrations
to levels as low as reasonably achievable, within the limitations at current
technology and economic feasibility. Use of this standard does not guarantee
radon will be limited to any specific concentrations in a building; however,
experience indicates a reduction in radon and its progeny can be realized by
using the mitigation strategies described in this standard. 101.2.3
Durability Experience with the radon-resistant construction details contained
herein has been limited to a fraction of the average life of a building. Implementation
of radon mitigation measures described herein does not guarantee that mitigation
effects will be permanent. Periodic inspection and maintenance of the radon
mitigation measures and retesting of indoor radon levels is the responsibility
of the building owner. 101.3 Scope
101.3.1
Applicability The provisions of this standard shall apply to the construction
or alteration associated with the mitigation of indoor radon in every building
or structure not specifically exempted. Exempted occupancies shall include structures
not intended for human occupancy. 102 ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS
The provisions of this standard are not intended to prevent the use of any
material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this standard,
provided any such alternate is demonstrated according to the provisions of Chapter
3 of this standard, to be effective at the control of radon.
103 COMPLIANCE
All mitigation shall be deemed to be in compliance with this standard when:
(a) the techniques utilized in mitigation meet the minimum standard practices
established herein; and (b) the building is determined to meet the "not
to exceed" exposure standard established by the Department of Health (DOH)
or the level specified in any warranty or guarantee provided to the client.
The Department of Health (DOH) has set an exposure standard for radon decay
products in buildings at an annual average of 0.02 Working Levels. Under conditions
often encountered in homes, this is equivalent to an annual average radon level
of 4.0 picoCuries per liter. Radon levels in most buildings can be reduced to
4.0 picoCuries per liter or below.
Testing must be conducted in accordance with all applicable sections of the
DOH Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64E-5 and in accordance with Chapter
3 of this standard.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS
201 GENERAL
For the purposes of this standard, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words
and their derivatives shall be set forth in this chapter. Where terms are not
defined therein, they shall have the meaning as noted in the applicable locally
adopted code. Words not defined in any locally adopted code shall have the meanings
in Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, as revised.
202 DEFINITIONS
AUTOMATIC - self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when activated by some
personal influence, as for example, a change in current, pressure, temperature
or mechanical configuration.
CAULKS AND SEALANTS - those materials which will significantly reduce the flow
of gases through small openings in the building shell. Among those used are:
Urethane - a crystalline ester-amide used as a gelatinizing agent for cellulose
acetate or cellulose nitrate. A component of polyurethane used in making flexible
and rigid foams, elastomers, and resins for coatings and adhesives.
CONDITIONED SPACE - all spaces which are provided with heated and/or cooled
air or which are maintained at temperatures over 500F during the heating season,
including adjacent connected spaces separated by an uninsulated component (e.g.
basements, utility rooms, garages, corridors).
CONTRACTOR - a building trades professional licensed by the state, including
certified mitigation business.
CRAWLSPACE - an area beneath the living space in some houses, where the floor
of the lowest living area is elevated above grade level. This space (which generally
provides only enough head room for a person to crawl in), is not living space,
but often contains utilities.
DEPRESSURIZATION - a condition that exists when the measured air pressure is
lower than the reference air pressure.
ELASTOMERIC - that property of macromolecular material of returning rapidly
to approximately the initial dimensions and shape, after substantial deformation
by a weak stress and release of stress.
Mil - 1mil=1/1000 of an inch
MITIGATION - The act of making less severe, reducing or relieving. For the
purposes of this standard, a building shall not be considered as mitigated until
it has been demonstrated to meet the standards of compliance specified in Section
103.
OUTSIDE AIR - air taken from the outdoors and, therefore, not previously circulated
through the system.
PICOCURIE (pCi) - a unit of measurement of radioactivity. A curie is the amount
of any radionuclide that undergoes exactly 3.7 x 1010 radioactive disintegrations
per second. A picocurie is one trillionth (10-12) of a curie, or 0.037 disintegrations
per second.
PICOCURIE PER LITER (pCi/l) - a common unit of measurement of the concentration
of radioactivity in a gas. A picocurie per liter corresponds to 0.037 radioactive
disintegrations per second in every liter of air.
RADIUM (Ra) - a naturally occurring radioactive element resulting from the
decay of uranium. It is the parent of radon.
RADON (Rn) - a naturally occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas. It is
part of the uranium-238 decay series, it is the direct decay product of radium-226.
SOIL DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM - a system designed to withdraw air below the
slab through means of a vent pipe and fan arrangement (active).
SOIL GAS - gas which is always present underground, in the small spaces between
particles of the soil or in crevices in rock. Major constituents of soil gas
include nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and (near the surface) oxygen.
Since radium-226 is essentially always present in the soil or rock, varying
levels of radon-222 will exist in the soil gas.
SOIL GAS RETARDER - a concrete slab; polyvinylchloride (PVC) ethylene-propylene-diene-terpolymer
(EPDM), neoprene or other flexible sheet material; or other system of materials
placed between the soil and the building for the purpose of reducing the flow
of soil gas into the building.
VENTILATION - the process of supplying or removing air, by natural or mechanical
means, to or from any space. Such air may or may not have been conditioned.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 3
TESTING
301 GENERAL
Where mitigation projects are performed by commercial mitigation contractors,
all tests performed to demonstrate compliance with this standard must be performed
by a certified radon measurement business certified by the Florida Department
of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Compliance tests must be performed by
a measurement business independent of the mitigation contractor.
301.1
Test Procedures Testing shall be conducted according to the procedures in the
appropriate sections of EPA 402-R-92-004, "Indoor Radon and Radon Decay
Product Measurement Device Protocols" (US EPA, July, 1992) and EPA 402-R-92-003,
"Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes"
(USEPA, June 1993). 301.2
Acceptable Devices and Test Periods Selection of devices, operational devices,
and test periods shall be in accordance with EPA 402-R-92-004. 301.2.1
Acceptance Criteria The building will be deemed to comply with the standard
if post mitigation test results performed in accordance with this chapter and
all applicable sections of Chapter 64E-5, Florida Administrative Code, Part
XII, Subpart A, meet the "not to exceed" exposure standard established
by the Department of Health (DOH) or the level specified in any warranty or
guarantee to the client. Table of Contents
CHAPTER 4
STRUCTURAL SEALING AND HVAC SYSTEM BALANCING
401 GENERAL
When accessible cracks, penetrations, and joints in floors and walls in contact
with the soil, or separating conditioned space from a crawl space, are sealed
to reduce radon entry, they shall as a minimum be sealed in accordance with
the provisions of this Chapter. In addition, when acceptable indoor radon concentrations
are attained by the sealing of ducts and plenums, they shall be done in accordance
with the provisions of this Chapter.
402 SEALING CRACKS AND JOINTS IN CONCRETE FLOORS AND WALLS
402.1
Small Cracks and Joints Cracks and joints with widths less than 1/16 inch (0.0625")
shall be repaired by the application of an elastomeric material capable of withstanding
at least 25 percent extension and extending at least 4 inches beyond the length
and width of the crack, or by the method described in Paragraph 402.2. 402.2
Large cracks and Joints Cracks with widths larger than 1/16 inch (0.0625")
shall be enlarged to a recess with minimum dimensions of ¼ inch by ¼
inch (0.25" x 0.25") and sealed with an approved caulk or sealant
applied over a sealant backer in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Cracks and joints with widths less than 1/16" may also be sealed in this
manner if traffic, floor covering material or other conditions are inconsistent
with the provisions of Paragraph 402.1. 402.3
Utility Penetrations, Work Spaces and Large Slab Openings Where large openings
through the slab exist, such as at a bath tub drain or a toilet flange, an acceptable
method for sealing the exposed soil shall include fully covering the exposed
soil with a solvent based plastic roof cement or other approved material as
per paragraph 405.1 to a minimum depth of 1 inch. Where voids between masonry
foundation walls and the slab edge are accessible, and are sealed in order to
reduce radon entry, non-shrinking cementitious material may be used. 402.4
Utility Penetrations in Crawlspace Walls Utility penetrations or other openings
through hollow cavity walls that separate conditioned space from soil, or conditioned
space from a crawl space, shall be sealed with an approved material on both
the interior and exterior faces of the wall. Penetrations and openings through
solid concrete floors or walls may be sealed on only the interior face. 402.5
Hollow Masonry Walls All openings for electrical boxes or plumbing or other
wall penetrations in hollow masonry walls, that are sealed in order to reduce
radon entry, shall be sealed with an approved caulk and/or gasket on the interior
face of the wall. 402.6
Sumps Any sump located in a conditioned portion of a building, or in an enclosed
space directly attached to a conditioned portion of a building, shall be covered
by a lid. An air tight seal shall be formed between the sump and lid and at
any wire or pipe penetrations. 403 FLOORS OVER CRAWLSPACE
403.1
Reinforced Concrete Floors Cracks and penetrations through concrete floors
constructed over crawlspaces, and that are sealed in order to reduce radon entry,
shall be sealed in conformance with all applicable provisions of Section 402.
403.2
Wood Framed Floors All penetrations through the subfloor, including but not
limited to plumbing pipes, wiring and ductwork, that are sealed in order to
reduce radon entry, shall be sealed with an approved caulk in accordance with
the manufacturer's recommendations. Where large openings are created by plumbing,
such as at bath tub drains, sheet metal or other rigid and durable materials
shall be used in conjunction with sealants to close and seal the opening. 404
COMBINED CONSTRUCTION TYPES
404.1
Structural Chases Openings which connect a crawlspace and the space between
floor or ceiling joists, wall studs, or any other hollow chase adjoining conditioned
space, that are sealed in order to reduce radon entry concentrations, shall
be closed and sealed in accordance with the appropriate portions of this chapter.
404.2
Wall Penetrations Openings for electrical or plumbing connections in a wall
between a crawlspace and a conditioned space, that are sealed in order to reduce
radon entry, shall be closed and sealed with an approved caulk and/or gasket.
404.3
Doors When a door is located in a wall between a crawlspace and the conditioned
space, it shall be fully weatherstripped or gasketed. 405 APPROVED SEALANT MATERIALS
405.1
Sealants Acceptable caulks and sealants shall conform with ASTM C920-87 "Standard
Specifications for Elastomeric Joint Sealants" and ASTM C962-86 "Standard
Guide for Use of Elastomeric Joint sealants". All sealant materials and
methods of application shall be compatible with the location, function and material
of the surface or surfaces being sealed. 406 SPACE CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION
SYSTEMS
406.1
Mechanical System Connections Condensate drains and pipe chases for freon lines
that provide a direct connection between the indoor air and the soil shall be
sealed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
406.1.1
Condensate Drains Condensate drains shall connect to air outside the building
perimeter at a height of at least 6 inches above the finished grade ground level.
Chases through which the condensate and refrigerant lines run shall not terminate
in the air return plenum or duct. If a portion of the condensate pipe does not
drop below the height of the condensate outlet, then a trap should be installed
to prevent suction of outdoor air into the air handler. 406.1.2
Freon Chases Freon chases that terminate within the house or garage shall be
sealed with closed cell expanding foam material. Pipe insulation shall be removed
from the freon lines at the point of the seal to provide for complete bond between
the freon line and the foam. 406.2 Air Distribution Systems
406.2.1
Sealing All ducts and plenums that are modified or sealed in order to achieve
acceptable indoor radon concentrations, shall be made airtight in accordance
with the "Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction"
1993. If ductboard is used, the seal must be on the foil side of the ductboard.
Mastic sealing systems designed specifically for the conditions of use shall
be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to close and seal
leaks in ducts or plenums. Modifications to ducts located in crawlspaces or
service areas of attics shall incorporate support, cover or other protection
from accidental damage. 406.2.2
Return Plenums If acceptable indoor radon concentrations are achieved in part
by construction or modification of a return plenum, it shall be constructed
with materials and closures which produce a continuous air barrier for the life
of the building. Construction of the return plenum shall be done such that a
continuous air barrier completely separates the plenum from adjacent building
structures. If duct board is the primary air barrier, then the joints shall
be sealed by fabric and mastic on the foil side of the board. Table of Contents
CHAPTER 5
ENGINEERED SYSTEMS
501 GENERAL
Design of radon mitigation systems must be signed by a certified Radon Mitigation
specialist. Additionally, for radon mitigation systems that rely upon ventilation
or pressurization of the conditioned space for radon control, the plans and
specifications for the ventilation or pressurization system shall be signed
and where appropriate sealed according to the provisions of Section 471.003,
Florida Statutes and Section 553.79, Florida Statutes. Such systems may include,
but are not limited to, one of the following:
501.1
Air Pressure Control Indoor pressure may be elevated relative to sub-slab levels.
501.2
Ventilation An indoor air exchange rate may be maintained in a sufficient quantity
to satisfy Paragraph 502.1. 502 DESIGN CRITERIA
502.1
Compliance Any engineered radon mitigation system in compliance with this standard
must maintain an indoor radon concentration equal to or less than the "not
to exceed" radon exposure standard established by the Florida Department
of Health during the primary hours of occupancy. The interior surfaces of buildings
pressurized as the primary means of radon control, must be sealed to Infiltration
Practice 3 criterion of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction,
1993. The design values for total ventilation and air exchange rates for each
space occupancy shall not exceed the minimums provided for each space occupancy
classification by ASHRAE Standard 62-1989. Where those air quantities are not
sufficient to maintain indoor concentrations below the acceptable level, other
mitigation options shall be used. 502.1.2
Tests The indoor radon concentration must be measured in accordance with chapter
3 and certified as acceptable according to current Florida Department of Health's
rules. 502.3
System Monitoring Device Any engineered system must have a mechanism installed
to automatically indicate failure of the system to building occupants, which
shall be either a visual device conveniently visible to building occupants,
or a device that produces a minimum 60 db audible signal. Table of Contents
CHAPTER 6
SOIL DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS
601 GENERAL
This Chapter provides minimum design and construction criteria for active soil
depressurization systems. The operating soil depressurization system shall maintain
under the building a pressure less than the indoor air pressure. Systems for
buildings with slab on grade floors shall as a minimum comply with Section 603.1.
Systems for buildings with off grade floors shall as minimum comply with Section
603.2 or Section 604.
602 SOIL DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION CRITERIA
602.1
Suction Fans 602.1.1
Fan Suction shall be provided by a fan, rated for continuous operation and
having thermal overload with automatic reset features. 602.1.2
Seal The suction fan shall be designed and manufactured to provide an air-tight
seal between the inlet and outlet ducts and the fan housing. The fan housing
must remain air-tight at air pressure equal to the rated maximum operating pressure.
602.1.3
Rating The rating specific to system type shall apply (see Sections 603.1 and
603.2). 602.1.4
Location The suction fan shall be located where any leakage of air from the
exhaust portion of the fan or vent system shall be into outside air. No pressurized
portion of the vent system shall pass through conditioned space. 602.1.5
Power Supply Electrical power shall be supplied to the fan in compliance with
the provisions of the National Electric Code and any additional local regulations.
602.2
System Monitoring Device The soil depressurization system shall include a system
monitoring device which shall be either a visual device, conveniently visible
to building occupants, or a device that produces a minimum 60 db audible signal,
activated by the loss of pressure or flow in the vent pipe. 602.3
Vents 602.3.1
Material Piping material shall be of any type approved by locally adopted codes
for plumbing vents. 602.3.2
Slope The vent piping shall have a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot in order
to drain any condensation back to soil beneath the soil gas retarder. The system
shall be designed and installed so that no portion will allow the excess accumulation
of condensation. 602.3.3
Terminals Vent pipes shall be terminated in locations that will minimize human
exposure to their exhaust air. Locations shall be above the eave of the roof.
To prevent reentrainment of radon, the point of discharge from vents of fan-powered
soil depressurization shall meet all of the following requirements: (1) be ten
feet or more above ground level, (2) be ten feet or more from any window, door,
or other opening (e.g., operable skylight, or air intake) into conditioned spaces
of the structure, and (3) be ten feet or more from any opening into an adjacent
building. The total required distance (ten feet) from the point of discharge
to openings in the structure shall be measured either directly between the two
points or be the sum of measurements made around intervening obstacles. If the
point of discharge is at or below any window, door, or other opening into conditioned
spaces of the structure the total required distance (ten feet) shall be measured
horizontally between the two points. 602.3.4
Labeling All exposed components of the soil depressurization system shall be
labeled "Soil Gas System" to prevent accidental damage or misuse.
Labels shall be on a yellow band, two inches wide and spaced three feet apart
on all components. 602.3.5
Clearance All vent piping shall be located in compliance with existing and
applicable codes, with regards to clearances from mechanical equipment and flues
and notching of structural members. No vent shall penetrate a fire wall or party
wall. 603 SOIL DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM DESIGN CRITERIA
603.1
Sub-Slab Depressurization Systems Depressurization systems in sands or other
granular soils shall as a minimum and within the practical limits posed by the
building, meet the following requirements: 603.1.1
Arrangement Within the practical limits posed by the building, suction points
shall be distributed as nearly equally as possible, and as follows:
(1) A maximum of 1300 square feet per suction point, and (2) Each required
suction point shall be located not less than 6 feet nor more than 18 feet from
the perimeter; and (3) Multiple suction points shall be located within 36 feet
of each other. 603.1.2
Pipe Size Suction pipe should be of a size appropriate to the air-flows of
the system, a minimum of 1.5 inches in diameter at the fan, and shall not be
reduced between the fan outlet and the final termination point. 603.1.3
Pits Suction point pits excavated below the slab shall be sized to provide
adequate pressure distribution beneath the slab. Dimensions of 22 inches in
diameter and 11 inches deep, or excavation of 1 cft. of soil, shall be presumed
to meet this requirement. Further the pit shall be filled with 1" size
gravel. 603.1.4
Rating Suction fans must be capable of developing minimum flows appropriate
to the system at 1 inch water column pressure. Fans producing 100 CFM at 1 inch
water column pressure are presumed to meet this requirement. 603.2
Sub-Membrane Depressurization Systems 603.2.1
General Sub-membrane soil depressurization systems are essentially the same
as sub-slab depressurization systems, but without the cover of a concrete slab.
The membrane shall be protected from wind uplift in accordance with locally
adopted codes. Systems may be of suction pit or continuous ventilation mat design.
603.2.2
Membrane Soil-Gas Retarder A Membrane Soil-Gas Retarder shall consist of a
8 mil or thicker single ply polyethylene sheet or other sheeting material of
equal or lower permeability and equal or greater strength. Place sheeting to
minimize seams and to cover all of the soil below the building floor. Retarders
must provide excellent environmental stress crack resistance, impact strength
and high tensile strength including additives to retard polymer oxidation and
UV degradation. Where pipes, columns or other objects penetrate the soil-gas
retarder, it shall be cut and sealed to the pipe, column or penetration. All
seams of the membrane shall be lapped at least 12 inches. Punctures or tears
in the membrane shall be repaired with the same or compatible material. 603.2.3
Depressurization Systems in Sands or Granular Soils With Suction Pit Design
Sub-membrane soil depressurization systems covering sand or other granular soils
shall meet the requirements of section 602.1, with the suction pits filled with
1" size gravel which shall be covered by 1/8" thick steel plate, 16
gauge corrugated sheet metal, or equivalent sheets of other termite resistant
structural materials, in compliance with existing and applicable codes. 603.2.4
Depressurization Systems in Sands or Granular Soils with Continuous Ventilation
Mat(s) Design Depressurization systems in sands or other granular soils and
utilizing a continuous ventilation mat shall have at least 216 square inches
of suction area per lineal foot and shall meet the following requirements: 603.2.4.1
Arrangement Suction points shall be equally distributed as follows: (1) The
suction point should be centrally located along the length of each unconnected
strip of mat; and
(2) Mat strips should be oriented along the central axis of the longest dimension
of the crawlspace; and
(3) A minimum of one strip shall be used for crawlspaces having widths up to
50 feet (Additional strips should be added for each additional crawlspace width
of up to 50 feet width.); and
(4) The mat strip shall extend to not closer than 6 feet of the inner stemwall
at both ends of the building; and
(5) A separate suction point and fan shall be installed for each 100 feet linear
length of ventilation mat.
603.2.4.2
Pipe Size Suction pipe shall be a minimum 3 inch diameter and shall be carried
full size to the final termination point. 603.2.4.3
Rating Suction fans must be capable of developing minimum flows of at least
100 cfm, at 1 inch water column pressure. 604 CRAWLSPACE VENTILATION
604.1
Active Ventilation of the Crawlspace Structures that rely upon active (fan-driven)
ventilation of the crawlspace for radon control, shall utilize fans rated for
continuous operation, and shall be equipped with a fan failure warning device
as specified in Section 603.2, and shall have a thermal overload with automatic
reset feature. 604.1.1
Vents Vents connecting the crawlspace with outside air shall be sized and located
as required to provide mitigation of the indoor radon concentration as demonstrated
by post-mitigation test, and shall not be equipped with operable louvers or
other means for adjustment by building occupants. Where adjustable vents are
used, they shall be permanently fixed in the proper adjustment by the mitigation
contractor. 604.1.2
Plumbing Plumbing located in the crawlspace shall be adequately protected from
freezing by insulation or means other than restriction of ventilation air. Table
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