Reno's Radon: Is "Green" Siding Hiding Harm?
By Franklin Everett ShawForget manicured lawns and pristine paint jobs; the real story in Reno homes might be lurking beneath the surface, literally. We’re talking about radon, the invisible, odorless gas that’s a silent threat, especially when coupled with well-intentioned “green” building choices.
Reno’s unique geological makeup, sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, makes it particularly susceptible to radon. Granite bedrock, common in the area, naturally contains uranium, which decays into radium, and then into radon. This gas seeps up through the soil and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings.
Now, here’s where the “green” siding comes in. Many eco-friendly siding options, like certain types of insulated vinyl or fiber cement, are designed to create a tighter building envelope. While this is great for energy efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint, it can inadvertently trap radon inside your home, preventing it from naturally dissipating into the atmosphere.
Think of it like this: you’ve built a really efficient container, but you haven’t checked what’s inside.
So, how do you know if your eco-friendly siding is turning your Reno home into a radon trap? The answer is simple: test, test, test.
Here’s a DIY approach tailored for Reno’s high desert climate and specific geological conditions:
Choose the Right Test: You have two main options: short-term and long-term tests. Short-term tests, lasting 2-7 days, are quicker but less accurate due to fluctuations in radon levels. Long-term tests, lasting 90 days to a year, provide a more accurate average. Given Reno’s temperature swings and potential for seasonal variations in radon levels (it can be worse in winter when homes are sealed up tighter), a long-term test is highly recommended. You can find these tests at local hardware stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot, or online. Look for tests certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Placement is Key: Radon is heavier than air, so it tends to concentrate in the lowest levels of your home. Place the test kit in the lowest livable area – typically the basement or first floor if you don’t have a basement. Avoid placing the test kit in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as humidity and ventilation can affect the results. Keep it away from exterior walls, windows, and doors. A central location in the room, at least 20 inches above the floor, is ideal.
Seal it Up (Temporarily): To get an accurate reading, close all windows and exterior doors for 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed during the testing period. This simulates the conditions that trap radon. This is especially important in Reno, where the dry air can lead to more air exchange than in other climates. Don’t operate fans that exhaust air to the outside, except for normal operation of furnaces or air conditioners.
Follow Instructions Precisely: Each test kit comes with specific instructions. Read them carefully and follow them to the letter. This includes recording the start and end dates and times, as well as any relevant information about your home’s ventilation.
Send it to the Lab: Once the testing period is complete, seal the test kit according to the instructions and mail it to the designated laboratory for analysis. The lab will provide you with a report of your radon levels.
Understanding Your Results:
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they are 4 pCi/L or higher. Even levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L warrant consideration of mitigation.
Mitigation Strategies Tailored for Reno Homes:
If your radon levels are elevated, don’t panic. Mitigation is possible, and there are several options available.
Soil Depressurization: This is the most common and effective method. It involves installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon gas from beneath your home’s foundation and vent it safely outside. In Reno, where homes are often built on slab foundations, sub-slab depressurization is the typical approach. This involves drilling a hole through the slab and creating a small suction point.
Sealing Cracks and Openings: Sealing cracks in your foundation and around pipes can help reduce radon entry. However, this is usually not enough on its own to significantly lower radon levels, especially in areas with high radon concentrations like parts of Reno.
House Pressurization: This involves using a fan to create positive pressure inside your home, which can prevent radon from entering. However, this method is less common and can be less effective than soil depressurization. It can also increase energy costs.
Reno-Specific Considerations and Resources:
Building Codes: Check with the City of Reno’s building department for specific radon mitigation requirements in new construction. While Nevada doesn’t mandate radon testing or mitigation in existing homes, some local jurisdictions may have specific guidelines.
Contractor Resources: The Nevada Radon Education Program (nvradon.com) is a great resource for finding qualified radon mitigation contractors in the Reno area. They can provide information on testing, mitigation, and financial assistance programs. Look for contractors certified by the NRPP or NRSB.
High Desert Climate: Reno’s dry climate can affect the performance of some radon mitigation systems. Make sure your contractor is familiar with the local climate and can recommend a system that is appropriate for your home. For example, systems that rely on moisture to seal cracks may not be as effective in Reno’s arid environment.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
Ignoring the Problem: Radon is a serious health hazard, and ignoring it won’t make it go away. Don’t assume that because your neighbor’s house has low radon levels, yours will too.
DIY Mitigation Without Expertise: While DIY testing is fine, radon mitigation is best left to the professionals. Improperly installed mitigation systems can be ineffective or even make the problem worse.
Choosing the Cheapest Contractor: Radon mitigation is an investment in your health and safety. Don’t choose a contractor based solely on price. Look for experience, certification, and a good reputation.
Failing to Re-test: After mitigation, it’s important to re-test your home to ensure that the system is working effectively.
By taking these steps, Reno homeowners can ensure that their “green” siding choices aren’t inadvertently creating a health hazard. Test your home, understand your results, and take action if necessary. Your health and the health of your family are worth it. Don’t let radon be the silent threat lurking beneath your eco-friendly exterior.