How to Protect Your Property from Radon Gas

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Written by Warren Muschialli

When you’re a homeowner looking for a new house, it’s important to ensure that your property is safe. A property can be deemed to be ‘at risk’ if it is in an area of the UK with high levels of radon gas or part of the building’s basement is regularly used as a habitable space.

For new-build residential properties, the building company will be responsible for safeguarding against high radon levels and must install protective measures in accordance with building regulations. For residential homebuyers, it is advisable to check if the property is in a high-risk radon area and either find out if testing has previously been done or, if required, carry out testing of their own.

New-build case study: Concrete Basement Radon Gas Protection

What is Radon Gas?

Radon is a radioactive gas. It is colourless, odourless, and naturally occurs below ground level across the world. It is commonly found in areas that have previously been mined and can sometimes seep through cracks in rock, soil layers, and penetrate properties at ground floor level.

Radon gas is classed as a hazardous substance. In high concentrations, it can significantly affect interior air quality and can often accumulate in basements. Excessive radon exposure has direct links to an increased risk of lung cancer. Epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to radon gas is the second biggest contributing factor to lung cancer deaths after cigarette smoke. In non-smokers, it is the largest contributing factor.

Existing basement case study: Treating Radon in a Listed Building

Is my Property at Risk from Radon Gas?

Small levels of radon can be found in all parts of the country. The average radon levels in UK homes is 20 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre of air). An interior environment is considered to have safe levels of radon if they do not exceed 100 Bq/m³.

Before any radon gas tests are undertaken, it is important to obtain a Radon Risk Report from a health security agency or radiation protection service to find out whether your property is in a high radon area. If your property, whether residential or commercial, is in a high-risk area, then a test must be undertaken.

How to Protect my Basement from Radon Gas?

Any property with a below-ground basement area requires protection from both water ingress and radon gas. Section 6:12 of BRE Report BR 211, Radon: Guidance of Protective Measures for New Buildings, states that all basements are at an increased risk regardless of location and therefore that radon should be taken into account during the design and implementation of waterproofing systems.

Once a site investigation has been undertaken to measure the levels of ground gas and water ingress, BS 8102:2022 recommends bringing a Waterproofing Specialist onto the project. These should be on the Waterproofing Design Specialist register or at least have a Certified Surveyor of Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification. A waterproofing specialist will work with you to determine the Grade of waterproofing required for the below-ground space and design a waterproofing solution for that desired Grade. This solution can then be upgraded to also protect from high radon concentrations and other ground gases.

The different grades of waterproofing: What is a Dry Basement?

As part of the site investigation, a gas screening value site survey (GSV) will determine the CS value, or ‘threat level’, posed by ground gases, including radon, methane, and carbon dioxide. The CS value can then be used to calculate the minimum gas protection score required for the project.

Our technical article Creating a Barrier Against Both Gas and Water goes into this in more detail.

Protective Measures to Reduce Radon Levels

Dependent on the radon levels revealed during a site investigation, a plan of action can be put in place. For properties with radon levels above the maximum threshold, action level measures are required to minimise the health risks associated with radon. Newton Waterproofing can supply gas-certified variants of our waterproofing products to deliver a comprehensive solution for your basement that protects from water and ground gases, achieving the minimum gas protection score.

The Newton PAC (Positive Air Curtain) 500 System successfully controls both water and gas levels by combining the Newton Cavity Drain Membrane (CDM) System, installed by a Specialist Basement Contractor, and a positive pressure air delivery system, installed by Prestige Air Technology. The system includes the durable Newton 508 membrane and its associated jointing and sealing products, all of which have third-party testing data for radon resistance.

Newton can also supply a gas barrier variant of HydroBond 403 Plus, a BDA certified and NHBC accepted Type A waterproofing membrane that provides resistance to radon, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Depending on the Grade of waterproofing required for your basement, HydroBond 403 Plus-GB, the Newton Hydrotank System, and the Newton PAC-500 System can be used in combination with a variety of other Newton waterproofing products to achieve the level of protection you need.

Download our step by step flow chart to see what you need to consider, and the different Newton water and gas proofing solutions available to protect your below-ground structure from radon.

DOWNLOAD THE RADON FLOW CHART HERE

FAQ

Should I worry about radon gas?

Yes, it is important to take radon gas seriously. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in many places, and it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers as well as other health problems. It is important to test the indoor air in your home for radon gas and take steps to reduce levels if they are high.

Where is radon gas most commonly found?

Radon concentration is most commonly found in soil and rocks beneath buildings, and can seep into the building through cracks, gaps, or other openings in the foundation. Radon can also enter through well water.