Radon Remediation Phase 1 - Q&A

Below are Q&A dealing with the Remediation in our OGT Community. The answers are provided by Graeme Cooper from Point-the-Way Radon Services, in anticipation of the Remediation work to be done in the OGT.  Phase 1, which will be carried out during the period of 18-21 Nov 24 in Buildings 3 & 6 and during Phase 2 early in 2025

QUESTION  1

 Please clarify the meaning of communication and pressure testing; as well of what work can be expected to be done in Buildings 3 & 6 during Phase 1?

ANSWER 1

 Hi there!  To help with your questions....  Pressure testing is where we make a 1/4" hole that goes through the basement slab and into the earth.  We then measure the pressure in a 'tenth' of a pascal of pressure to determine how much positive pressure is pushing the radon into the building.   

   Eventually, the radon system will 'suck' from a larger 5" hole that we select somewhere on the lowest level of the structure by using a diagnostic fan and some piping.  (This is the temporary step we will complete on the November dates.)   When the fan starts to suck on the ground, we then go back to our 1/4" holes and look for a pressure change. We want the pressure to go to a negative result, and that is how we know that we have 'communication' between all these holes underneath the slab.    With a negative pressure, we can capture the radon through the piping and exhaust it to the outside.   It is not a lot of pressure, just enough to capture radon - and not too much to cause depressurization issues within the rest of the structure.  

   That is about as basic as it comes to describing the Pressure Field Communication Testing and Design work of a radon reduction system.  Thankfully, there is no requirement for each homeowner to have to learn the exact science , but it certainly is a magical experience to think we can greatly affect radioactive atom reduction with such a small amount of pressure change!    

    The drilling of the test holes when we arrive will be anticipated and described on the schedule manifest....  we generally only require three or four 1/4" holes near the outermost corners of the building.  Sometimes we need more, sometimes we need less....  sometimes we are unable to make the holes exactly where we want them based on existing flooring finishes.