Radon System Cost Approximations
With Radon mitigation pricing, we follow
the EPA suggestion of using "phased approach". "Often, it will be
cost affective to select and design the radon reduction system for installation in
phases. It will sometimes make sense to begin by installing the simplest, least expensive
mitigation system which offers reasonable potential for achieving the desired radon
reductions. The system could then be expanded in a series of pre-designed steps if
the first step is not sufficient, until the desired degree of reduction is achieved.î
Phase One covers newer houses with poured footings, walls and a screened floor. The
ideal floor has from the top down: 4 inches of concrete, a layer of poly as a vapor
barrier and beneath it, 4 inches of 3/4 washed stone on a bed of gravel. A floor
like this will allow the vacuum we draw at one edge, as seen in the photo below right,
to reach under the entire sub-slab area. This is a usually a $1500 Mitigation job.
 |
 |
This is a typical One Phase house. The components shown on the the left side photo show a general purpose Radon vacuum fan, coming out conveniently through the band joist, running up near a corner board (for aesthetics) and over the eve. Practically any Radon level can be brought down to within an acceptable level. Radon reduction systems are generally warranted for 5 years.
A typical Phase Two job has the common variable with regard to the sub-slab material, that is the material that is below the basement conrete floor. Here we show the differance in materials. Gravel (below right) and 3/4 washed stone (below left) The fine gravel or soil is bad and the stone is good.
 |
 |
To the right is Gravel, this is bad for sub-slab ventilation, it is difficult for air to pass through. The material to the above left is 3/4 washed stone. This is what you hope for, it equates to $900 less in cost. With the stone The Radon job would probably be $1,500. If gravel or any other dense material would require 2 or more suction points and usually a larger fan. This Phase Two job can cost about $2,400. As complexity goes up, cost follows. The difficult, worst case jobs rarely exceed $6,000.
Cost escalates when fixing the older home. If it has an earthen floor and stone walls, all these materials are very porous and don't retard the infiltration of the Radon Gas. Running the vent pipe through the inside of the house, for aesthetic conciderations. In these basements the floor and some time the walls must be covered with a special strong vapor barrier and some times two separate fans (high flow, low suction) and jobs to perform, here the price can be about $6,000. This senerio is about the most expensive as a system can praactily go.
|
Pricing
based on EPA's Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses |
|
| - Basic mitigation. Active sub-slab soil depressurization (SSD). Typical empty basement or crawspace. Bare concrete floor and walls. Minimum of 4 inches of 3/4 washed stone under slab. No coverings on floor, wall or ceiling. 3 inch vent pipe exiting through single or double band joist | $1500. |
| - Basic mitigation as above except the vent pipe is running through the house (not outside) and out the roof as a plumbing stack would look. The pipe can run through closets or in a corner of a room and then boxed in. This is the best way to go. No pipe on the outside and will not freeze up in a sub-freezing temperature. Caarpentry work necessary to box in our work would be clients responsibility. | $2700 |
|
Below are additional site jobs added to one of the choices of systems above |
|
| - Installing membrane on floor - Dirt or stone floor, in basement or crawl space or sealing exposed soil or rock. Installation of an impermeable vapor barrier and providing sup-membrane depressurization (SMD). Upgrading size of exhaust pipe to 4 inch and a large fan to move a high volume of air at low pressure. | $1500. |
| - Finished basement work penetration. Penetration access for vent pipe in Stud wall, sheet rock, finished ceiling, carpeted floor | $500. |
| - Beam or log band joist penetration, per hole. | $300. |
| - Concrete or block wall penetration, per hole. | $500. |
| - Phase 2 - Additional suction points (Pressure Field Extension) after phase 1 failed to reduce radon levels to an except able level, is necessary to provide adequate pressure reversal, needed, due to large slab size, grade beams, footings, impermeable soil (gravel / compact dirt), different levels or rooms. $800 for 2nd pit, $500 for each additional suction point thereafter. This includes cutting the concrete floor, removing sub-surface material forming a vacuum sump hole, approximately 5 gallons is size under the slab, installation of vacuum pipe (schedule 40 PVC), air tight seal and interconnecting system piping. | $800. / $500. |
| - Floor drain modification. Installation of a Dranjer This allows water in basement to drain out the floor drain but inhibits Radon gas from entering the house. | $400. |
| - Sump pit modification and depressurization | $800. |