Radon resistant construction

A requirement of the new Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) is Radon resistant construction techniques.


Radon, a soil gas that is prevalent throughout Maine has been linked to lung cancer.



We have previously partnered with the EPA to incorporate Radon resistant construction techniques in all new construction and believe that including it in the new building code was the right thing to do.


Many of the techniques were already included in our standard specifications, so it was fairly simple and inexpensive to comply with the remaining requirements and made sense to do so even before it became required by code.



An overview of the techniques follows:

• Utilize perforated pipe for drainage/venting below basement concrete floor





• Back fill below basement concrete floor with clean gravel or crushed stone
  




• Utilize a poly vapor barrier above the gravel/stone and beneath basement concrete floor sealing the edges and penetrations with silicon caulk. Seal any foundation penetrations or cracks with silicon caulk





• Connect a PVC vent pipe to the below slab drain/vent piping and run vertically within the building enclosure and through the roof deck to vent soil gasses





• Add an electric outlet location in the attic space for a future vent fan if ever required

Together with appropriate building enclosure ventilation practices, these construction techniques will help assure homeowners of a healthy home living environment.