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| One
of our competitor's incorrectly constructed systems. |
The
vent pipe discharge point is under the overhang and approximately
3 feet from the window. EPA's Radon Mitigation Standards require
vent discharge points to be above the roofline, and no less
than 10 feet sideways or 2 feet above any windows or vents. |
The
fan is completely out of level. This causes torque on the fan
motor bearings and water accumulation inside the fan housing
from condensation and/or rain, which considerably shortens the
useful life of the fan. |
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| Sub-standard
radon system: vent pipe discharge point points down and is parallel
to and less than 10 feet sideways from window. EPA’s Radon
Mitigation Standards require vent discharge points to be at
least 2 feet above or 10 feet sideways from any windows or vents
to interior treated air spaces. |
Sloppy
installation of a radon fan. Fan is not mounted plumb or level
as required; No outdoor weather-proof on/off switch as required
by National Mechanical Code; Sloppy caulking of joints and wall
penetration; |
The
unsealed sump crock of the ineffective cut-rate system. The
floor-to-wall joint of this basement was left unsealed as well.
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| Cut-rate
contractor’s system. The fan is mounted completely cockeyed
and therefore will collect rainwater and condensation, shortening
the useful life of the fan. Note lack of outdoor on/off switch
and sloppy penetration for power cord. |
System
installed by cut-rate contractor for a real estate transaction
in which the home seller chose the cheapest bid. This system
was one of the worst we’ve encountered. The contractor
was obviously not certified in radon mitigation. Note the downward
slope of the vent pipe from wall penetration to a point below
the fan. Rainwater and condensation will fill the vent pipe
at this point. This system was barely secured to the building
and would likely have fallen apart within a year or two |
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| The
radon vent pipe of this cut-rate system was installed a few
feet from an unsealed sump crock, just visible at foot of washing
machine at lower left of photo. |
This
system has a number of deficiencies: The on/off switch is attached
directly to the fan. This requires that power be cut inside
the home in order to change or service the fan. The wall penetrations
are sealed with silicone caulk instead of polyurethane sealant.
The exterior vent pipe is constructed out of thin-walled schedule
20 pipe which becomes brittle and breaks easily when exposed
to weather. Also, there is no screening secured in the vent
discharge point, which is a violation of EPA radon mitigation
standards. This sub-standard system was installed by a certified
radon mitigation contractor. |
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| Typically
sub-standard system: incorrect distance from ground (minimum
10feet required) and window located just around corner; no screen
in vent discharge point (both violations of EPA standards) and
no outdoor switch within sight of fan (national mechanical code
requirement). |
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Ladder
gives perspective to vent discharge pipe on sub-standard system.
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| Vent
discharge point on this system is level with and 5 feet from
window. EPA requires a minimum of 10 feet sideways or 2 feet
above windows or vents into treated air spaces such as bathroom
fan vents. |
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| Same
sub-standard system: no outdoor on/off switch for fan: unit
is hardwired into outdoor electrical receptacle; System constructed
of thin-walled schedule 20 pipe. Compare aesthetic aspects of
this system to some of ours. |
Vent
discharge point corrected by RAS is now 2 feet above adjacent
windows and is fitted with a screen at the vent outlet, as per
EPA standards. |
