When it comes time for you to choose which radon mitigation system to install, you’ll be given the option of choosing between interior vs exterior radon mitigation systems. Exterior radon mitigations are far more common than interior ones, but it’s still useful to understand the pros and cons of each so as to better make a decision for your home and personal needs.
Internal Radon Removal Systems
Some of our customers ask us about internal radon mitigation equipment, mainly because they are worried that an external system will be unsightly or difficult to maintain. The main benefit of an internal radon remediation setup is that it is overall more aesthetically pleasing. You don’t have any exposed pipes on the outside of your home, and the pipes simple exit through a small hole in the roof.
However, the pros might not be worth it when exploring the potential drawbacks of an internal radon mitigation system. First of all, internal systems require a lot more work to install - and they are therefore more costly. Pipes must be routed through your home, and often times that means through your garage, closets, and sometimes even your bedroom. And because the pipes are within the walls of your home, they can be potential fire hazards. Lastly, internal radon mitigation equipment requires more piping with more sharp bends. Each bend results in more restricted airflow and less efficiency in allowing radon gases to escape from your home.
Pros
They look nice
Blend in with existing roofline
Cons
More expensive to install
Fans can get too hot in summer
Might require running pipe through rooms/closets
Must run piping through your garage
Requires more 90 degree bends, lowering efficiency
More detailed building codes to follow
External Radon Removal Systems
In light of all the extra complications that installing an internal radon mitigation system involves, many customers opt for an external radon removal system. These systems, while not as outwardly pleasing to the eye, provide a host of benefits (and honestly, they aren’t that distracting from your home’s facade). They are easily serviced, since all parts are readily accessible. They require fewer sharp bands, and are therefore more efficient in letting of radon gases. And the external radon remediation equipment is much less invasive, and won’t have to be run through your garage, closets, or bedrooms.
Pros
Servicing and inspection is easy
Parts are readily accessible
Don’t have to tear up the roof to install
No piping running through your rooms or garage
Fewer 90 degree bends, increasing efficiency
Better airflow for radon gas to escape
Cons
They don’t look as nice
Fans can potentially freeze up in winter
Other Factors to Consider
If you live in a town home, apartment, or condominium complex, it could be more difficult to get a radon mitigation system installed. We wrote earlier about an instance where a Stapleton resident was denied permission to install a radon mitigation system by her Homeowner’s Association. Regardless of which radon mitigation system you choose to install, you’ll have to jump through some hoops to get approval and to make sure everything is completed up to code.
If you think you're home or office might have high levels of radon give us a call today for a free test. We offer radon mitigation in Longmont, radon mitigation in Denver, radon removal in fort collins and many more places.
