Hailey, ID' Professional Radon Mitigation Company

Neville Construction, a contractor Idaho Radon has previously worked with on projects in the Sun Valley area, contacted us to evaluate the existing radon mitigation systems at a home on Ramona Street in Hailey, Idaho. The property is undergoing its second major remodel, following an earlier addition to the east side of the home completed in 2018. The house currently has two radon mitigation systems serving separate crawlspace areas—an older system on the west side of the home and a second system installed as part of the 2018 addition.

During our inspection, we identified several items that should be addressed as part of the current renovation. The west-side system has a radon fan dating back to 2004, and due to its age, we recommended replacement. The east-side fan was installed in 2018 and remains a good candidate for continued use. We also recommended reworking the existing crawlspace barriers to improve sealing and overall system performance.

Both existing fans are currently located within the crawlspace. On the east side, the system also vents at ground level beneath an operable window. We recommended relocating the fan outside the crawlspace and extending the exhaust piping vertically to discharge above the roofline. For the west-side system, we recommended moving the replacement fan to a more accessible location outside the crawlspace. One option discussed with the contractor was incorporating the fan into the design of a closet currently under construction, potentially using a dropped ceiling to provide an accessible installation location.

As an additional safety and maintenance measure, Idaho Radon recommended installing visual or audible system alarms to alert the homeowners if either mitigation fan stops operating. Because the final scope will depend on decisions made by the contractor and homeowners during the remodel, we will provide a time-and-materials-based estimate outlining anticipated labor hours and material costs rather than a single lump-sum project price. This approach gives Neville Construction and the homeowners flexibility to incorporate the recommended radon improvements into the ongoing renovation while bringing the systems closer to current radon mitigation standards and improving long-term accessibility and reliability.

Idaho Radon was contacted by a local builder in Blaine County who was remodeling a home he originally constructed 17 years ago. At the time of the initial build, a radon technician was involved, and a crawlspace encapsulation system was installed.

During the remodel, the builder and homeowner sought to upgrade and improve the existing system. Several deficiencies in the original design were identified:

• The fan exhaust was located adjacent to the master bedroom, creating an audible disturbance.

• Portions of the vapor barrier were not fully sealed.

• The fan was installed within the crawlspace.

• No visual or audible indicator was present to monitor fan performance.

Idaho Radon was hired to bring the system up to current mitigation standards. The crawlspace was fully encapsulated and sealed with a 6-mil vapor intrusion membrane. The fan was relocated to the attic, removing it from conditioned living spaces, and a manometer was installed on the pipe running through the mechanical room to provide a clear visual reading of system suction.

Following installation, the homeowners were highly satisfied with the relocation of the fan, which eliminated the noise issue in their master bedroom. With the new sealed barrier in place, radon levels were reduced to below 2.0 pCi/L. The builder expressed appreciation for the improved system and the opportunity to enhance his clients’ home and overall satisfaction.