radon test

mickman

hi guys

is it neccessary to radon test a home thats only 3 years old? or is just older houses

rgds

sydthebeat

I dont know of any legal requirement to test any home...

However, it would be expected that a 3 yo house has been built with a radon membrane and radon sump.... as required by building regulations. A DPM may have been used instead of a radon membrane, but the vast majority of houses these days use a radon membrane.

mickman

i know its not a legal requirement but i meant would it be advisable for me to do it?

so regulations say you have to have a membrane etc? were all these houses that were found with high levels biuilt outside the regulations so? or are they just old houses

rayjdav

Look on the attached map and locate your house. This will give you a more detailed idea if there is a high level of Radon in your area. A simple test will further alleviate any fears you may have, but as said already, there is no legal requirement for you to do it.
Have a look at the footpaths out side and see if there is a Radon cap on it. Like a sealed gully. This will inform you if there is a sump. But as said before, if the house is only 3 years old, regulation states that there must be a radon membrane and sump.

http://www.rpii.ie/radon-map.aspx

sydthebeat

check the radiological protection institute of irelands radon maps.

here

this map gives an indication of common radon levels on a 10x10 km sq grid.

if your dwelling is located in an area marked as 5% or higher id apply for a test to be done, for your own piece of mind. If you know of high levels of radon being found in your area, then definitely get one done.

see here for test details

mickman

thanks

im in an area that says between 10 and 20% is high in radon. the house is only 3 yrs old but i will still get the test done

thanks

sydthebeat

mickman wrote: »

thanks

im in an area that says between 10 and 20% is high in radon. the house is only 3 yrs old but i will still get the test done

thanks

for approx €70 its worth it.

JabbaTheHut

I found them here for €50. I assume they do the same thing?

Mellor

mickman wrote: »

so regulations say you have to have a membrane etc? were all these houses that were found with high levels biuilt outside the regulations so? or are they just old houses

Neither actually.
The grid is big enough that random houses breaching the regs won't affect the rating for the area. The age for houses is average about the same, with surrounding areas.
A high reading is a pretty good indication on the radon levels in the area, and not so much on the actual houses.

If you are 10-20%, i'd get one do to be sure.