Michael Holigan : Hey, you've probably heard a lot about Radon gas, but you're not quite sure what it is, where it is, or how to keep it out of your house. Well we've got someone who does. We've got Wayne Soojian with us from K. Hovnanian. Good to have you, Wayne.
Wayne Soojian: Thank you Michael. Nice to be here.
M.H.: Hey, tell us about Radon gas in this pipe that we see all around the perimeter here.
W.S.: Well, what you see around the perimeter is a perforated PVC pipe that runs the entire perimeter of the foundation. It's designed to catch, trap, and remove any Radon gases that may permeate up through the soil.
M.H.: And how does the Radon gas even get started? Why would it come up through the soil?
W.S.: Well, the geological formation in certain areas of New Jersey have left some radioactive deposits and as they break down, the gases will rise up through the soil.
M.H.: Okay, now that's nothing that someone buried underneath the soil, it's just a natural geological condition.
W.S.: Absolutely.
M.H.: Okay.
W.S.: No, that's not indicative of any dumping or anything to that effect and it occurs in various area around the state, and to be certain, Hovnanian Companies installs a passive Radon venting system in every house it builds.
M.H.: Okay, is that something all across the country, or in New Jersey that's...?
W.S.: That is strictly in New Jersey at this point.
M.H.: Okay, because the soil conditions are more...?
W.S.: Soil conditions and state regulations that require certain venting in certain areas.
M.H.: Okay, now I noticed your vents here run back to your sump pump in the corner of the basement. Why is that?
W.S.: Uh, well we use the sump pit as a central collection area and what will happen is all of the perimeter pipes will be tied to the sump pit and then a PVC vent will be installed there and then it will exit to the exterior of the building.
M.H.: Alright. Well Wayne, thanks for the information.
W.S.: Oh, it's my pleasure. Thanks for coming by.
Episode 002 1995 - 96 Season
| Post Tension II | Regular Slab | Pier and Beam | Block and Slab | Watering Foundation | Basements | Radon Gas | How Much Down? | Faucet Replacement |
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