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Radon Protection of Buildings


Radon Resisting Membranes

Unfortunately, a Harmonized European Product Standard for these 'construction products', with an associated classification rating of radon resistance performance, durability and robustness, does not yet exist ...... and neither are the necessary Harmonized European Test Standards available.

For these reasons, the following definitions and a minimum performance level are provided.




Radon Resisting Membrane :

A continuous membrane, properly installed on site, the function of which is to resist the passage of radon soil gas (incl. Rn-222, Rn-220, RnD) into a building.

The radon permeability of a 'radon resisting membrane' shall not exceed a figure, taking into account measurement uncertainty, ........

 
of   10 x 10-12 m2 / s.

Radon Resisting Barrier :

A radon resisting membrane, or membrane assembly, which is capable of withstanding hydrostatic pressure.




Always insist that a Radon Resisting Membrane be properly shown to be fit for its intended use - in the location of use, and under the conditions in which it is to be used.

It is important that a Radon Resisting Membrane be :

(a) durable over the life cycle(s) of the specific building(s) being constructed ;
(b) sufficiently robust to withstand normal use and abuse on site - before, during and after installation (consider later trades, etc.) ;
  and
(c) when correctly detailed, sufficiently robust to deal more than adequately with the forces resulting from differential and/or relative settlement of construction over the same building life cycle(s).
   




Some Other Points To Note


  • Results of a Radon Resistance Test should be presented in a Proper Test Report

    Technical Guidance Note 98 /101 (b)

    Proper Evidence of a Test Result within
    the European Economic Area (EEA)


    Click here to Download PDF
    (PDF File, 63kb)



  • It is only Radon which should be used in a test for Radon Resistance !


  • Presentation of results from a Radon Resistance Test should incorporate Measurement Uncertainty

    For Example
    Radon Permeability ........ 5 - 8 
    10-12 m2 / s
    A statement should explain afterwards that, in this case and for specified reasons, measurement uncertainty has been estimated to be within the range + 15%



  • Under no circumstances should a Radon Resisting Membrane exit a building below external ground level


  • When installing a Radon Resisting Membrane on Site, quality of workmanship and proper attention to detail are absolutely essential

 





Monarflex Radon Resisting Membranes

Irish Agrement Board Certificate No. 98/0075





UPON COMPLETION OF ANY NEW BUILDING, A RELIABLE TEST SHOULD ALWAYS BE CARRIED OUT TO ESTABLISH THE ACTUAL LEVEL(S) OF RADON ACTIVITY INSIDE THE BUILDING.

ANOTHER TEST SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT 12 MONTHS AFTER COMPLETION.

EVERY 5 YEARS THEREAFTER, TESTING SHOULD BE ROUTINELY CARRIED OUT.

IF THERE ARE MAJOR WORKS OR ALTERATIONS - TEST AGAIN !