Does floor lowering affect my radon levels?

Disturbing the existing concrete floor slab during a floor lowering project can temporarily affect radon levels in the home. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes primarily through cracks and openings in below-grade floors and walls. When the old slab is broken up and the sub-slab soil is exposed, radon can enter more freely until the new slab is poured and cured.

After the project is complete and the new slab is in place, radon levels typically return to or near their pre-project baseline because a solid, well-sealed new slab provides equivalent or better resistance to radon entry compared to an older cracked slab.

If your home already has elevated radon levels or if testing has not been done, we recommend testing before and after the project. If a sub-slab depressurization system is warranted, it is best installed in coordination with the new slab pour rather than after.

Scaldino Basement Solutions can discuss radon mitigation integration with your floor lowering project. Contact us to learn more.