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Building Regulations and Other Guidance
Part A Structure
Part B Fire Safety
Part C Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
Part D Toxic Substances
Part E Sound
Part F Means of Ventilation
Part G Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Part H Drainage and waste disposal
Part J Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Part K Protection from falling, collision and impact
Part L Conservation of fuel and power
Part M Access to and use of buildings
Part O Overheating
Part P Electrical safety
Part Q Security
Part R Physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks
Part S Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles
Air Leakage
Regulation 7 Materials and Workmanship
Radon
Building Energy Rating: EPC
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Systems
Timber Frame Construction
Acceptable Construction Details
Typical Inspection Reports
How does radon enter a building?
How does radon enter a building?
The floors and walls of dwellings contain many small cracks and gaps formed during and after construction. Radon from the ground is drawn into the building through these cracks and gaps because the atmospheric pressure inside the building is usually slightly lower than the pressure in the underlying soil. This small pressure difference is caused by the stack (or chimney) effect of heat in the building and by the effects of wind.
Radon levels in buildings depend on the concentration of the sub-floor soil gas and the entry points into the ground floor area. Each case must be looked at separately as these factors vary.
More radon gas can rise to the surface if the rocks and soil underneath are fragmented and porous. Possible entry points to the building for the gas include cracks or holes in the floor as well as gaps around cables and service pipes.
Generally, radon is driven by the pressure difference between the inside of the building and beneath the floor. The pressure inside is usually less.
Obviously, high levels of radon are usually found in basements and at ground level. Radon is generally of little significance in high-rise buildings.