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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.
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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,
........
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of 10
x 10-12 m2 / s.
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Radon
Resisting Barrier : |
A radon
resisting membrane, or membrane assembly, which is capable
of withstanding hydrostatic pressure.
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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.) ; |
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and |
(c)
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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). |
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Some
Other Points To Note
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It
is only Radon which should be used in a test for Radon Resistance
!
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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%
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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
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Monarflex
Radon Resisting Membranes
Irish Agrement Board Certificate No. 98/0075
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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 !
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