IEA Radon_Reporter_April 2025

32 | APRIL 2025 Cost Impact: Increase. The typical cost for a ten-foot long perforated pipe with a four-inch diameter is $16-20. This pipe will be cut in half and each half attached to a horizontal opening in the tee fitting. 3. Vent pipe accessibility for future radon fan Revise as follows: BE103.8 Vent pipe accessibility. Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for future fan installation through an attic or other area outside the habitable space . The pipe shall be centered in an unobstructed cylindrical space having a height of not less than 36 inches (91 cm) and a diameter of not less than 21 inches (53 cm) in the location where the fan would be installed. Exception: The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in within an attic space where an approved roof-top electrical supply is provided for future use on the roof top or other area outside the habitable space. Reason Statement: This change reserves adequate space in the attic for future installation of a radon fan. This language allows for easier system activation as it requires ample working room to install a fan and eliminate the abandonment of existing vent pipes that are inaccessible due to their location in an outside wall or near the gable end of a house. This is a common field failure where the pipe is run too close to the eave or outside walls. If the existing pipe system needs to be abandoned, then an additional roof penetration will be necessary and the old penetration closed and sealed. Similar language has been part of the Minnesota Building Code (MN Code 1303.2402 subpart 5 (D)) for over a decade and has allowed for many thousands of passive radon control systems to be installed with far fewer complaints from contractors needing to add a fan. The proposed language solved one of the most common complaints our radon program would receive from our radon contractors. Having to spend less time installing the fan because of these new yet simple accessibility requirements ultimately saves fan installation costs. This language also appears in the USEPA Recommended RRNC 2020 Rev 10/22. Cost Impact: The change proposal is editorial in nature or a clarification and has no cost impact on the cost of construction. This proposal defines a volume of space in an attic location where a radon fan can be installed, if necessary. No new material costs are added, however, the defined volume space requirement assists with proper pipe layout design to facilitate any future fan installation. This can lead to future costs savings for the occupant. 4. Alternative Method: Radon Control Revise as follows: BE103.1 General. The following construction techniques are intended to resist radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation, if necessary (see Figure BE103.1). These techniques are required in areas where designated by the jurisdiction. Radon control systems shall comply with Sections BE103.2 through BE103.12 or ANSI/AARST RRNC. Add new text as follows: TABLE 105.1 REFERENCED STANDARDS ANSI/AARST RRNC 2020 Rev.10/22 Rough-in of Radon Control Components in New Construction of 1 and 2 Family Dwellings and Townhouses Reason Statement: Adding the ANSI/AARST RRNC standard as an alternative method allows the builder to fulfill a jurisdictional requirement for radon control by following an EPA-recommended voluntary consensus standard for radon control system components in new dwelling units. Its more detailed guidance can assist builders in the successful installation of radon systems, preventing high radon levels and reducing buyer callbacks. The standard has been developed and is maintained by a diverse group of stakeholders representing not only radon experts but also home builders, design professionals, state government, federal agencies, and public health leadership. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts allows a similar ANSI/AARST new construction standard as an alternative to its statewide building code’ s version of IRC Appendix BE. ANSI/AARST RRNC supports code officials, building inspectors, and other parties who inspect system components installed under the standard with a visual review checklist in the companion guidance. CODE CHANGE PROPOSALS