Proactive New Construction Design Requirements

  • Hollow Block Masonry
    • Hollow block masonry foundation walls must be constructed with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space.
  • Blocking Potential Entry Routes
    • Drains, floor openings, etc.
    • Potential radon entry routes: Floor openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes, wires, or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies should be filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
    • Condensate drains should be trapped or routed through non-perforated pipe to daylight.
  • Joints, Foundation cracks, etc.
    • All concrete control joints, isolation joints, construction joints, and any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls should be sealed with a caulk or sealant.
    • Gaps and joints should be cleared of loose material and filled with polyurethane caulk or other elastomeric sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.