Technical
Radon Protection & Radon Barriers in Cumbria
Radon barriers, sumps and sealed detailing installed correctly at substructure stage.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from the ground. Parts of Cumbria fall within radon affected areas, and where a site does, building regulations require basic or full protective measures in new construction and, in some cases, extensions.
The measures themselves are not complicated, but they are entirely dependent on workmanship. A barrier is only as good as its laps, seals and the detailing around every service penetration, cavity and junction.
Applications
Where this work applies
- New build houses in radon affected areas
- Extensions where protective measures are required
- Garden rooms and habitable outbuildings
- Conversions where new floors are formed
Project types
Typical projects
- Full radon protection to a new build slab and DPC
- Basic radon measures to an extension floor
- Radon sump installation with future extraction provision
Method
How SHS approaches it
01
The site's radon requirement is established before construction, using the published radon data and any site-specific report, so the right level of protection is designed in rather than retrofitted.
02
Installation is careful and sequenced: the membrane is protected from damage by following trades, penetrations are formed with proprietary detailing rather than tape patches, and the installation is inspected before it is covered.
Plant
Equipment used
- 1.5 tonne excavator (company-owned)
- 3 tonne track dumper
- Hydraulic breaker pack
Support
Professional input
- Building control inspection and sign-off
- Radon testing and specialist advice where a measured result is needed
Specialist input is provided by independent professionals SHS works with, not by in-house departments.
Cumbria
Local considerations
- Radon potential in Cumbria varies significantly between locations, and neighbouring properties can fall in different categories. The requirement is checked for the specific site rather than assumed from the general area.
- In existing rural properties with suspended timber or stone-flagged floors, ventilation-based measures are often more practical than a full barrier, and the approach is discussed before work is priced.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the site's radon potential, established from published mapping and, where needed, a site-specific radon report. Building control will confirm the requirement for your project.
Related services
Groundworks & Civils
Foundations
Strip, trench-fill, pad and reinforced foundations built to engineer's detail and building control inspection.
Groundworks & Civils
Concrete Works
Slabs, floors, bases, aprons and reinforced concrete, placed and finished to the required tolerance.
Buildings
New Builds
Complete new build groundworks and structural masonry packages for self-builders and developers.
Buildings
Extensions
Extension groundworks, foundations, drainage, masonry and steel through one accountable contractor.
Next step
Need radon protection in Cumbria?
Tell SHS what you are building, repairing or preparing. Upload photographs, drawings or plans and the project can be reviewed before a site visit is arranged.