• Fred Ellrott
    5
    I have a school project that we are installing a Soil Gas Mat system below the slab. The school district wants the vapor barrier, 15 mil Stego, smoke tested before the slab is poured. I have an idea on how I am going to do this but maybe someone has already done it and has a better mouse trap. We did it on a prior project with 20 mil Dura Skrim but the shop vac they were using had to much pressure and kept blowing open the taped seams. Any input will be helpful.
  • Brooks Gee
    2
    i believe Bob Wood from Mr. Radon has done this before with a stage smoke machine on a very large slab. I am pretty sure its an item that can be rented (although not exactly for its intended purpose). Just look for the smoke where there may be any leaks.............
  • Bruce Decker BGIS
    31
    Like Brooks I was going to recommend a stage smoke machine. I have used them in the past for haz mat containment confirmation. They pump out lots of smoke. Lots of models available on amazon for under $100

    To manage the pressure try an inverted radon fan and add a router speed controller to dial it down to exactly the output you need about $30. You can even get inline duct fans with built in speed control. Here is an example of both on amazon just scroll down to see some options. I suspect just about any model will do for your needs https://www.amazon.ca/Harbor-Freight-Tools-43060-Control/dp/B002MLE01A
  • Jim Duffy
    5
    I have a modified vacuum hose I use for sub slab diagnostics. It has T with a ball valve to bypass the suction. I use it to dial down the pressure to better simulate a fan's suction level. [img]http://c:\users\jim\googledrive\radonguys\floorplans\img_2456.jpg[/img]
  • Robert Mahoney
    44
    We would routinely do smoke testing when commissioning fume hood and commercial kitchen hoods.
    A smoke generator with long duration smoke oil, is best, today, I would use an Fantech RN4 variable volume fan- with a membrane, you have to be very careful, not to over pressurize it and blow the seals! Ballast your membrane first.
    We typically, depressurize our membranes and use smoke on the seams and foundation connection- much less likely to blow a seals.
  • Bob Wood
    95
    if you are doing a partial slab you simply sandbag or water bag (Pool Bags) the open side, my commercial smoke machine (stage smoke) by it a music store, only seems to do about 1000 to 1500 sq ft at a time. on my next project i will use a corn oil smoker as apparently it will do 20,000 sq ft or more. apparently Corn oil can show up as a VOC in later testing so you need to be cautious.
  • Fred Ellrott
    5
    Not to be negative about the radon testing which I think is great, but I am going to bet this requirement is about putting another "bump in the road" to try and limit Airbnb and VRBO rentals than it is about radon testing.
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