I've recently done some major renovations on my single-story wood frame house, including a new roof and new doors and windows. During the rear door work, some rot was discovered, and the contractor replaced some construction materials and vinyl siding. However, the gutters, which are at least 20 years old, were also reinstalled. Now, I'm facing a worsening issue with water in the basement when it rains, which coincides with increased radon levels—spiking to 5 or 6, when anything above 4 is concerning. A knowledgeable friend suggested that the old gutters may be contributing to the water problem. I've scheduled a radon remediation system to be installed later this week, but I'm debating whether to address the water issue by replacing the gutters first or fixing the source of the water. The radon company mentioned that more water can increase radon levels, and they recommended getting the radon system in place before considering waterproofing like a French drain. I'm serious about solving the radon issue but am unsure of the best course of action. What would you suggest?
2 Answers
Focus on the water problem first! While the gutters might not be the only issue, fixing how water drains away from your home could greatly reduce the water entering your basement. Even if it seems like a hassle, ensuring your gutters are in good shape will help in the long run and could potentially lower radon levels as well.
If you haven’t had radon issues before, maybe it’s worth asking why you need a radon system now? But if you’re already going ahead with it, just know that the radon system won’t interfere with the gutter replacement. Just make sure that any discharge from the system is at least 10 feet away from windows to avoid problems. You still might want to check your gutters and ensure they’re directing water far from the foundation.