Gas/Radon Resistant Barriers

Along with soil types and water table levels, ground contaminates and gases such as radon and methane must be considered when deciding upon a waterproofing design.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found within certain areas of the country and maps are available from the HPA.

It is generally accepted that any membrane that provides a waterproof barrier will also act as a radon membrane. However, radon gas enters the building via cracks and joints within the structure and the gas barrier membranes selected must be capable of accommodating that movement without rupturing.

Landfill gas is produced by the breakdown of organic material. The principal components of landfill gas are methane and carbon dioxide, and only specifically approved gas barrier membranes should be used to prevent the ingress of such gases.

RIW LAC is suitable for protection against radon, but all joints where differential movement may occur must be sealed with RIW Sheetseal 226 which is also an effective radon barrier.

RIW Sheetseal GR has been independently tested and is an approved and effective gas membrane barrier to methane and carbon dioxide. This membrane incorporates an additional aluminium foil within the laminates.

RIW Toughseal is a waterproof membrane based on epoxy resins and therefore resistant to various chemicals and gases. It is therefore suitable for radon membrane protection provided all joints subject to differential movement are reinforced where necessary with a RIW Flexiseal. 

(Identify the most appropriate RIW product(s) for your specific application from the text above and click on the product icon on the right to access the product page for more information and downloadable data sheets).

For more information about gas and radon resistent barriers please contact the RIW Technical Department.