New Construction Radon in Marietta
Testing & RRNC for Cobb County New Homes
Building a new home in Cobb County? New construction doesn't mean low radon. Test to verify your home's levels and protect your family.
Why Test New Cobb County Homes
New Construction Areas We Serve
West Cobb
New subdivisions along Dallas Highway and Lost Mountain area
East Cobb
Infill developments and new townhome communities
Kennesaw
Growth areas near Kennesaw Mountain and Town Center
Smyrna Border
New construction in mixed-use developments
Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC)
RRNC features make it easy and affordable to reduce radon if testing shows elevated levels. Ask your builder about including these components.
Gas-Permeable Layer
4-inch gravel bed beneath the foundation allows soil gases to move freely for collection.
Vapor Barrier
6-mil polyethylene sheeting over gravel creates a barrier against soil gas entry.
Vent Pipe
3" or 4" PVC pipe runs from below the slab through interior walls to above the roofline.
Sealed Foundation
All cracks, joints, and penetrations sealed with polyurethane caulk.
Electrical Rough-In
Junction box and wiring in attic for fan installation if activation is needed.
RRNC vs. Retrofit Comparison
| Feature | RRNC (Built-In) | Retrofit (After) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $500 - $1,000 | N/A |
| Activation Cost | $300 - $500 | $1,000 - $2,200 |
| Disruption | None | Core drilling required |
| Pipe Visibility | Hidden in walls | May be visible |
| Installation Time | 1-2 hours (fan only) | 4-6 hours |
*RRNC is most cost-effective when included during construction. Both approaches effectively reduce radon when properly installed.
Builder & Contractor Services
We work with Cobb County builders and contractors on RRNC installation and verification:
New Construction Radon FAQs
Do new homes in Marietta have radon problems?
Yes. Cobb County is in EPA Zone 1 with high radon potential. The Piedmont region's granite geology produces radon that affects both new and older homes equally. The only way to know your new home's radon levels is to test.
What is radon-resistant new construction (RRNC)?
RRNC includes features built during construction: gravel under the slab, vapor barrier, a vertical vent pipe, sealed penetrations, and electrical rough-in for a fan. These make it easy to activate a mitigation system if testing shows elevated radon.
Do Cobb County builders include RRNC features?
Georgia doesn't require RRNC, but some Cobb County builders include these features, especially in higher-end developments. Ask your builder specifically about radon-resistant features before signing a contract.
Should I test my new Marietta home even with RRNC?
Yes. RRNC features are designed to make mitigation easier if needed, but they don't guarantee low radon. Testing verifies actual levels and whether the passive system needs to be activated with a fan.
When should I test my new construction home?
Test after the home is completed, HVAC is operational, and doors/windows are installed. This is typically after closing or during the final walkthrough period. We can coordinate with your closing timeline.
How much does it cost to activate an RRNC system?
If your new home has RRNC features and testing shows elevated radon, activating the system costs $300-$500 for fan installation. This is significantly less than retrofitting a home without RRNC ($1,000-$2,200).
Test Your New Marietta Home
Contact us to schedule testing for your new construction home in Cobb County.
Radon Safety Resources
Expert insights and guides to keep you informed
An Orange Cat Went Viral for Detecting Radon Gas - Here's What Every Homeowner Should Know
A Reddit post with 36,000+ upvotes tells the story of a senior orange cat whose bizarre behavior turned out to be a life-saving warning about dangerous radon gas levels. The internet loved it, but the science behind it is dead serious.
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Why Radon Testing Is Essential: Complete Guide for Homeowners & Buyers
Radon causes more deaths than drunk driving, house fires, and carbon monoxide combined. Learn why radon testing should be part of every home purchase and ownership plan, understand the health risks, and discover how to protect your family.
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How Radon Mitigation Systems Work: Complete Technical Guide
Learn exactly how radon mitigation systems achieve 95-99% reduction rates. Understand sub-slab depressurization, system components, installation process, costs, and what to expect from professional radon mitigation.
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