Modern new construction home in Marietta GA needing radon testing

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 homes can have elevated radon, building age doesn't determine radon levels
Cobb County's granite bedrock produces radon regardless of construction date
Even homes with RRNC features need testing to verify effectiveness
Easier to address issues before moving in and unpacking
Testing provides baseline documentation for future reference

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

FeatureRRNC (Built-In)Retrofit (After)
Initial Cost$500 - $1,000N/A
Activation Cost$300 - $500$1,000 - $2,200
DisruptionNoneCore drilling required
Pipe VisibilityHidden in wallsMay be visible
Installation Time1-2 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:

RRNC system consultation
Pre-drywall rough-in inspection
Post-construction testing
System activation if needed

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.

Related Topics

Radon Testing

Test your new home for radon

Mitigation Systems

Active systems if RRNC needs activation

Mitigation Cost

Compare RRNC vs retrofit pricing

Slab Foundation

Sub-slab for slab-on-grade construction

Real Estate Testing

Testing for new home purchases

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