What is the primary concern when sealing membranes and ensuring water control?

The primary concern when sealing membranes and ensuring water control relates directly to preventing airflow. Proper sealing of membranes is crucial in mitigating radon because air movement can facilitate the entry of radon gas into a home or building. If there are leaks or inadequate sealing, not only can water intrusion occur, but it also allows for the free passage of air, which may carry radon from the soil into the living environment.

While cost-effectiveness, durability, and maintenance frequency are important considerations in a broader context—such as within project planning and budget management—they do not directly address the critical function of membranes in controlling both water and air movement. The most immediate objective in sealing membranes is to create a barrier that stops both moisture and radon infiltration, making airflow prevention essential in effective radon mitigation strategies.