You may be asked to test your house for radon if you buy, build or own one.
If you have already decided to test for radon in your home, you are making a smart decision. This is a vital safety measure, since radon can have deadly effects.
This blog will provide you with more information about this vital measure.
This blog will guide you through the radon test and help you make an informed decision about your home, safety, and buying.
First, let’s discuss what radon actually is.
What is Radon?
Radon (Rn), a naturally occurring gas, is radioactive and has no odor, taste or color. It can be found in soils and groundwater. You might be surprised to learn that a small amount radon is found in your drinking water.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer. This increases the risk of lung disease, especially among smokers.
Only a radon testing can tell you if your home has radon levels that are dangerous.
To get the best results, it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when conducting the test.
Actionable radon levels are dangerous radon levels that can harm your health. You may not know it, but you could have actionable radon levels in your home.
EPA recommends all homeowners test for radon in their homes, but some properties are more likely to contain high levels.
Your home’s location will determine whether it has a high level of radon. On the EPA’s website, you can see a map of radon zones based on state and county. The term high level is used to describe Level 1 or 2 levels.
Radon levels may differ from those indicated on a map for a particular county. There is also a chance that the soil under your home may have come from an area where radon levels are high. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested.
When should you test for Radon?
A radon test is ideal for home buyers. Home inspectors in areas with high levels of radon often provide radon testing in Pueblo as an extra service, helping ensure the safety and well-being of future occupants.
It is important to conduct a radon check if you did not perform one when you purchased your home. This is especially true if you live in an area with a level 1 or 2. You can test for radon in your home yourself or call the experts.
There’s no reason to perform additional radon testing if your home’s radon levels are not actionable and you’ve made no significant changes. After radon mitigation, or if your radon levels are actionable, you should perform another test every few years. This will ensure that the radon system is working properly.
Radon Testing Types
Two types of radon test are available:
- Container radon tests
- Continuous radon tests
Container tests are widely available in hardware stores and online. These tests can be short-term or long-term. Some last a few days, others a week.
The cost of container tests is between $20 and $30. Their precision is limited and may produce inaccurate results because of improper test conditions or changing weather conditions.
Continuous radon monitors are short-term tests that cost more than $1,000. These monitors are typically used by professionals and offer more precision. They can also detect changes in radon levels over the course of the test.
How to deal with Radon tests?
It is important to discuss mitigation measures for radon with your builder before starting construction on a new house, especially if you live in a zone that has a radon level of 1 or 2. Most commonly, a vapor retarder of high quality or sub-slab venting is installed beneath concrete floors.
A vapor retarder (also known as a barrier) uses fans, pipes, and a barrier to create an environment of low pressure that collects the radon below the home. Sub-slab ventilation uses a stone layer and pipes under the concrete. The pipes are connected to a suction fan, which safely directs radon outside.
It is possible to apply similar mitigation measures for existing homes. This is especially true for those built over crawl spaces or unfinished basements. Installing vent pipes under an existing concrete slab may not be as effective because the pipes could only catch nearby gas.
These mitigation measures should be handled by qualified radon mitigation contractors. Although DIY radon mitigation is effective at reducing radon at relatively low levels, it’s best to consult professionals for more complicated tasks.
Here are some DIY mitigation methods that you can use:
- Follow the instructions of the sealant manufacturer to seal cracks and joints in concrete floors, as well as the joint between floor and wall.
- Seal any leaks found in the heating and air-conditioning ducts or equipment in basements and crawl spaces using foil tape or mastic designed for that purpose.
- Seal all openings in your crawlspace and basement. This includes plumbing pipes, fixtures like bathtubs, electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning pipes and ducts.
Conclusion
It is important to ensure the safety of you and your family through radon mitigation and testing, even though this may seem complicated. We strongly recommend hiring a radon mitigation and testing professional if you are unsure about DIY projects or would rather leave the job to professionals.
We will ensure your home’s safety and wellbeing! Book your comprehensive inspection now for peace of mind and a thorough assessment. Call us today to put your family’s safety and health first.
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