A Home Owner’s Guide To Radon Testing; Detect and Correct!
Radon is a toxic, radioactive gas that can be found in any home, new or old. This gas comes from decomposed uranium in the soil and makes its way to the houses through cracks in the foundation due to its movement from the ground to the air above. Although you cannot see, smell, or taste this dangerous and cancerous gas, it builds up in the home and cannot be detected unless special procedures are enforced, like radon testing.
If you’re buying or selling a property, it is always a good idea to conduct radon testing home inspection. The qualified experts have special equipment which actively analyzes the gas levels within a couple of days and officially report the same information to the concerned people.
Radon testing passive kits
The most common forms of radon testing come in passive kits which can be used by homeowners themselves. These devices are available in either short or long-term models and are inexpensive. While short-term models give a quick idea of gas levels within a few days, long-term kits stay in your house for a few months and give a better idea of yearly gas levels. They are much more dependable and reliable than short term kits. A few do-it-yourself kit options are charcoal, alpha-track, and radon detector.
Radon mitigation
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if the radon gas levels ever reach 4 pCi/L (the scientific measure of radon) this means that you have a hazardous amount of toxins in the air. But, how do you get rid of it? How do you address this life-threatening substance once and for all? Oddly enough, there isn’t anything that actually helps to reseal your home’s gaps, cracks, and fissures.
One of the best forms of radon mitigation is to prevent the toxins from reaching your house ever and this is usually done through some type of exhaust system. Some of the radon mitigation methods available today are as mentioned below.
- Sub-slab Depressurization: It is one of the most common methods of radon mitigation in which pipes and fans are installed below the basement to trap and vent contaminated air outside before it enters the home.
- Soil-depressurization: Soil depressurization is a method which aerates the actual soil around the home, reducing hazardous gas levels.
- Heat-Recovery Ventilators: The key function of ventilators is to bring the fresh outdoor air into the home which helps eliminate the toxins inside. And, this feature prevents radon gas from entering indoors. However, this outdoor air is heated or cooled before entering the house which helps to keep your thermostat stable, preventing any lengthy energy bills.
It is highly recommended to always consult a professional contractor beforehand to make sure you’re getting the appropriate equipment to fit your house. Moreover, these contractors can also install the apparatus for you to ensure quality performance. However, do keep in mind that this project may not be a cheap purchase (it usually costs around $800), yet it is very important to not skimp on a good radon system. Prevention is always better than cure and a proper investment is priceless!
Also, now that you’re aware of the havoc radon gas can wreak upon human lives, make it a point to find the best home inspectors and conduct a radon gas home inspection before buying or selling any property or making home repairs.