Radon Testing – 7 Important Questions Answered!

Radon Testing

Whether you are buying a home or selling a home you should have radon testing completed. Even if you are building a home you should talk with your builder about radon-resistant features that can be added during the construction process to prevent a possible radon issue later on. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is estimated  1 in every 15 homes in the U.S. has an elevated level of radon. This blog combines important information about radon and emphasizes the significance of radon testing in maintaining a safe living environment.

What is Radon? 

Radon on Periodic Table - Get Radon Testing

Radon gas is a silent, invisible threat that could be lurking in your home. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas is emitted from the ground and can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, sump pumps, or other openings. Once inside, it attaches itself to dust particles in the air, putting you and your family at risk. The only way to tell if a home has high levels of radon is through radon testing.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon testing is crucial in determining if your home has high levels of radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer over time.  If left undiscovered, elevated levels of Radon have been found to increase your risk of getting lung cancer, and exposure can also lead to several other serious medical problems and even death. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. That is pretty scary! You can never smoke a cigarette your entire life but get lung cancer because of something inside your home! 

Why Should You Have Radon Testing Completed?

Many people learn about radon when they are buying or selling their home and become concerned if a radon test is needed. A radon test is not something that you should skimp on in the house buying or selling process. Levels of radon can vary from state to state, town to town, neighborhood to neighborhood, and house to house.

Living room for radon testingJust because your neighbor didn’t have high levels of radon doesn’t mean that your home will not have high levels. It is very important to have your home tested for radon. Radon testing is important because it is the only way to determine the levels of radon in your home. Any house of any age and any build can have high levels of radon.

Did you know high levels of radon have been found in Jefferson, Berkeley, Hampshire, Hardy, Morgan, and Grant County, West Virginia?

Can Radon Testing be added to a Home Inspection? 

Moving in? Consider radon testingAt Ellingwood Pro, we offer radon testing as part of our comprehensive home inspection services. We highly recommend either adding a radon test to your home inspection or schedule our Advanced Home Inspection Package which includes radon testing. This will ensure the safety of your future residence. By adding radon testing to your home inspection, you can conveniently address both inspections on the same day. For more details on our radon testing service, please visit our website.

What Happens if a Home Has High Levels of Radon?  

Discovering high levels of radon in your home doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If a radon test comes back with high levels of radon it is fixable! During a real estate transaction, it may be best to discuss the results with the buyer and seller to come to an agreement on how to best address this concern. If you are testing your home and no other parties are involved you can begin lowering levels of it in your home a few ways. First, you will want to be sure that all cracks and openings in the foundation are sealed.

You can use a polyurethane caulk to help seal the cracks. You will also want to look at other areas of your home such as the sump pump and concrete to ensure they are sealed tight. It is important to note that sealing the home alone will not fix your radon issue entirely so you will want to install a mitigation system to vent the home properly. Your state office will have a list of qualified contractors that can complete the radon mitigation process properly.

How do we test for Radon?

When you choose Ellingwood Pro for radon testing, we employ the continuous radon monitor (CRM) method. This involves setting up a specialized monitor in your home, which runs continuously for a minimum of 48 hours. During this period, the monitor measures radon levels and collects crucial data.

After the monitoring period is complete, our team returns to your home to retrieve the monitor and analyze the results. We provide you with a comprehensive report detailing the radon levels detected during the testing period. Our goal is to offer you clear and reliable information about your home’s radon levels, empowering you to make informed decisions about mitigation, if necessary.

Why Choose Ellingwood Pro for Radon Testing?

  1. Expertise: Our team of experienced professionals specializes in home inspections and radon testing. We have the knowledge and training to conduct thorough assessments and accurately interpret radon test results.
  2. Accurate Results: With our continuous radon monitors, we ensure precise measurements of radon levels in your home. You can trust our results to guide your decisions regarding radon mitigation.
  3. Comprehensive Reports: We provide detailed reports that clearly present the radon levels detected during the testing period. Our reports give you a complete understanding of your home’s radon situation.
  4. Peace of Mind: By choosing Ellingwood Pro for radon testing, you gain peace of mind knowing that your home’s safety is our top priority. We strive to create a safe living environment for you and your family.

You can easily schedule an inspection online or by giving us a call at 276-566-5669. To get a free estimate, visit our website to use our convenient estimate tool.

Make Radon Testing a Priority

Don’t overlook the significance of radon testing in safeguarding your home and family. Regardless of your location or the type of house you’re buying, radon can be present. It’s a hidden danger that requires proactive measures. Investing in radon testing will give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking the necessary steps to create a safe and healthy living environment for your loved ones. Remember, radon is an invisible threat, so testing is the only way to identify potential issues. If you have any questions about radon gas inspections or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Common Radon Entry Points - Get Radon Testing

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