Your house tested high for radon, now what? First of all, stay calm if you discover radon in your home. It’s a common problem that can be fixed with the proper response. Radon is a toxic, odorless, colorless gas that causes lung cancer is people who are routinely exposed to it. There is no safe level of radon beyond not having any radon whatsoever. However, that is a condition that most people cannot achieve because radon is a constant threat for homeowners. It seeps into a house through small cracks in the foundation, basement or crawlspace. Nevertheless, there are plenty of options for you should radon be detected in your home.
After you have tested for radon, try testing again. Levels of radon in a home can vary wildly and it is recommended that you have two confirmations of unsafe radon levels before taking action. There are a number of different tests you can conduct but depending on your time frame, you may want to opt for a short test that can have results back to you in about a week but with limited reliability or a longer test that can take several months but provides results you can count on.
Once you have conducted multiple tests to determine the level of radon in your house, the next step is to mitigate the level of radon gas. You can check with your local government radon awareness office. A list of trained professionals can be provided who are local and also recommended to take care of the problem. It is highly recommended that you consult this list of professionals rather than take chances on someone in the yellow pages or online.
Radon is not a matter you want to try and cut corners on.
Several methods can be used to remove the presence of radon from a home. Usually several methods will be needed to develop a comprehensive radon protection shield. The biggest source of radon in a home is from an improperly sealed basement or crawlspace.
Having exposed soil in the basement is also a major concern. A contractor can seal up these cracks and holes in your foundation to limit the amount of radon that seeps in. Remember, radon will always get in your home because the materials that comprise a house are ultimately porous. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to limit how much does get in.
Ventilation systems are also a viable method of reducing radon contamination. Fans can circulate air from the basement to the exterior, preventing radon from spreading into the rest of your home in dangerous amounts.
Different methods of reducing radon in your home will usually be recommended by the consulted professionals. Don’t skimp out on a radon solution for you and your family. This gas is a serious concern. Guard the safety and health of your family by investing in a comprehensive radon protection package. Need help determining the best solution for your family? Give Trinity a call – 630-499-1492.
