Steps to Take if Your New Home Has High Radon Levels

Steps to Take if Your New Home Has High Radon Levels

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation. High radon levels pose serious health risks, particularly lung cancer. In short, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. This odorless and invisible gas can go undetected without proper testing. Therefore, it's essential to act fast when levels are discovered. Immediately addressing the issue helps protect your family from long-term health hazards. Testing and mitigation are key to reducing radon exposure and lowering cancer risk.

The First Step Toward Safety is Testing for Radon

Testing for radon is the first and most important step in protecting your home. Home radon tests are both affordable and simple to use. There are three main types of radon testing kits: short-term, long-term, and continuous radon monitors. Short-term kits give quick results, usually within a few days. On the other hand, long-term kits monitor radon levels over months for a more accurate reading. Continuous radon monitors are available for sale online and can yield accurate results in minutes. These are great tools for keeping an eye on your radon levels before and after mitigation.

With this in mind, if you feel unsure about performing the test themselves, certified radon testing professionals are available to help. Professional testing can provide peace of mind and more precise results, especially in homes with complex layouts or persistent radon issues.

This toxic gas is one of the main causes of lung cancer in the U.S.

Step-by-Step Guide for Reducing High Radon Levels

If tests reveal high radon levels in your home, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk. The first measure is to seal any cracks in the floors and walls, particularly in basements or crawlspaces, as these are common entry points for radon. While sealing can help lower radon levels, it’s usually not enough.

Installing a radon mitigation system is a highly effective and more lasting solution. These systems work by venting radon gas outside before it can enter your living spaces. In short, sealing and installing a mitigation system provides the best protection against radon exposure.

Sealing Entry Points is a Simple Yet Effective Measure

In contrast to full mitigation systems, this method is a temporary solution that can lower radon levels by blocking common entry points. The areas of your home that require the most attention include:

• Basements: Radon often enters through cracks in the foundation and floors.
• Crawlspaces: These areas are close to the ground and can allow radon to seep in.
• Walls: Any gaps, especially those below ground level, should be sealed.

Nevertheless, while sealing these areas can help, it’s not a permanent fix. Combining sealing with a full radon mitigation system is essential for long-term protection against radon exposure.

Floor and wall cracks are some of the main entry points

What You Need to Know About Installing a Radon Mitigation System

Installing a radon mitigation system is one of the most effective methods of lowering radon levels in your home. The system works by venting radon gas from beneath the house to the outside, preventing it from entering your living spaces. Several mitigation systems are available, such as sub-slab depressurization, which pulls radon from beneath the foundation, and active ventilation, which uses fans to expel radon from crawlspaces or attics.

Some systems adapt existing sump pumps to vent radon gas. Professional installation is highly recommended to reduce radon efficiently, as it ensures the system functions correctly and is tailored to your home’s layout for optimal results.

What to Do If You Discover Radon in Your New Home After Moving

If you discover radon in your new home after moving, it is important to act while managing your move. First, schedule a professional radon mitigation service to install the necessary system. While waiting, you can begin sealing cracks in floors and walls to temporarily reduce radon levels.

In the meantime, continue unpacking, but focus on non-essential areas to avoid disruption. If radon mitigation requires significant renovation, consider renting storage during the renovation of the place to protect your belongings and create space for contractors. Take your time and choose the right unit to keep your items safe during renovation, ensuring it meets your needs in terms of size, accessibility, and security.

Hiring a Certified Radon Contractor

Hiring a certified radon mitigation contractor guarantees professional results and reliable service. When selecting a contractor, several key qualifications must be considered. Look for someone who is certified by organizations like the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).

Experience in radon mitigation, knowledge of local building codes, and a history of successful installations are also important. Checking for proper certifications and reading customer reviews before choosing is essential. A certified contractor with good reviews will install the system correctly and provide peace of mind, knowing a qualified professional is handling your radon issue.

It’s wise to hire professionals to detect high radon levels and deal with them successfully

Regular Radon Monitoring: A Long-Term Safety Measure

In like manner, regular radon testing is essential for maintaining long-term safety in your home. After radon mitigation, it’s recommended to retest your home every two years to monitor any changes in radon levels. That is particularly important for homes with fluctuating weather conditions or soil shifts that might affect radon entry.

Setting reminders for seasonal checks, especially during winter when homes are sealed tightly, helps keep the issue in check. Hence, regular testing offers ongoing protection and peace of mind. By incorporating routine monitoring into your home maintenance, you can catch any potential radon increases early and address them before they become a serious concern.

Costs of Radon Mitigation

Similarly, the radon mitigation cost varies depending on the home's size and the system's complexity. Radon testing is generally affordable, while mitigation systems can be more of an investment. U.S. News Real Estate says the average radon mitigation cost is $1,020.

Nevertheless, the long-term health benefits far outweigh these costs, as reducing radon exposure lowers the risk of lung cancer. Some homeowners may also qualify for government rebates or assistance programs that help offset the cost of installing a radon mitigation system. It’s worth exploring local or federal programs that support home safety improvements. In short, investing in radon mitigation now can provide peace of mind and safeguard your family’s health for years to come.

Creating a Radon-Resistant New Home

Building a new home with radon-resistant techniques can significantly reduce the risk of radon infiltration. That can include installing vapor barriers beneath the foundation to block radon entry and incorporating radon sump systems that vent gas safely away from the home. Additionally, sealing any cracks in the foundation during construction can further protect against radon intrusion.

With this in mind, homeowners who are building new properties should consider these techniques early in the planning process. By integrating radon-resistant features from the beginning, homeowners can create a safer environment that requires less intervention down the road. Proactive planning helps reduce radon risks and adds long-term value to the home.

Conclusion

From testing to mitigation, there are effective steps you can take to reduce radon exposure. Sealing entry points and installing a radon mitigation system are key actions for lowering radon levels, while regular monitoring ensures long-term safety. Incorporating radon-resistant construction techniques is a smart investment if you're building a new home. In short, taking these steps now can greatly reduce the risk of radon-related health issues, providing peace of mind for years. Don’t delay when it comes to tackling high radon levels.