Frequently Asked Questions About Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is produced as uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, so the only way to know if elevated radon is present in your home is to test for it.

Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Because you cannot see or smell radon, testing your home is the best way to determine whether a problem exists.

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when the average radon concentration is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. The EPA also recommends considering radon reduction when levels are between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, because there is no known completely safe level of radon exposure.

A radon mitigation system works by creating suction beneath the foundation of your home and directing radon gas from beneath the building to the exterior, where it can safely disperse into the atmosphere. The exact system design depends on factors such as your home’s foundation, construction, and where radon is entering the home.

Most residential radon mitigation installations can be completed in a single day. The exact time depends on the size and construction of the home, the type of foundation, and the complexity of the installation. Before beginning work, we’ll explain the installation process and what you can expect.

No mitigation system can guarantee that a home will have zero radon. The goal is to significantly reduce radon levels and keep them as low as reasonably achievable. Our systems are designed to effectively reduce radon, and our new installations include a 5-year transferable warranty guaranteeing radon levels below the EPA-recommended action level.

The cost of mitigation varies depending on the home’s foundation, construction, radon levels, and the type of system required. Every home is different, so we evaluate the property before recommending a solution. Contact us for an estimate based on your home’s specific needs.

No. Homes can have different foundation types, including basements, crawl spaces, and slab-on-grade construction, and each can require a different approach. Our technicians evaluate the home’s construction and determine the most appropriate mitigation method rather than using a one-size-fits-all system.

If you already have a system but aren’t sure whether it’s working properly, we can help. We provide radon system inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and replacement of components when needed. If you’re buying or selling a home with an existing system, we can also help determine whether the system is operating as it should.

After a mitigation system is installed, the home should be retested to verify that radon levels have been reduced. The EPA recommends testing periodically after mitigation to make sure the system continues to work effectively. We can help explain the appropriate testing process and what your results mean.

Radon testing is an important consideration during a real estate transaction. If you’re buying a home, testing can help you understand the radon level before completing the purchase. If elevated radon is discovered, we can help explain the mitigation process and provide a solution. We also work with real estate professionals to help keep the process straightforward for their clients.

Absolutely. Whether you’re a homeowner, homebuyer, seller, or real estate professional, our experienced technicians can help you understand your radon results, explain your options, and determine the appropriate next steps for the home.