How Does Radon Enter the Home?

     Typical domestic exposures are of approximately 100 Bq/m3 (2.7 pCI/l) indoors.  If a home tests for radon at level higher that 4 pCI/l, mitigation is recommended.  Radon mostly enters a building directly from the soil through the lowest level in the building that is in contact with the ground. High levels of radon in the water supply can also increase indoor radon air levels. Typical entry points of radon into buildings are cracks in solid foundations, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around service pipes, cavities inside walls, and the water supply.

Radon Testing

     Testing for radon levels in commercial buildings or residential homes last for approximately 48-72 hours.  A licensed professional radon tester will place a tester in an appropriate area of the building.  It will continuously read for 2-3 days.  If the average radon level is 4 or above, it is recommended to mitigate radon by installing a radon mitigation system.

Radon Mitigation

     If the space tests high for radon, your radon specialist, real estate agent, or home inspector will likely encourage the installation of a radon mitigation system.   A team of licensed radon mitigation specialists will install a piping system with negative pressure fan that removes the gas from the home.  They will need access to the home's crawlspace and basement.  The process does not take more that 1 day for residential homes.  The system works off electric and is minimal expense to run.  It will start functioning as soon as it has been installed.  Following the installation of the system, another tester will be placed to ensure that the system is functioning adequately.

What does the Mitigation System Look Like?

     There are several ways to install a radon mitigation system.  Besides safety and functionality of the system, the mitigation contractor's goal is to cosmetically place the system to be camouflaged as much as possible to preserve the beauty of your home.