We know buying a new home is an exciting process, and every buyer wants to get a well-maintained home. However, there are some hidden problems that the home buyer must know about. Of these hidden issues, radon is one of the main ones most home buyers skip. It is an odorless and colorless problem that directly affects your health. In Michigan, the recommended level of radon in the home is 4pCi/L, but around 25% of homes have greater than the recommended level. So, all the sellers and buyers must get a radon inspection before a transaction in the real estate industry.
Have you tested for radon in your home?
If not, you can count on Blessed Assurance Home Inspection, one of the best home inspection companies that provides this unique service when you buy or sell your home. They have a professional radon inspector team that performs radon tests in your home. Additionally, they offer a 120-day warranty to all the homes that get a radon inspection.
So, you mustn’t compromise on these hidden issues if you want to sell or buy a new home. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of radon inspection so that you and your family can live healthy lives.
What is Radon, and What is Its Origin?
Around 1 in 4 homes is affected by radon. It is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas the ground produces. This gas originates from the natural breakdown of uranium, soil, and rocks and seeps through cracks in the foundation, walls, and floor and becomes part of the indoor air. Since it’s a gas, it easily moves from the ground to the indoors. After becoming part of the indoor air, it causes significant health issues such as the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Coughing
How to Test for Radon in Your Home?
If you want to test the radon level in your home, you need to get a radon kit from an online store or any nearby hardware store. Here, we will guide you step by step on how you can check radon levels in your home.
Choose the Right Kit
Different online stores provide radon test kits, and it’s up to you which type of test you need to perform, whether short-term or long-term. With a short-term test kit, you can get a result in just a few days, but you need to wait around 90 days in the long term.
Place the Test Kit at the Right Location
Radon moves from the ground to upward, so the radon kit must be placed at the lowest level of your home, which will be your home’s basement or the first floor. When placing the radon test kit, ensure it is away from the exterior walls, vents, windows, and doors. This way, you will get accurate radon results and save your family from this dangerous gas.
Follow the Instructions Carefully
Make sure that the kit you use for testing the radon has a proper manual. Read this manual carefully and follow the given instructions to avoid any contamination or errors. Perform this test without disturbing it according to the manual. If you need assistance from a professional, Blessed Assurance will help you and guide you properly.
Seal and Send for Laboratory Analysis
After performing the test, seal the test kit. Mention the time and date on the kit and send it to the laboratory analysis immediately for accurate results.
Review the Radon Test Report
After completing the lab analysis, you will receive a radon test report. Review this report carefully and check whether your report matches the EPA’s recommended radon level.
What Will You Do After Getting the Radon Test Report?
After getting the scientific report, you need to take immediate action if your report indicates high radon levels. It is crucial to reduce radon levels to improve your health. You can follow these steps to achieve this.
Consult With a Radon Mitigation Professional
The first step to reduce the radon level in your home is to consult with a radon mitigation professional. Because of their experience and expertise, they are fully trained to evaluate your home and recommend the best mitigation strategy.
Install the Radon Mitigation Equipment
The radon mitigation system controls the radon gas and prevents it from entering your home. These are some effective mitigation techniques that you can use for your Michigan home:
Proper Ventilation in the Crawl Spaces
Proper ventilation in the crawl spaces exhausts the gas before entering your home. This way, adding the vapor barrier over the soil and the ventilation fan push the radon air outside.
Fix the Cracks in Foundation
Repairing the cracks in the ceiling, foundation, and walls not only reduces the radon level but also helps improve a home’s infrastructure.
Local Factors and Mitigation Recommendations
A professional radon mitigator knows the local factors before applying the mitigation strategy. They use the most effective system according to your home’s design, size, and location.
Regular Test After Mitigation
Regular inspection after installing the mitigation system ensures that it effectively works. A radon test is recommended every two years, especially for newly constructed or renovated spaces.
Conclusion
No doubt, getting a new home is an exciting process, but in this excitement, do not neglect the hidden issues that can lead to major problems in the future. One such issue is radon gas which is directly produced from the ground due to the natural breakdown of soil and uranium. Through foundation or wall cracks, it moves upward and affects your health.
Therefore, we strongly recommend getting professional radon inspection services from Blessed Assurance Home Inspection, a certified home inspection company.
