Given the health risks associated with radon exposure, there are some steps you must take to protect your home. Unfortunately, many mistakes could compromise your ability to recognize the steps that will mitigate your home's radon risk.
Not Inspecting New Homes Before You Move In
Before moving into a new home, having it inspected for radon levels is critical. The previous homeowner may not have taken any preventative steps, which can result in high radon levels in the home. Professionals can perform a short-term or long-term radon test to determine if the levels are unsafe. If levels are high, it is essential to take immediate action, as the long-term effects can be severe.
The process of radon mitigation is not difficult, but it can be expensive. One option for radon mitigation uses a fan and ventilation pipe to draw air away from the soil underneath the home and release it outside. This makes it difficult for radon to enter the house. However, proper installation is essential for these systems to be effective.
Not Testing for Radon Regularly
A significant mistake homeowners make is not testing for radon regularly. Radon levels can vary from season to season, so yearly or bi-yearly tests are strongly recommended. Testing should be as frequent in homes with higher radon levels as every few months. For the most accurate results, radon tests should be professionally completed. Otherwise, mistakes could compromise the accuracy of your results.
Not Closing Your Home's Crawl Space
If your home has a crawl space, paying attention to this area when it comes to radon testing is crucial. The space beneath your home is a common area for radon problems. Without proper sealing, radon gas can easily permeate through the house from the crawl space.
Homeowners should pay close attention to potential gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and other openings. If these gaps are not sealed, they can make it easy for radon to seep into the house's interior.
Not Addressing Other Sources of Radon
Apart from the soil beneath the home and the crawl space, there are other potential sources of radon in a home, such as well water and building materials. In some areas, groundwater may contain high levels of radon. When well water is used for showering or cooking, radon can easily become airborne, resulting in a significant health risk. The first step in reducing radon levels in well water is to test the water regularly. If radon levels in well water are high, installing aeration or activated carbon treatment systems can help reduce radon levels.
Contact a professional to learn more about radon mitigation systems.
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