Every home should be tested for radon – whether it’s new or old, radon can seep into any property and accumulate to hazardous levels. Since radon is odorless and invisible, it’s impossible to detect without proper testing.
How Radon Gas is Formed
Radon gas results from the decay of uranium in rocks and soil, and it can then enter through cracks in the foundation of a home or other buildings. Radon can become trapped in the home and accumulate to dangerous levels, resulting in possible health issues.
Radon has been linked to tens of thousands of cancer-related deaths every year.
Selling or Purchasing a Home
Testing for radon is critical especially if you plan on selling your home. If you have a high level of radon (4 pCi/L or above) you will need to hire a radon contractor who is certified in radon mitigation services. By investing in this process, you’ll feel confident knowing your home’s resale value won’t decrease. Even if you aren’t moving, it’s reassuring to know that the gas will not accrue in your home again.
Since radon is becoming an increasingly common issue during real estate transactions, more people are educating themselves about the dangers of radon. Therefore, home buyers are now making sure their future property will not have a radon issue. This is one of the major reasons you should have your home tested for radon.
When Should I Test for Radon?
According to the EPA, you should test for radon every 2 years and make sure to keep your test reports. It’s also wise to test for radon prior to a major home renovation as well as after the renovation has been completed. Once you have completed testing for radon and have kept the results, it is much simpler for radon mitigation specialists to determine the proper way to reduce radon levels in the home. Consider testing for radon during the winter when less fresh air is entering the home.
