RADON inspection Services |
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Performing a Certified Radon Home Inspection
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Ensuring No Device Interference While Testing
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Utilizing State-of-the-Art Technology to Ensure Accurate Readings
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Recommending Interventions When Necessary
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Why Should I Test for Radon?
The natural breakdown uranium in soil, rock, and water underneath your home can enter your home through cracks in the foundation and other airways - even through well water. Your home (whether new or old), can trap this radon inside and put your family at significant risk for health complications. It is estimated that one in every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated radon level that is considered unsafe.
Surgeon General Health Advisory (2005)
The U.S. Surgeon General feels so strongly about the risks associated with radon that a health advisory was released to the general public. Since testing is the only way to know if your home is at risk for radon exposure, all homes below the third floor should be inspected. Indoor radon presents a significant health risk when breathed over a long period of time and it is important to know that it can be prevented. A simple test can identify a radon exposure threat and be fixed through industry-standard venting techniques. It is impossible to accurately predict the radon levels by state or neighborhood measurements. Relying on readings from similar homes nearby can be dangerous and highly inaccurate. Our radon inspection services allow you to identify problems and contact companies to implement necessary radon mitigation strategies. The local state radon office can provide further details.
Selling a Home
Should you think of selling a home that has already been tested for radon, it is important to review the Radon Testing Checklist to ensure the job was done successfully. It can be very beneficial to have these results in-hand and presentable to a buyer. Even if a test was previously conducted, a buyer may ask for a new test. This most often occurs when certain checklist items were not met, the test was not recent (within 2 years), new home renovations have taken place since radon levels were inspected, or the buyer plans to utilize a level in the house that was lower than was tested (consistent basement use).
Homes Without Prior Radon Tests
It is recommended to take a radon inspection test as soon as possible. Testing before a home is placed on the market is preferred. Before trusting your radon testing to a "licensed professional", verify their licensure with the state radon office. A list of businesses following standards within the state can be provided to you at request. If unavailable, the contractor themselves should be able to present a professional proficiency or credential signifying certification was met. If in doubt, check with the credentialing organization to verify. Whenever a contract is implemented for radon testing to be done, it is important to follow the checklist to ensure the appropriate measures are taken. The location of the test, the inspector completing the test, the type of radon inspection test, the date of the test, the exchange of results (between buyer and seller), mitigation strategies and subsequent payment details should all be spelled out.
Home Buyers
It is your decision whether or not to accept a previous test for radon levels within the property. You also many ask that an additional test be performed by a qualified radon tester to get the most current results. When making this decision, it is important to factor in a number of things. Firstly, examine the previous results, the inspector who completed the test, and where in the structure the test was completed to determine which avenue to pursue. If the prior results were recent and favorable, then a new test is likely not needed. Secondly, home buyers should consider any alterations to the home that have taken place since the most recent test - especially regarding the HVAC system. Even small changes can result in radon influx that was not identified on a prior test.
Radon-Resistant Features of a Home
Specific techniques implemented to mitigate radon levels may vary for different sites. Typically, buildings are considered radon-resistant when the following are implemented with the initial construction:
The natural breakdown uranium in soil, rock, and water underneath your home can enter your home through cracks in the foundation and other airways - even through well water. Your home (whether new or old), can trap this radon inside and put your family at significant risk for health complications. It is estimated that one in every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated radon level that is considered unsafe.
Surgeon General Health Advisory (2005)
The U.S. Surgeon General feels so strongly about the risks associated with radon that a health advisory was released to the general public. Since testing is the only way to know if your home is at risk for radon exposure, all homes below the third floor should be inspected. Indoor radon presents a significant health risk when breathed over a long period of time and it is important to know that it can be prevented. A simple test can identify a radon exposure threat and be fixed through industry-standard venting techniques. It is impossible to accurately predict the radon levels by state or neighborhood measurements. Relying on readings from similar homes nearby can be dangerous and highly inaccurate. Our radon inspection services allow you to identify problems and contact companies to implement necessary radon mitigation strategies. The local state radon office can provide further details.
Selling a Home
Should you think of selling a home that has already been tested for radon, it is important to review the Radon Testing Checklist to ensure the job was done successfully. It can be very beneficial to have these results in-hand and presentable to a buyer. Even if a test was previously conducted, a buyer may ask for a new test. This most often occurs when certain checklist items were not met, the test was not recent (within 2 years), new home renovations have taken place since radon levels were inspected, or the buyer plans to utilize a level in the house that was lower than was tested (consistent basement use).
Homes Without Prior Radon Tests
It is recommended to take a radon inspection test as soon as possible. Testing before a home is placed on the market is preferred. Before trusting your radon testing to a "licensed professional", verify their licensure with the state radon office. A list of businesses following standards within the state can be provided to you at request. If unavailable, the contractor themselves should be able to present a professional proficiency or credential signifying certification was met. If in doubt, check with the credentialing organization to verify. Whenever a contract is implemented for radon testing to be done, it is important to follow the checklist to ensure the appropriate measures are taken. The location of the test, the inspector completing the test, the type of radon inspection test, the date of the test, the exchange of results (between buyer and seller), mitigation strategies and subsequent payment details should all be spelled out.
Home Buyers
It is your decision whether or not to accept a previous test for radon levels within the property. You also many ask that an additional test be performed by a qualified radon tester to get the most current results. When making this decision, it is important to factor in a number of things. Firstly, examine the previous results, the inspector who completed the test, and where in the structure the test was completed to determine which avenue to pursue. If the prior results were recent and favorable, then a new test is likely not needed. Secondly, home buyers should consider any alterations to the home that have taken place since the most recent test - especially regarding the HVAC system. Even small changes can result in radon influx that was not identified on a prior test.
Radon-Resistant Features of a Home
Specific techniques implemented to mitigate radon levels may vary for different sites. Typically, buildings are considered radon-resistant when the following are implemented with the initial construction:
- Gas-Permeable Layer: Below the flooring system, a layer of clean gravel (or similar material) is used to allow soil gas to freely-move underneath the structure. Homes that include a basement or slab foundation structure require this type of layer.
- Plastic Covering: Sheets of plastic (with sealed seams) are to be placed directly over the gravel in a crawlspace area. By sealing the seam, it prevents the soil gas from entering areas of the home.
- Caulking: Any openings in the foundation that are below-grade should be sealed and/or caulked to reduce gas entry into the home.
- Venting: PVC pipes measuring 3 or 4-inches should run from the gas-permeable layer up through the roof of the home to safely vent gases to the outside, avoiding a rise in internal radon levels.
- Junction Boxes: Within the attic, electrical junction boxes are used to help make the vent fan easier to install. From a wiring perspective, it is more simple to activate/deactivate systems based on radon levels and the need to expel when the junction box is present. Vent alarms are important for indicating malfunctions in the fan which can contribute to elevated radon levels.
We service Middlesex County, Somerset County, Union County, Essex County, Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Bergen County, and Morris County!
"Our radon inspection went as planned, but it was important for our family to ensure the home was not at unsafe levels.”
- Ramon D.
Home inspection services
Electrical
roofing
basement/foundation
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attic
Fireplace
hvac
RADON |
door/window/ interior
Plumbing
exterior
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