BLOGS

Does Your Home Have Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into your home through cracks in your foundation. Trace amounts of this radioactive gas can naturally be found in the atmosphere, but it becomes a problem when it gets trapped and builds up. Once radon finds its way into your home, it does not have a way to get out again and this allows it to build up in your living space. Radon is dangerous to be exposed to in concentrated amounts like this because it has been linked to serious health issues like lung cancer. So, if radon is a dangerous, colorless, odorless radioactive gas, how can you know if there are unsafe levels in your home? Here are a few ways that you can test for it.

Quick Test

A short term test is one that you can do yourself and that will provide you with the fastest results. If you just want to get a baseline idea of the radon levels in your home, this is a nice option. Depending on the testing kit you purchase, you will need to leave the test out in your home anywhere from two to ninety days. Bear in mind that this option does not provide the most accurate results, so if it does come back showing that your radon levels are a little high, you may want to get a professional test done before deciding on mitigation options.

Long Term Test

For the most accurate results, the CDC recommends obtaining a test that you leave out for more than ninety days. This will ensure that the test is taking in and tracking radon levels as they ebb and flow throughout the seasons. This will give you a clearer picture of what the radon existing in your home looks like.

Professional Test

And lastly, if you are really concerned and want to get the most accurate feedback, you can get a professional to do the test. A professional will have the highest quality test and they will be able to tell you if the test came back high or low, if you should be worried or not, and what your mitigation options are. Our friends over at Strouse Home Inspections can help you test your home for radon and help you with mitigation systems if needed.

Radon is something that really shows up in older homes. At Montano, we build new homes that you can live in worry free for years and years. If you are on the search for a new home, look at our available homes today!

By Montano Homes | 12-22-2022