Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, and tasteless gas found in all homes across the country. However, Colorado has some of the highest radon concentrations in the United States, making it essential to get a radon test from the best home inspectors in Colorado Springs. In this article, we’ll cover why it is so important to get a radon test in Colorado and how it can help protect you and your family from potential health risks.
What is Radon?
Radon gas is produced during the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings. Radon is the main cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
Having a radon test is the only way to know your home’s levels of radon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highly recommends testing all homes for radon and taking action to reduce radon levels if they are high.
If you are either buying or selling a home in Colorado, you should have a radon test performed as part of the home inspection process. Colorado law requires that all real estate transactions include a disclosure form regarding potential risks from radon gas exposure.
Why Is A Radon Test Important In Colorado?
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that all homes be tested for radon and that corrective action be taken if levels are found to be above four pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
There are two common types of radon tests: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests take 2-90 days to provide results, while long-term tests take 3-12 months. Short-term tests are generally more accurate when performed during the winter months when windows and doors are closed, and air circulation is minimal. Long-term tests are considered more reliable for determining average annual radon levels.
If you decide to have a radon test performed, there are several things you can do
How Does A Radon Test Work?
When you have a home inspection in Colorado, one of the things that the inspector will do is a test for radon. Radon is found in the ground, and it can enter your home through cracks in the foundation. It is important to test for radon because it can be harmful to your health.
The way that a radon test works is that the inspector will place a device in your home that will collect samples of the air over some time. Once the device has collected enough samples, the inspector will send it to a lab for analysis. The results of the test will tell you the radon levels present in your home and if it is above the safe level.
When Should You Have a Radon Test Done in Your Home?
If you’re buying a home in Colorado or have never tested your home for radon, you should consider having a radon test done. Since radon is a naturally occurring gas, it can be found in any home, and it can be dangerous if it’s present at high levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon and that homes with elevated levels be fixed.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding when to have your home tested for radon:
If you’re buying a home, the best time to test is before you close on the deal. That way, if there are elevated levels of radon present, you can negotiate with the seller to have the problem fixed before you move in.
If you’ve never had your home tested for radon, now is a good time to do it. Radon levels can change over time, so even if your home was tested years ago, it’s worth doing another test now.
If you’re concerned about radon levels in your home, or if someone who lives with you has asthma or another respiratory condition, it’s always better to get your home tested.
You can hire a professional home inspector to do the testing for you, or you can purchase a do-it-yourself kit from a hardware store or online. If you go the DIY route, just make sure to follow the instructions. Research shows that DIY kit results are not very reliable.
What To Do Incase Your Home Has High Levels of Radon
A few important things need to be taken into consideration to mitigate a radon problem. First, you should contact a qualified professional and inquire about the home inspection cost in Colorado Springs. After finalizing an inspection company, have them conduct a radon test. If levels appear to be above acceptable levels, plan to install a radon mitigation system. This system will help to reduce the levels of radon in your home by venting it out of the house. You should also make sure that all cracks and openings in your foundation are sealed so that radon cannot enter your home. Finally, you should have your home tested for radon on a regular basis to ensure that levels remain low.
Resources for More Information
There are many resources available to learn more about radon gas and why testing for it is important during a home inspection in Colorado. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a wealth of information on its website, including facts about radon, health risks associated with exposure, and ways to reduce radon levels in the home.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also has helpful resources, including a list of licensed radon testers in the state. Homeowners can also find helpful tips on how to reduce radon levels in their homes.
Radon testing is an important part of any home inspection in Colorado. This test helps protect residents from the potential risks that radon gas can pose to their health and safety. By having a radon test performed during your home inspection, you can ensure that your house is safe from this invisible threat. It’s also important to note that different parts of the state have different levels of risk for radon presence, so it pays to be aware of these differences when considering whether or not you should invest in a radon test for your next home inspection.
Are you in search of a home inspection company in Colorado Springs? Insight Home Inspections is dedicated to providing quality Colorado Springs home inspection services. We understand the dangers that radon poses and are committed to providing thorough radon inspections in Colorado Springs and throughout Colorado. Insight Home Inspections has the experience and expertise to provide a thorough radon inspection of your home. We use state-of-the-art equipment to test for radon and will provide you with a detailed report of our findings. If we find elevated levels of radon, we will work with you to develop and initiate a plan to mitigate the problem and protect your family. Don’t take chances when it comes to the safety of your family – contact Insight Home Inspections today to schedule a radon inspection.
