Radon

Home Inspections 101

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is sometimes found in the basements of American homes. While it is impossible to detect without testing for it, radon has carcinogenic properties and is therefore a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality. Often conducted during a home inspection, if a radon test determines that a home contains elevated radon levels, immediate mitigation is necessary. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, causing 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked, and among non-smokers, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.

The most common mitigation method used to reduce radon levels is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This method is also called sub-slab depressurization, active soil depressurization, or soil suction. So, if elevated radon levels are found in your home, don’t panic, and know that there are ways to fix it. In certain areas of the country, a home is more likely to contain radon than not, so it’s a rather common problem that will not present a risk after proper mitigation methods are applied.

  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Radon Inspection
    Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is sometimes found in the basements of American homes. While it is impossible to detect...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    HVAC Inspection
    Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment provides heating and cooling for your home. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Termites & Wood Destroying Insects
    Termites and other wood destroying insects cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Termites are the most notorious pests, but you can also have carpenter...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Chimney and Fireplace Inspections
    Your fireplace is likely either a masonry fireplace or a factory built fireplace. There are a few hybrid types, but they are less commonly found....
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Deck Inspection
    Almost every new home built today includes an elevated porch or deck. Great for seasonal socializing, right? However, before you put another shrimp on the...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Roof
    A roof inspection is an important preventative maintenance job that can identify issues before they turn into larger problems like leaks and rotting wood. And...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Attic Inspection
    An attic inspection, while not exactly comfortable or glamorous, is a very important part of the home inspection process. In the Summer, attic temperatures can...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Exterior Grading
    When establishing the final grading plan (the landscaping of soil elevations) of your home, make sure that water will move down and away from the foundation....

TOP