Better Air Quality: Step by Step Radon Mitigation

What is Radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that comes from the decay of Radium. It can be found in the air around you, especially in your home. Due to the decay happening in the soil and rocks underground, the gas can seep in through the cracks and holes of your home’s basement, and crawlspaces. Once Radon enters your home, concentration levels become higher, leaving the air dangerous to breathe. Long exposure to unknown Radon levels can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Step 1:
Testing for Radon: alpha-track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detector test kits.

Testing kits are easy to obtain by drug or hardware stores, online, or directly from Radon laboratories or MidAmerica Basement Systems. Due to the fluctuation of weather conditions and operating units in your home, two (2) test kits are recommended by the EPA when testing for Radon. Short-term tests are to be placed in the lowest, livable level of your home for a minimum of 48 hours. For long-term tests, more than 90 days are required. Once results are returned, it is recommended by the EPA that any levels greater than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)* be corrected.

*1 pCi/L = 2.5 cigarettes per day. 4 pCi/L = 1/2 pack of cigarettes per day.

Step 2:
How to properly address your Radon situation.

After your test results have been obtained, contacting MidAmerica Basement Systems is the next step. Talking with our appointment center, they will send you a design specialist for a FREE ESTIMATE on a Radon Mitigation System. During this appointment, the design specialist will evaluate all options on what will need to be completed for a proper system; such as any foundation cracks that need to be sealed, what type of Radon Mitigation System will be most effective, how and where it will be installed, etc.

Step 3:
The Radon Mitigation System installation.

Once the design specialist has inspected your home, and offered the proper system, our professional Radon Mitigation crew will be sent out to install the system. All requirements specified by the design specialist will be met, insuring the air quality of your home will increase.

One example of a Radon Mitigation System installation is for an untreated crawlspace. Due to having ground exposure to the home, Radon was easily entering the area. In order to have an effective mitigation system, crewmen first had to seal off any foundation cracks or vents to the crawlspace. An outlet was then installed, allowing for the proper removal of Radon. CleanSpace Drainage Matting and CleanSpace Liner were placed along the graveled ground and Radon piping system, completely sealing off the ground from the home. The mitigation system was completed on the outside of the home, adding the fan and rest of piping, to finally complete the Radon Mitigation System.

Step 4:
Enjoying a safer home.

With a Radon Mitigation System installed, air quality in your home changes dramatically, decreasing the levels of Radon, and increasing your health. With a Radon Mitigation System from MidAmerica Basement Systems, you and your family will breathe happier and healthier.

Free Radon Mitigation System Estimate, click here.

More on Radon Testing, click here.

More on Radon Levels, click here.

For more information on Radon, click here.