Radon Mitigation Green BayRadon mitigation in Green Bay, or radon abatement as some people call it, is becoming commonplace for homeowners throughout Northeast, WI. Over 50% of homes in some parts of the Green Bay area are estimated to have a radon level over 4.0pCi/L according to testing done by the Wisconsin DHS. 4.0 pCi/L is the radon level set by the EPA where they strongly suggest homeowners to take action and install a radon mitigation system. Radon is a noble gas which means it cannot be detected by sight, smell or touch, so the only way to know what your homes radon level sits at is properly testing for it. Radon testing is the crucial first step to the radon mitigation process, and contrary to what you might think, it is a quick and cost effective process. If you have a radon test done in your Green Bay home and it comes back high, the next step is to get an estimate for a radon mitigation and set up a time to have that installed. The entire process is fairly painless and installations only take about a half day to complete. If you have questions about radon testing or radon mitigation for your home in Green Bay give us a call and our trained staff will be happy to assist you!
Green Bay Radon Mitigation ProcessWhether you need a radon mitigation system as part of a real estate deal, or you simply are looking into keeping you and your family safe from the dangers of radon gas, the process is pretty similar.
1. Radon Testing: The first step in the radon mitigation process is to do a proper radon test to see if your home does indeed need a system. Testing can be done in a variety of ways depending on your needs and what kind of results you are looking for. Digital testing: Digital testing requires having a certified radon technician come to your home in Green Bay to set up the specialized radon testing monitor. This test can be done in as little as 48hrs and once completed the technician will pick up the monitor and send you over a detailed report of the radon levels hour by hour and an overall average. This type of test is most common in real estate transactions because of how quickly results can be generated, and because of how accurate the monitors are. |
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Charcoal Testing: DIY Charcoal tests are pretty common and can be purchased from us for only $25 (lab fees included). These tests are set up by you the homeowner, whenever you decide you want it done. Once opened the activated charcoal can be exposed 3-7 days depending on how long you want the test to run. After that period is completed, the test kit already has a sealing strip and the postage on the packet so all you need to do is seal it up and drop it into the mail. The kit is then shipped to a 3rd party lab who analyzes it and sends the results to you via email. This is the most cost effective radon testing method and is a good starting point if you are curious about your radon level.
Continuous Monitor: For homeowners who want to track their radon level day to day and get averages weekly, monthly and yearly, we offer a continuous radon monitoring device that connects to your phone. This monitor stays on 24/7 and tracks not only the radon level in the basement, but the humidity and the temperature as well. This is a good option for homeowners who want to constantly track their radon level and see longer averages.
Continuous Monitor: For homeowners who want to track their radon level day to day and get averages weekly, monthly and yearly, we offer a continuous radon monitoring device that connects to your phone. This monitor stays on 24/7 and tracks not only the radon level in the basement, but the humidity and the temperature as well. This is a good option for homeowners who want to constantly track their radon level and see longer averages.
2. Getting a Radon Mitigation Estimate
Once you have test results, it’s time to decide whether or not you should take action on your homes radon issue. The EPA has the action level at 4.0pCi/L, so if you home’s test results come back above that, they strongly suggest putting in a radon mitigation system. 4.0pCi/L is also what most real estate transactions go off of when deciding whether or not a system is needed to sell the home. However if you are looking into installing a system for you and your family's health, the world health organization's action level is 2.7 pCi/L. No level of radon is considered “safe” so even if you are a little below 4.0pCi/L you might still want to look into getting system for that piece of mind. For homes in the Neenah area we offer two different options to get an estimate.
The first option for an estimate is over the phone, and this can be done in as little as 10-15 minutes. We have a set of questions that we have put together from our 21 years of business that can determine what kind of system can be right for your home. Once we run through the questions we can explain the pricing and send you over an estimate quickly over email. The only times we truly need to come out to your home is if you have an exposed gravel or dirt crawlspace in the basement.
If you feel more comfortable having one of our technicians come out to your home in Green Bay to run through the process and give you a price on site, we can always set up a time to come out. Depending on our schedule we can usually come out the same week as your initial call.
Once you receive your estimate either in person or over the phone, it’s now up to you whether or not you want to move forward with the install. Many homeowners gather more than one quote, which is smart, but before you do that make sure you know your exact needs.
If you are installing a radon mitigation system for a home sale, consider these factors before deciding on a company:
If you are installing a radon system for the safety of you and your family consider these factors:
The biggest things to look out for are:
Fan Placement: The fan must not be placed in any livable areas such as the basement or a closet inside of the home. The only places the fan can be installed are the garage, the attic, or the exterior of the home.
Vent Placement: To safely mitigate radon from the home, the piping must vent at least 6 inches above the roofline and at least 10 feet away from any windows to prevent the radon from getting blown back into the living space.
Electrical: The fan must be either hardwired or plugged in to an outlet within 6 ft of where it is placed. The cord can not be run back through the joist into the basement to be plugged in. Poor electrical practices by non certified installers can cause fires.
Sealing the sump crock: In order for the system to create the negative pressure needed to mitigate the radon from your home, the sump crock must be sealed down air tight. If this is not done, not only will the system not be as effective as it should be, it also can backdraft carbon monoxide back into the home.
For a free radon mitigation estimate at your home in Green Bay, call now!
Once you have test results, it’s time to decide whether or not you should take action on your homes radon issue. The EPA has the action level at 4.0pCi/L, so if you home’s test results come back above that, they strongly suggest putting in a radon mitigation system. 4.0pCi/L is also what most real estate transactions go off of when deciding whether or not a system is needed to sell the home. However if you are looking into installing a system for you and your family's health, the world health organization's action level is 2.7 pCi/L. No level of radon is considered “safe” so even if you are a little below 4.0pCi/L you might still want to look into getting system for that piece of mind. For homes in the Neenah area we offer two different options to get an estimate.
The first option for an estimate is over the phone, and this can be done in as little as 10-15 minutes. We have a set of questions that we have put together from our 21 years of business that can determine what kind of system can be right for your home. Once we run through the questions we can explain the pricing and send you over an estimate quickly over email. The only times we truly need to come out to your home is if you have an exposed gravel or dirt crawlspace in the basement.
If you feel more comfortable having one of our technicians come out to your home in Green Bay to run through the process and give you a price on site, we can always set up a time to come out. Depending on our schedule we can usually come out the same week as your initial call.
Once you receive your estimate either in person or over the phone, it’s now up to you whether or not you want to move forward with the install. Many homeowners gather more than one quote, which is smart, but before you do that make sure you know your exact needs.
If you are installing a radon mitigation system for a home sale, consider these factors before deciding on a company:
- Does the radon company offer a digital retest after install? After all of our installations for real estate transactions we do a digital test that can get results back to you in three days. Not only is this ideal for getting results quickly to get everything completed before your closing date, but it also is the most accurate testing option. Some companies will leave you with a charcoal testing kit even if you are working with a closing date and that can be problematic since it sometimes can take more than a week to get results and on some occasions can get lost or damaged in the mail.
- How responsive is the radon company? Some smaller radon companies only have one or two guys in total, so they have a tough time answering your calls during the day. Although these guys might be cheaper, poor communication can end up being costly. In real estate transactions communication is key to getting the deal done, so if you have any issues or need the company to quickly send a lien waiver or answer any questions or concerns you have about the install you want a company who will answer the phones. Our company has five office staff members who are there to answer all of your calls and send you any information you need quickly. If you need to close on your home, don’t risk it over a little price difference.
- Is the radon company certified and do they follow building and electrical codes? This is a very important aspect to consider and ask about. Some companies have a lower price because they either don’t mention electrical cost when they do the estimate, or they are doing their own. In either case this can be extremely problematic. If they chose not to tell you a master electrician may be needed until the day on install, you will be left to find your own electrician who most likely won't be able to come out the same day let alone the same week, and you will be billed separately. If they are doing their own electrical work, make sure they actually have a master electrician on staff pulling the correct permits for that work because many companies don’t. When the inspector comes around and sees that electrical work was done without a permit, you will receive a big fine and your closing may be delayed. Our company works with one of the biggest electrical companies in the state if electrical work is needed and we can coordinate them to come the same day as us. We are also certified by AARST and the NRPP which means we follow all of the EPA standards for radon mitigation and ethics.
If you are installing a radon system for the safety of you and your family consider these factors:
- What will the radon system look like? There are two main places the piping and fan for the radon system can run. Those two places are through the garage, or up the exterior of the home. The labor for a garage system is more intensive than an exterior system so many companies charge extra to do that option or they won’t do it at all. If a garage system is truly possible for your home, it can be the best option especially for aesthetics. If you are going to be living in the home you are installing the system into and not doing the install simply to just sell, why not make sure you are getting the best option for your home aesthetically and mechanically. This is another area where being cheap can be costly. The cheapest companies just want to get done as quick as possible and to do that they are going to want to put the system in the easiest area to get to , which could include the front of the house. In the past, homeowners have paid us to move their current systems installed by other companies because they hated the placement. Let us work with you to find a spot that is ideal for everyone.
- Will the radon company follow all of the EPA guidelines for radon mitigation in Green Bay? It’s not as common anymore for bigger companies to break the EPA regulations, but it is something to look out for with cheaper companies.
The biggest things to look out for are:
Fan Placement: The fan must not be placed in any livable areas such as the basement or a closet inside of the home. The only places the fan can be installed are the garage, the attic, or the exterior of the home.
Vent Placement: To safely mitigate radon from the home, the piping must vent at least 6 inches above the roofline and at least 10 feet away from any windows to prevent the radon from getting blown back into the living space.
Electrical: The fan must be either hardwired or plugged in to an outlet within 6 ft of where it is placed. The cord can not be run back through the joist into the basement to be plugged in. Poor electrical practices by non certified installers can cause fires.
Sealing the sump crock: In order for the system to create the negative pressure needed to mitigate the radon from your home, the sump crock must be sealed down air tight. If this is not done, not only will the system not be as effective as it should be, it also can backdraft carbon monoxide back into the home.
- Does the radon company have the manpower to service your system if needed? We get 10-15 calls a week from homeowners who have a system installed by a different company needing service on their system. This is for a number of reasons, but the main ones are, the company they used in the past is out of business, or the company they used won’t pick up their phone. If you install a radon system with us, you will not be left in the lurch when it comes to service. We have five technicians in the field and five office staff members eagerly waiting to help you out with any problem you may face with your system.
For a free radon mitigation estimate at your home in Green Bay, call now!
3. Radon Mitigation Installation
After choosing to accept the proposal from the estimate you have received, it is time for the installation process. Depending on your home in Neenah there are a few different processes to install a radon mitigation system to effectively lower the radon level in your home.
When starting in the basement there are a few different methods of getting the proper suction underneath your home to mitigate the radon. The correct method is determined by the construction of your home.
Drain-tile Depressurization: The most common way effective way to mitigate radon from a home is to utilize the drain tile. Most homes built after the late 1950’s have a drain tile system and it most likely is connected to a sump crock. To access the drain tile we core a 4 inch hole into the basement floor and tie the piping into the existing drain tile. Once the pipe is sealed to the floor the piping extends up the basement wall. After the fan is placed on the exterior of the home or in the garage, we are able to pull air from the drain tile to create negative pressure underneath your home to draw the radon into our piping to be safely vented above the roofline.
Sub-slab Depressurization: For homes that do not have a sump pump or drain tile, a process called sub slab depressurization (SSD) needs to be done. With this process, we core the 4 inch hole into the floor and then dig out about 5-10 gallons worth of material from underneath the home to create a collection point for the radon to be drawn into. Once the rest of the system is in place, this should create a negative pressure underneath the home great enough to draw the radon into the piping to be vented out. For much larger homes, sometimes this method requires two collection points to cover the increased square footage.
Sub-membrane Depressurization: For homes with crawl spaces that do not have a concrete slab or only have a partial slab, a vapor barrier needs to be placed over the gravel or dirt areas. Once completely sealed down to prevent radon from seeping in to the home, the piping for the radon system is then attached to the vapor barrier and similar to the other styles creates a negative pressure to draw the radon out.
Once the piping has been sealed to the floor there are two options to run the system:
Garage Style Radon Mitigation Systems: If a garage style radon mitigation system is possible in the home, it tends to be the most preferred system by homeowners. For the garage system to be possible we need an unfinished area of the basement that sits on the same side of where the garage is attached to the home. The piping starts in the basement runs up the basement wall, penetrates through the joist into the garage, the fan is then placed in the garage and the piping extends up the garage wall to be vented through the roof. The only visible component of the system from the exterior of the home will be a small vent stack on the roof.
There are three major benefits of a garage style radon mitigation system:
Exterior style radon mitigation systems: If the garage style system is not possible or preferred, an exterior system is always an option. With this style of system the piping starts in the basement the same way as a garage system, but instead of running through the joist into the garage, the pipe is run to the exterior of the home. The fan is then placed on the exterior per EPA regulations and then the piping must extend 6-12 inches above the roofline. We understand that aesthetics is a concern with exterior systems for many homeowners, so we do everything we can to install the piping in the least visible area possible for your home. The pipe and fan can be painted after install if you do choose to have the system match your homes color.
To find out what style of radon system is the best for your home in Green Bay, give us a call or visit our website to receive a free estimate!
Post Radon Mitigation: After the radon mitigation system has been installed in your home you will be set up with a retest to ensure the system is working properly and that the radon levels are safely below the EPA action level of 4.0. Once you have received your results and you home is now at a satisfactory level, the only things you need to do as a homeowner is keep an eye on the manometer (U-Tube) located on the pipe in the basement to make sure the fan is still running throughout the years, and retest the home every 2 years to make sure the levels have continued to stay low. If you ever have issues or questions about a radon system that our company has installed we are here to help! We have one of the largest office staffs in the business and we will never leave you in the lurch. Call us for more information and a free estimate on your home in Green Bay today! Why risk it?
After choosing to accept the proposal from the estimate you have received, it is time for the installation process. Depending on your home in Neenah there are a few different processes to install a radon mitigation system to effectively lower the radon level in your home.
When starting in the basement there are a few different methods of getting the proper suction underneath your home to mitigate the radon. The correct method is determined by the construction of your home.
Drain-tile Depressurization: The most common way effective way to mitigate radon from a home is to utilize the drain tile. Most homes built after the late 1950’s have a drain tile system and it most likely is connected to a sump crock. To access the drain tile we core a 4 inch hole into the basement floor and tie the piping into the existing drain tile. Once the pipe is sealed to the floor the piping extends up the basement wall. After the fan is placed on the exterior of the home or in the garage, we are able to pull air from the drain tile to create negative pressure underneath your home to draw the radon into our piping to be safely vented above the roofline.
Sub-slab Depressurization: For homes that do not have a sump pump or drain tile, a process called sub slab depressurization (SSD) needs to be done. With this process, we core the 4 inch hole into the floor and then dig out about 5-10 gallons worth of material from underneath the home to create a collection point for the radon to be drawn into. Once the rest of the system is in place, this should create a negative pressure underneath the home great enough to draw the radon into the piping to be vented out. For much larger homes, sometimes this method requires two collection points to cover the increased square footage.
Sub-membrane Depressurization: For homes with crawl spaces that do not have a concrete slab or only have a partial slab, a vapor barrier needs to be placed over the gravel or dirt areas. Once completely sealed down to prevent radon from seeping in to the home, the piping for the radon system is then attached to the vapor barrier and similar to the other styles creates a negative pressure to draw the radon out.
Once the piping has been sealed to the floor there are two options to run the system:
Garage Style Radon Mitigation Systems: If a garage style radon mitigation system is possible in the home, it tends to be the most preferred system by homeowners. For the garage system to be possible we need an unfinished area of the basement that sits on the same side of where the garage is attached to the home. The piping starts in the basement runs up the basement wall, penetrates through the joist into the garage, the fan is then placed in the garage and the piping extends up the garage wall to be vented through the roof. The only visible component of the system from the exterior of the home will be a small vent stack on the roof.
There are three major benefits of a garage style radon mitigation system:
- Aesthetics - As mentioned before, with garage systems the piping runs mostly through the garage and can only be seen as a vent stack on the roof similar to a plumbing vent stack. Most homeowners prefer this if possible to preserve the aesthetics of their home.
- Price - Many times garage systems can be more cost effective than an exterior system. This is because most homes have existing electrical outlets in the garage for the fan to plug into. If there are outlets in the garage that we can use to plug the fan into, the price for the system will be lessened.
- Life of the system- Winters in Green Bay can be brutal, and that can take a toll on the fan when it’s placed on the exterior. So if possible the garage system is the best option for keeping the radon system running as long as possible. We do offer the longest fan warranty in the business of 7 years, but beyond that we see systems last 15-20 years when installed in the garage.
Exterior style radon mitigation systems: If the garage style system is not possible or preferred, an exterior system is always an option. With this style of system the piping starts in the basement the same way as a garage system, but instead of running through the joist into the garage, the pipe is run to the exterior of the home. The fan is then placed on the exterior per EPA regulations and then the piping must extend 6-12 inches above the roofline. We understand that aesthetics is a concern with exterior systems for many homeowners, so we do everything we can to install the piping in the least visible area possible for your home. The pipe and fan can be painted after install if you do choose to have the system match your homes color.
To find out what style of radon system is the best for your home in Green Bay, give us a call or visit our website to receive a free estimate!
Post Radon Mitigation: After the radon mitigation system has been installed in your home you will be set up with a retest to ensure the system is working properly and that the radon levels are safely below the EPA action level of 4.0. Once you have received your results and you home is now at a satisfactory level, the only things you need to do as a homeowner is keep an eye on the manometer (U-Tube) located on the pipe in the basement to make sure the fan is still running throughout the years, and retest the home every 2 years to make sure the levels have continued to stay low. If you ever have issues or questions about a radon system that our company has installed we are here to help! We have one of the largest office staffs in the business and we will never leave you in the lurch. Call us for more information and a free estimate on your home in Green Bay today! Why risk it?
Information & Hours
Do not hesitate to call or email us at anytime! Because we are generally out in the field serving members of the community, the telephone, contact forms, and email are the best methods of correspondence.
Lifetime Radon Mitigation Green Bay821 Derby Ln
Green Bay, WI 54301 920-212-6326Hours of OperationOffice Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Telephone Hours: 24 Hours/Day | 7 days/week |