Radon Mitigation in DuluthRadon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. 22,000 people die because of radon caused lung cancer in the United States annually. Many deaths can be prevented just by taking simple, effective steps to reduce the elevated radon levels in the houses. The United States Environmental Protection Agency - USEPA – evaluates that 1 in 15 homes have elevated radon levels. In Duluth 2 in 5 homes have higher radon levels posing a serious health issue. The factors that contribute to a higher level are the state geology and the climate. Radon enters the home via the surrounding soil. If you do not take the necessary steps it can become a serious threat to your health. Radon testing and radon mitigation is becoming more common in Duluth as homeowners are starting to learn more about the dangers of radon gas. Radon gas takes the path of least resistance into your home. If there is an entry point between the home and soil, then it creates an air pressure difference between the interior and soil that allows the radon gas to enter the home.
During the heating season, negative air pressure enters the home. It means the air pressure inside the home is lower than the surrounding air and soil. Other factors that contribute to air pressure changes in your home include:
Radon Testing in Duluth
If your house is found to have a level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, it is highly recommended by the EPA that you install a radon mitigation system. Even if the levels are above 2.0 pCi/L it is a good idea to look into putting a radon mitigation system in, because there really are no levels of radon gas that are considered truly safe.
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Radon gas cannot be detected by simply residing in the area where it is present, however there are testing options available to you in order to determine the levels of radon gas in your home. It is recommended to rely on a radon mitigation and testing company like us who are well trained and have a deep understanding of the readings. We can often detect the leakage points by estimating the differences in levels between various areas of the building. This is how we help in radon abatement (radon removal) process in Duluth. It is the basement where the radon remediation process starts. Radon is believed to be the second leading cause of the lung cancer. We do offer a DIY testing kit that can be set up and sent in to our lab for a low price, but, hiring a professional is always recommended when you are buying or selling a house. When having one of our certified radon testing professionals come in, they set up a short term digital monitor in your home and results can get back to you in 48 hours. This is the ideal option for homeowners in the midst of a real estate transaction because the results are accurate and ultra fast. To schedule a test for your home in Duluth give us a call and we will be happy to help!
Radon Mitigation Installation in Duluth
Installation of an Active Soil Depressurization System (ASD) is the most common way to mitigate a house. An ASD radon mitigation system uses a PVC pipe that penetrates into the slab of the basement of the home and extends up the basement wall. The piping then runs through the rim joist and either into the garage or out to the exterior of the home . The radon suction fan is then placed either in the garage or outside of the home and the piping extends up above the roofline. Sealing is done on all open cracks in the slab or basement. Sump crocks and other pathways are also sealed to block the entry of radon. After the mitigation system installed, an additional radon testing should be performed to ensure that radon levels are at safe levels.
The following is just a few things we do during installation:
The following is just a few things we do during installation:
- Test the sub-slab consistency: We check the airflow beneath the slab to ensure the system will be able to draw in the radon particles. If the material under the home is dense, an upgraded fan may be necessary.
- Seal cracks in the foundation walls and floor: To create the right amount of negative pressure and suction, we must seal any cracks or holes in the foundation or basement floor including the sump crock.
- Pipe installation: The piping should run from beneath the slab and extend through an exit point that is above the roof line. We start this by coring a 4 inch hole into the basement floor and then either tapping into the existing drain tile system, or digging a suction pit. The type of home will determine what the right method is to properly install the system. Utilization of a suction pit is the most common method used in the Duluth area because many homes do not have a sump crock or drain tile system.
Radon Mitigation Companies Near Me
If you have discovered the presence of radon gas in your house, you must seek a well-certified company which has a good feedback among its customer base. Feel free to check around, our company has five star reviews across the board, so if you don’t trust what we are telling you, trust what other homeowners are saying about us.. A written contract is always better with companies who have the license and certifications required to install radon mitigation systems. Utilizing an unlicensed or uncertified company is a risky endeavor. Check that the company you want to go with adheres to the EPA standards for radon mitigation. Failure to follow these standards can result in serious issues such as failing to pass inspections and even more serious issues like system malfunctions or fires. Our company has been in the radon mitigation business for 21 years and our technicians have over 30 years of combined experience. We aren’t saying that you must go with us for radon mitigation installation, but we strongly recommend using a certified and well known company you can trust. Give us a call for more information and a free quote for your home in Duluth today!