Good day, residents of Lewiston! This is your neighborhood radon testing team with a comprehensive guide to testing your home for this hazardous gas.
Let’s start by going over what exactly radon is. Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps up from the ground and can enter homes through small openings.
The problem arises when radon becomes trapped in an enclosed space. It can then build up to dangerous levels inside a home. Since you can’t see, taste, or smell radon, the only way to know if it’s present is to test for it.
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s explore the top things you should know about getting your Lewiston home tested for radon:
Choosing a Reliable Radon
Test Kit Many kinds of do-it-yourself radon test kits are available from hardware stores, online retailers, or Radon Testing in Lewiston Maine laboratories. We recommend choosing an approved charcoal canister or alpha track test kit. These reliable detectors make testing easy and hassle-free.
Where to Place the Radon Detectors
To get accurate results, the test kits need to be put in the lowest lived-in level of your home. This means the basement if you spend time there, or the ground floor. Place the detector 20-39 inches off the floor in a spot where it won’t get disturbed.
Length of Time to Test Radon test kits require placement for a minimum of 48 hours up to 90 days depending on the device. Short-term tests of 2-5 days give a snapshot of levels at that time. For a long-term average, a 3-month test is ideal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the testing duration.
Checking Test Kit Results
Once finished testing, you’ll seal up the device and mail it to the lab per the provided instructions. The lab will analyze it using a special instrument and inform you of your radon level results. This level gets reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Interpreting Radon Levels
The EPA recommends taking action if your home’s radon level is 4 pCi/L or greater. Under 4 pCi/L is considered safe. Between 4-8 pCi/L warrants fixing within a few years. Above 8 pCi/L means making modifications within months to reduce radon.
Cost of Radon Testing Kits Prices for do-it-yourself radon test kits vary, but often cost between $15-$50 per kit. Many certified radon measurement services also provide test kits. Calling in a radon pro costs more but is hassle-free.
What if My Home Has High Radon?
Don’t panic if your radon level is above 4 pCi/L. Many good mitigation options exist, like sealing entry points, installing ventilation pipes, and using radon sump systems. A certified radon mitigation contractor can customize a reduction plan for your dwelling.
Doing a Follow-up Test If your initial results showed dangerous radon levels, make sure to retest your home after making any changes to confirm the mitigation was successful and levels have lowered.
As you can see, getting your home tested for radon in Lewiston is quite straightforward when you know the basic processes. Protect your family’s health by taking this important step. Reach out if you need help getting started with radon testing!
