It's quite encouraging that more and more people are taking radon gas testing more serious. Maybe the agony it has caused many is the main source of this awareness. Nevertheless, we should not take chances when it comes to this gas and actually we should ensure that the test is done in our homes either by professionals or doing it ourselves with a home test kit.
Even though the home test kits are helpful, we definitely need the help of a special laboratory for analyzing the results of the test. One thing that is noticeable is that the levels of this gas can change depending on the weather. For instance, in winter the levels tend to be much higher while in summer the levels are quite lower. Nevertheless, if you live in a house that is third floor and upwards, then the risks are quite minimal.
When it comes to radon testing, devices that require longer periods of time in testing are more reliable and accurate. The reasoning behind this is that, radon levels change depending on the seasons and thus this devices that are long-term are able to get the average gas value of different seasons. Nevertheless, the minimum time that you need to expose the kit may carry depending on the device that you have.
On windy and stormy days Colorado radon testing might not be reliable and thus it's advisable for one to check the weather forecast before carrying out the test. However, if you prefer to go for short-term testing, then you should ensure that you keep all the windows and doors closed for about twelve hours before you start the test. This way, you'll be able to get accurate results.
More Articles about Radon Testing
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Denver Radon Test
Radon can be very devastating. In fact, living without being sure of radon levels in your house is quite risky. Therefore, to get clear analysis on the levels of this gas, you'll definitely need a radon test kit. This kits are available from National safety council, and they come in low prices that even cover lab analysis and postage costs.
A radon test kit will normally be accompanied by instructions on how to go about while measuring. Afterwords, the kit is sent to the laboratory for analysis and depending on the complexity of the test, the period within which you'll get the results may vary. Where exactly will you place your kit? Well, even though it may be provided for in the instructions, it's better if you placed on the lowest part of the house e.g the basement. Such places as the bathroom, kitchen, hallway or the laundry room have high moisture levels and will tamper with the accuracy of the results.
If your living room, bedroom or the study are located in the ground floor, then this are the areas that should be tested first. However, make sure that you or anyone else does not move the kit when in sampling process. Generally the kits are found in variety of types and thus you should specify the type you're interested in while making the order. You can either buy online or order one trough the phone.
Normally, the gas levels will vary from time to time and thus you should use the radon test kit as often. However, in case you change the ventilation systems, you renovate the house or there are earthquakes and so on, then you should test for radon levels again.
A2ZRadon Mitigation is Denver radon removal company. They help home owners lower the radon levels below 4.0. For More Information on Radon test kit, Visit His Site at RADON TEST KIT. You Can Also Add Your Views About Radon test kit At My Blog here RADON TEST KIT
A radon test kit will normally be accompanied by instructions on how to go about while measuring. Afterwords, the kit is sent to the laboratory for analysis and depending on the complexity of the test, the period within which you'll get the results may vary. Where exactly will you place your kit? Well, even though it may be provided for in the instructions, it's better if you placed on the lowest part of the house e.g the basement. Such places as the bathroom, kitchen, hallway or the laundry room have high moisture levels and will tamper with the accuracy of the results.
If your living room, bedroom or the study are located in the ground floor, then this are the areas that should be tested first. However, make sure that you or anyone else does not move the kit when in sampling process. Generally the kits are found in variety of types and thus you should specify the type you're interested in while making the order. You can either buy online or order one trough the phone.
Normally, the gas levels will vary from time to time and thus you should use the radon test kit as often. However, in case you change the ventilation systems, you renovate the house or there are earthquakes and so on, then you should test for radon levels again.
A2ZRadon Mitigation is Denver radon removal company. They help home owners lower the radon levels below 4.0. For More Information on Radon test kit, Visit His Site at RADON TEST KIT. You Can Also Add Your Views About Radon test kit At My Blog here RADON TEST KIT
Radon Mitigation - Fixing a Radon Problem the Right Way
What needs to be done?
If a home's radon level is 4 picocuries per liter or more, the EPA recommends a radon mitigation system (sometimes called radon remediation) to be installed.
A common method utilized to reduce the radon level is "sub slab depressurization". In this case, a suction point or points are determined and a pipe is inserted through the concrete slab floor. This pipe is connected to other PVC piping and a fan is positioned on the pipe outside the living area. The fan then draws the radon gas from beneath the home and vents it to the outside. A radon mitigation system can cost between $900-$2500.
Choosing a Radon Mitigation Company
A qualified radon mitigation company is your best choice for installation of a radon mitigation system.
In many states, these companies or individuals are certified by a state regulatory agency such as the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). If this is not true in your state, then you should look for a qualified mitigator who is NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) certified. When choosing a radon mitigation company, you should ask for their state or NEHA certification number, if they offer free estimates, and a warranty on the system.
Typically, the mitigation company will visit the home to determine the best configuration of the system and the size of the fan for the type of foundation the house is built on. An estimate of cost for a system can then be determined. After choosing the contractor, plan on 1-2 days for installation.
As always, beware of the lowest bidder. Check for references, job examples, and the amount of time the contractor has been in business.
Life After Radon Mitigation
It is recommended that a radon mitigation system be tested after installation. A test may be performed after the system has been operational for 24 hours or more. A short-term test is usually used for the initial test. In some cases, the estimate given by the contractor may include the retest by a professional company or radon test kits.
A follow-up test is suggested every year to monitor the system's continued effectiveness.
Arick Amspacker is a certified radon technician and home inspector. Over the years he has taught continuing education courses for Realtors and many first time home buyers seminars, as well as a Community College course on inspections and radon. His website http://www.homeradontest.com sells various types of inexpensive, easy to use radon testing devices, and http://www.radonreporter.com offers a resource for radon information.
If a home's radon level is 4 picocuries per liter or more, the EPA recommends a radon mitigation system (sometimes called radon remediation) to be installed.
A common method utilized to reduce the radon level is "sub slab depressurization". In this case, a suction point or points are determined and a pipe is inserted through the concrete slab floor. This pipe is connected to other PVC piping and a fan is positioned on the pipe outside the living area. The fan then draws the radon gas from beneath the home and vents it to the outside. A radon mitigation system can cost between $900-$2500.
Choosing a Radon Mitigation Company
A qualified radon mitigation company is your best choice for installation of a radon mitigation system.
In many states, these companies or individuals are certified by a state regulatory agency such as the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). If this is not true in your state, then you should look for a qualified mitigator who is NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) certified. When choosing a radon mitigation company, you should ask for their state or NEHA certification number, if they offer free estimates, and a warranty on the system.
Typically, the mitigation company will visit the home to determine the best configuration of the system and the size of the fan for the type of foundation the house is built on. An estimate of cost for a system can then be determined. After choosing the contractor, plan on 1-2 days for installation.
As always, beware of the lowest bidder. Check for references, job examples, and the amount of time the contractor has been in business.
Life After Radon Mitigation
It is recommended that a radon mitigation system be tested after installation. A test may be performed after the system has been operational for 24 hours or more. A short-term test is usually used for the initial test. In some cases, the estimate given by the contractor may include the retest by a professional company or radon test kits.
A follow-up test is suggested every year to monitor the system's continued effectiveness.
Arick Amspacker is a certified radon technician and home inspector. Over the years he has taught continuing education courses for Realtors and many first time home buyers seminars, as well as a Community College course on inspections and radon. His website http://www.homeradontest.com sells various types of inexpensive, easy to use radon testing devices, and http://www.radonreporter.com offers a resource for radon information.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Denver Radon Mitigation System
If you've done a radon test and the results came back showing that the level is higher than 4 PCi/L, then you definitely need to install a radon mitigation system. Usually this system keeps the gas concentration to lower levels that cannot be harmful. In fact, it lowers the levels up to 2 PCi/L. Interestingly, If you later decide to sell the house installed with this system, the price will be definitely tangible.
Basically, it would be best to inquire from an expert opinion before installing any radon mitigation system. However, if you choose not to, then you ought to consider certain criteria. For instance, the type of foundation and the design of the house. Here you'll find that there are houses that have a simple space under the first floor, some with concrete-poured on the ground level, some that combine these two foundation designs, others with a crawl space and half a slab-on-grade etc.
Whichever the design of your house, there are several procedures that may be required to achieve radon mitigation. Generally, you can opt for prevention by using special devices that may prevent radon from entering the house or you can choose to lower the gas concentration. Installing underground fans, radon contractors, sealing cracks and openings in the walls etc, are some of the measures you can undertake to control of the radon.
Such things as the soil type beneath the house, foundation design and so on, are some of the special diagnostic tests that should be done before you start on the radon process. Nevertheless, it would be better and wise to talk to the team in charge of the whole procedure and analyze every detail together.
If you need a radon test in Denver or you are interested in hearing more about Denver radon mitigation, give A2Z Radon Mitigation a call: (303) 832-9218 or check out their website http://www.a2zradon.com/ . A2Z Radon Mitigation specialize in installing radon mitigation systems and radon removal.
More on Radon Testing
Basically, it would be best to inquire from an expert opinion before installing any radon mitigation system. However, if you choose not to, then you ought to consider certain criteria. For instance, the type of foundation and the design of the house. Here you'll find that there are houses that have a simple space under the first floor, some with concrete-poured on the ground level, some that combine these two foundation designs, others with a crawl space and half a slab-on-grade etc.
Whichever the design of your house, there are several procedures that may be required to achieve radon mitigation. Generally, you can opt for prevention by using special devices that may prevent radon from entering the house or you can choose to lower the gas concentration. Installing underground fans, radon contractors, sealing cracks and openings in the walls etc, are some of the measures you can undertake to control of the radon.
Such things as the soil type beneath the house, foundation design and so on, are some of the special diagnostic tests that should be done before you start on the radon process. Nevertheless, it would be better and wise to talk to the team in charge of the whole procedure and analyze every detail together.
If you need a radon test in Denver or you are interested in hearing more about Denver radon mitigation, give A2Z Radon Mitigation a call: (303) 832-9218 or check out their website http://www.a2zradon.com/ . A2Z Radon Mitigation specialize in installing radon mitigation systems and radon removal.
More on Radon Testing
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Should You Test for Radon?
(Source: Chris Robertson)
Most people don't think much about Radon, and yet Radon can have a major impact on their health and that of their families. That's because Radon can seep into homes and contaminate the air inside. That's a major reason for concern as Radon is a major cause of lung cancer, second only after cigarette smoking. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are over 20,000 deaths in the United States every year due to exposure to Radon. How are we getting exposed to Radon, and what can a homeowner do about it?
Radon is a gas that is formed naturally when uranium in rock, soil and groundwater breaks down. The Radon gas then finds its way up to the surface. Unlike other forms of pollution or dangerous gasses, you can neither see nor smell Radon. Most of the time, Radon harmlessly dissipates into the atmosphere outdoors, as it has for millions of years, and it isn't a problem at all. It does become a problem when it finds its way into your house. How can that happen?
In many ways. What happens is that the Radon gas in the soil under your home collects in the void and air spaces under the foundation slab and gradually enters the home. It can also enter through cracks in foundations or even through showers and drainage sumps. Most new homes have much better insulation than in the past, of so the Radon gas becomes trapped indoors. So in this case the better insulation and sealing actually works against you. What can be done to fix a home with a Radon problem?
There are two basic ways to handle the problem. One of them is to install pipes that suck the Radon gas away from the spaces beneath the foundation and harmlessly expel it to the outside above the roof via an electric fan connected to exterior pipes. Another is to run the pipes inside the house or the garage so that the Radon is expelled outside above the roof. In this case, the electric fan is located in the attic, so the components of the system cannot be seen from the outside of the home. Both of these methods are referred to as Radon reduction or "mitigation" systems. According to Jamey Gelina, a radon specialist with The Air Quality Control Agency, "Radon gas can be reduced to safe levels in practically any home when the proper mitigation techniques are applied."
How do homeowners know whether or not their house is exposed to Radon? That's where Radon testing comes in. Radon occurs all over the United States, so testing should be pretty much mandatory. Testing is fairly simple and can be done by qualified testing services that install a detection device and then examine the results after a few days. This will reliably determine if the Radon levels in a home are high enough to require a Radon mitigation system. About one in every 15 homes in the US has excessive Radon levels, and Radon testing is mandatory in many states when you buy or sell a home. Even if it's not, given the potential health risks, it's foolish not to test one's home.
If testing reveals elevated Radon levels, a Radon mitigation system must be installed. Installation isn't difficult and it's a proven and effective technology, but it must be done right. There are many qualified mitigation system installers with certified and licensed technicians, so pick someone who's been in the business for a while to remove this potentially deadly thread from your home.
Back to Denver Radon Tests
Most people don't think much about Radon, and yet Radon can have a major impact on their health and that of their families. That's because Radon can seep into homes and contaminate the air inside. That's a major reason for concern as Radon is a major cause of lung cancer, second only after cigarette smoking. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are over 20,000 deaths in the United States every year due to exposure to Radon. How are we getting exposed to Radon, and what can a homeowner do about it?
Radon is a gas that is formed naturally when uranium in rock, soil and groundwater breaks down. The Radon gas then finds its way up to the surface. Unlike other forms of pollution or dangerous gasses, you can neither see nor smell Radon. Most of the time, Radon harmlessly dissipates into the atmosphere outdoors, as it has for millions of years, and it isn't a problem at all. It does become a problem when it finds its way into your house. How can that happen?
In many ways. What happens is that the Radon gas in the soil under your home collects in the void and air spaces under the foundation slab and gradually enters the home. It can also enter through cracks in foundations or even through showers and drainage sumps. Most new homes have much better insulation than in the past, of so the Radon gas becomes trapped indoors. So in this case the better insulation and sealing actually works against you. What can be done to fix a home with a Radon problem?
There are two basic ways to handle the problem. One of them is to install pipes that suck the Radon gas away from the spaces beneath the foundation and harmlessly expel it to the outside above the roof via an electric fan connected to exterior pipes. Another is to run the pipes inside the house or the garage so that the Radon is expelled outside above the roof. In this case, the electric fan is located in the attic, so the components of the system cannot be seen from the outside of the home. Both of these methods are referred to as Radon reduction or "mitigation" systems. According to Jamey Gelina, a radon specialist with The Air Quality Control Agency, "Radon gas can be reduced to safe levels in practically any home when the proper mitigation techniques are applied."
How do homeowners know whether or not their house is exposed to Radon? That's where Radon testing comes in. Radon occurs all over the United States, so testing should be pretty much mandatory. Testing is fairly simple and can be done by qualified testing services that install a detection device and then examine the results after a few days. This will reliably determine if the Radon levels in a home are high enough to require a Radon mitigation system. About one in every 15 homes in the US has excessive Radon levels, and Radon testing is mandatory in many states when you buy or sell a home. Even if it's not, given the potential health risks, it's foolish not to test one's home.
If testing reveals elevated Radon levels, a Radon mitigation system must be installed. Installation isn't difficult and it's a proven and effective technology, but it must be done right. There are many qualified mitigation system installers with certified and licensed technicians, so pick someone who's been in the business for a while to remove this potentially deadly thread from your home.
Back to Denver Radon Tests
Radon Mitigation
Denver's Best Radon Mitigation company is surely A 2 Z Radon Mitigation. They are located in Lakewood and offer radon mitigation, radon removal from water along with various radon detectors and self tests.
You can find out more about them at www.a2zradon.com
You can find out more about them at www.a2zradon.com
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