FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 4 - Presidential Home Inspections

Q: I am building a new home. What does my builder have to do to install radon-resistant features during construction?

According to the US EPA, many of the features, which make a house radon-resistant, are already used by builders around the country. First, a layer of gas-permeable material (such as gravel) is placed where the house’s slab will be poured. This layer is then covered with plastic sheeting. The concrete slab is poured to minimize cracking, and all floor assemblies in contact with the soil are sealed. Any other places where radon could enter the home are also sealed. The plastic sheeting and sealant block radon’s main entry routes in the house. A length of perforated pipe is installed horizontally beneath the plastic sheeting prior to pouring the slab. This is connected to a vertical, unperforated pipe that extends through the slab and through all floors of the house to vent above the roof. This pipe removes radon from the soil and vents it safely above the dwelling. The gravel beneath the foundation makes it easier for the ventilation system to remove radon, even from the far corners of the foundation. Electrical junction boxes are installed during construction in case a fan is needed to achieve further radon reductions. Normally, suction on the pipe is provided by natural pressure differences within the house. A fan is needed only if the pressure differences cannot lower radon concentrations to acceptable levels.

Q: How much time does radon remediation take?

According to the US EPA, sealing the foundation is the most time consuming part of radon-resistant construction. The time involved varies from house to house, but is usually just a few hours. This time will be minimized if the house design is simple, with few penetrations in the slab.

Q: Is it expensive to install a system to remove radon from a house?

A radon mitigation system can be installed for $1000 to $2500. (Varies)

Q: If I am selling my house, should I test for Radon?

If your home has never been tested perform a radon test as soon as possible. If possible, test before putting your home on the market. Test the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy.

Q: Should I buy a house with a radon level greater than 4 pCi/L?

Radon levels can be brought down to well below the EPA “action level” in most houses. Radon mitigation systems that continuously remove radon from the area below a foundation are the most effective.

Q: If I am buying a home, what should I do?

If the home has already been tested, decide whether to accept the test results from the seller or ask the seller to do another test by Presidential Inspections (The buyer cannot legally do a test; only the homeowner can). Perform a long-term test after occupying the home. If the home has not yet been tested for radon, test as soon as possible, either by the seller or by a licensed tester and the test is done in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy. Consider including provisions specifying who will conduct the test, what type of test to do, costs, additional escrow money for radon mitigation, etc.

How can I be sure that radon-resistant techniques work?

According to the US EPA, over half a million radon-resistant [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

I am building a new home. What does my builder have to do to install radon-resistant features during construction?

According to the US EPA, many of the features, which [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

Are any special skills or equipment needed to install radon-resistant features during construction of a new home?

Installing radon-resistant features requires only standard plumbing, electrical, and construction [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

How much time does radon remediation take?

According to the US EPA, sealing the foundation is the [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

How much will it cost to add radon-resistant features during construction of a new home?

According to the US EPA, radon-resistant features typically add only [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

I’ve heard radon is not really a problem. Is this true?

Although some studies dispute the precise number of deaths due [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

Is it expensive to install a system to remove radon from a house?

A radon mitigation system can be installed for $1000 to [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

If I am selling my house, should I test for Radon?

If your home has never been tested perform a radon [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

Should I buy a house with a radon level greater than 4 pCi/L?

Radon levels can be brought down to well below the [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments

If I am buying a home, what should I do?

If the home has already been tested, decide whether to [...]

By admin|2023-04-13T02:13:42+00:00April 13, 2023|Radon Inspection FAQ|0 Comments