Radon Testing Inspection

What is Radon?

Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas which occurs naturally from decaying uranium underneath the earth's suface. Though you cannot see,smell, or taste radon, it is there and may be a problem in your home or office. Radon gas rises through the soil and seeps through cracks, holes, and drain pipes in the foundation or basements of buildings. Radon gas can be found all over the United States, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has high levels of radon gas.

A WaterMark Radon test consists of two visits; one to set up the test detectors, and a second to collect the detectors after a period of four days. Our fee includes both visits, the test detector kit and lab analysis fees.

Our Radon Gas Test Kit utilizes the most advanced liquid scintillation, short–term detectors, which contain silica gel desiccants (patented) necessary to remove all moisture in order to make your test results accurate and reliable. We will place two radon detectors in the lowest level of your home or office for a period of 96 hours to allow time for the detectors to absorb enough radon to be analyzed according to EPA standards. The detectors will then be sent to a lab to analyze the results.

Your professional laboratory test results will be available within one week of receipt, indicating the exact radon level in your tested area. For time-sensitive real estate transactions, an express service is also available (results within 48 hours of receipt), for an additional fee of $25.

PREPARING FOR TEST:
Close all windows and doors for at least 12 hours prior to the start of the test. You must keep them closed as much as possible during the testing. The less fresh air that enters the testing area, the more accurate your results. Do not operate fans or ventilation systems that use outside air such as attic and bathroom fans. NOTE: Outside weather conditions can affect testing. Testing should not be done during major weather events such as high winds and/or heavy rains. Rapid changes in barometric pressure can affect radon levels. If a radon mitigation system is present, it must be operating during testing.

SELECTING TEST LOCATIONS:
According to the EPA, radon testing should be conducted in the lowest livable area of your home. Make sure your test location is a room where the radon gas detectors will not be exposed to drafts from vents, doors or windows. Do not place the detectors in a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. Do not place the detectors in direct sunlight or near any heat source such as a fireplace or heater.