Radon: A Silent Threat in Your Home

Name: Realm Inspections
Address: Fuquay Varina, NC
Telephone: (919) 295-0899

In the world of buying and selling homes, there’s a hidden danger that can impact your health and home’s value: radon. At Realm Inspections, we make sure to uncover this danger during the home inspection process.

A Brief History of Radon

Radon, a radioactive gas, was discovered in 1899 by Ernest Rutherford, a physicist from New Zealand. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that researchers began to understand its potential health risks. Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in varying concentrations in soil and rock. When radon enters a home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, it can accumulate to dangerous levels.

How Radon Was Discovered in Homes

There’s a story online about Stanley Waltras triggering radiation detectors at a power plant in Pennsylvania. This incident did happen in 1984, but it didn’t discover radon in homes. Radon was already known to be a health risk before this event.

Discovery of Radon: Radon’s risks were studied long before 1984, though it gained attention after incidents like Stanley Watras’.
Stanley Watras Incident: Stanley Watras didn’t discover radon in homes. His incident highlighted how radon can seep into homes from the ground.
EPA and Mitigation: The EPA did investigate and found radon in Watras’ home. This led to better sealing methods for homes.
Radon Levels in Homes: Homes in places like Colorado can have high radon levels due to local rocks. But saying half of Colorado homes have high levels needs accurate data.
Community Actions: Programs like free radon testing kits help people check and fix radon problems.

While these stories help raise awareness about radon, it’s important to get accurate facts. Radon can be a serious health risk, but it’s manageable with testing and fixes.

Radon’s Impact on the Real Estate Market

More home buyers now prioritize radon testing before purchasing a home. Radon, a radioactive gas from soil and rock, can seep into any type of foundation. Whether your home has a basement, crawlspace, or is built on a slab, if radon is present in the soil beneath your house, it can infiltrate your home’s living spaces. Homes with high radon levels may face challenges in selling, potentially affecting their sale price. Conversely, homes with low radon levels are often more attractive to buyers concerned about health and safety. It’s important to note that radon levels can change over time due to various factors, so regular testing is recommended to ensure ongoing safety and to take necessary mitigation steps if levels rise.

Why Choose Realm Inspections for Radon Testing?

At Realm Inspections, we specialize in thorough radon testing during home inspections. Our experts use the latest Constant Radon Monitor (CRM) devices to measure radon levels accurately. Testing during a home inspection gives you peace of mind about your home’s air quality. See more here.

The Benefits of Radon Testing

Health Protection: Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Testing helps you keep your family safe.
Property Value: Knowing your radon levels helps in negotiations and prevents future costly fixes.
Peace of Mind: A radon test from Realm Inspections ensures your home is a safe place for your loved ones.

Learn more about radon and new construction in our related blog post here.

At Realm Inspections, we’re committed to keeping you informed and your home safe. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive home inspection and radon testing. Your family’s health and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Remember, when it comes to radon, knowledge is power. Let Realm Inspections help you make an informed decision about your home’s air quality.

Want to know if Realm can help you? Check out our Google Business page to learn about our service area and more!

Key Benefits of Radon-Resistant Homes:

Effective and Affordable: Installing radon-resistant features during construction is simpler and more economical than retrofitting later. Builders can integrate these features using standard materials, ensuring hassle-free installation.

Energy Efficiency: Properly implemented radon-resistant techniques not only mitigate radon but also enhance energy efficiency. This dual benefit can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.

What Are Radon-Resistant Features?

Radon-resistant construction involves several key elements tailored to different foundation types:

Gas-Permeable Layer: Positioned beneath the foundation, typically a 4-inch layer of clean gravel allows soil gases to move freely.

Plastic Sheeting: Placed over the gas-permeable layer and beneath the slab, this sheeting prevents soil gases from entering the home.

Sealing and Caulking: All foundation openings are sealed to minimize soil-gas penetration.

Vent Pipe: A PVC pipe extends from beneath the foundation through the house to the roof, safely venting radon and other gases outside.

Junction Boxes: Installed in strategic locations, these facilitate easy future upgrades, such as adding a vent fan if necessary.

Cost Considerations

The cost of incorporating passive radon-resistant features during new construction typically ranges from $350 to $500, with potential savings in high-radon areas. Upgrading to an active system with a vent fan, if required, adds about $300. In contrast, retrofitting an existing home can cost between $800 and $2,500.

Conclusion

Opting for a radon-resistant home during new construction is a proactive choice that enhances health and safety. By integrating these features early on, homeowners not only protect against radon but also enjoy potential energy savings. For more information on building a radon-resistant home, consult the EPA’s guidelines or speak with your builder to ensure these essential features are included.

Fuquay-Varina’s Premiere Home Inspector

We are Realm Inspections, based in Fuquay-Varina and serving the greater Raleigh, North Carolina market. We are a locally owned and family-operated business specializing in residential home inspections.

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