Frequently Asked Questions

It seeps in through cracks in the basement floor, sump pits, and is even believed to enter through the pores of concrete. Typically, homes have a negative pressure allowing radon to enter more easily. 

Radon can also get into homes through water, this is especially true in homes that have a well. Radon can be emitted from water especially if its hot water. Radon can be ingested by drinking well water but the risks are considered much lower than the risk of breathing in radon.

Radon is found in homes all over the United States. Reports show that one out of every fifteen homes have elevated radon levels. There is no safe level of radon. It is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. The EPA recommends that homes with radon levels above 3.9 pCi/l (picocuries per liter) should be mitigated. In most instances it is achievable to reduce levels to less than 2 pCi/l.

A sump pit that has drain tile routed to it is known as the best place to install the venting for a radon system. Many homes that were built prior to 1980 do not have sump pits or drain tile but can still be successfully mitigated.

Unfortunately, any amount of radon is unsafe. The EPA recommends mitigation in homes with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a radon map (http://wi-dhs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=a0f619747b5e4e72bce960619e6663e8)  on their website for all of Wisconsin. You can view your geographical area to see how each zip code is rated based on radon tests performed in those areas.

Granite countertops can be a source of radon but its highly unlikely that a significant amount derives from them.

In many instances you can expect post mitigation levels to come back at less than 2 pCi/l.

One picocurie per liter is one trillionth of a Curie, and amounts to 2.22 disintegrations per minute per liter of air.

No, radon levels are prevalent in almost all homes no matter the age. The concentration depends on the uranium content in the soil beneath and around your home. New homes can actually have higher levels than older homes.

Yes. Homes that are built on a slab or above a crawl space can still have elevated radon levels.

Yes, they can be very accurate if instructions are followed performed correctly.

Absolutely not. The test will not be invalid and will have to be redone at someone’s expense.

No, moisture can collect and freeze causing blockage in the winter months if there is something on top of the discharge pipe.

The only disadvantage might be the energy cost of the fan. On average having a continuously operating fan cost around $65.00 annual, which is a low cost to remove a cancerous gas from your home.

For a short-term radon test it usually takes 2-7 days. A long-term test could take as little as 90 days and as much as a year long.

By sealing alone without a fan installed you can expect minimal results. It is very important to create a constant negative pressure below the concrete to obtain significant results. 

In most cases, no. The most common fan used is incredibly quiet. If the soils beneath the home are tight such as clay, a higher-pressure fan will need to be installed. The higher-pressure fans can be a little noisy and the location should be carefully considered before installing one.

Radon fans can be installed outside, in an attic, or in a garage with no living space above it.

No, a test still needs to be conducted to determine if a fan needs to be added to the venting. Passive systems generally do not significantly reduce radon levels.

If you are exposed to the action level of 4 pCi/l for 8 hours, it is equivalent to 200 chest x-rays per year.

We do not suggest downspout for venting. The risk of moisture collecting on the inside of the thin-walled metal and freezing is too great. The ice can fall down into the fan creating a blockage and can also wear out the bearings inside the fan. Schedule 40 cellular core PVC is recommended for the venting.

A radon professional must be certified by NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program). Continuing education is mandatory to stay up to date on the Standards and Protocols.

No. The drain tile that is routed to the sump pit is a good pathway for airflow and is present around the whole perimeter of the basement, therefore a hole can be bored through the concrete anywhere along the perimeter and have similar results as drawing suction from the sump pit.

If you have a radon fan mounted in the basement of your home call us right away. That is against EPA Standards and we need to relocate it to the outside of your home, in the attic, or in your garage.

It all depends on the construction of your home. Typically, an install takes 3-5 hours.

We use the best fans on the market and they usually last 15-20 years. They come with a 5 year manufactures warranty. We also warranty all system components for 5 years.

Yes, we will either provide you with a test kit to test behind our work or we can test with a certified monitor and supply you with a report (WI Only). In Illinois we can provide you with a test kit or you can hire a 3^rd party testing company.