Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can be very dangerous to humans. Because it is invisible and hard to detect, many home buyers and sellers don’t realize that it is present without proper testing. In order to fully understand and manage your risk, you should take the time to have a radon inspection in Montgomery County, MD. A thorough inspection and radon testing are the only ways to truly understand your risk level and take steps to protect yourself. Alban Inspections, Inc. is a leader in professional home inspections and radon inspections, and we want to empower you with knowledge about the home you are buying, selling or living in.
What Is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that is present in elevated levels in many homes throughout the United States. When it is present in high levels over an extended period of time, it can lead to lung cancer and serious health problems. Radon is naturally created as radium, which is in the soil and underground in many states, decays in the ground. Because it is a gas, it can enter spaces through microscopic cracks and gaps that you might not otherwise know exist. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that all homeowners test their homes for the presence of radon. If your radon levels are higher than 4 picocuries per liter of air, remediation is recommended. If you need a radon inspection in Montgomery County, MD, Alban Inspections is here to help.
How Does Radon Enter the Home?
If you use central air conditioning, heating or cooling, there’s a good chance that the pressure inside of your home is lower than the air pressure outside of your home. The air pressure can drop even lower in the basement of your home. As radon gas builds underneath the ground in the soil, it is looking for a way to release and ease the level of pressure. Tiny cracks in your foundation allow radon gas a place to enter that is lower pressure, and the radon gas will enter your home and settle there. Over a period of months or years, the radon levels in your home can increase and eventually lead to serious health problems.
What Happens During a Radon Inspection in Montgomery County, MD?
When you contact Alban Inspections for a radon inspection in Montgomery County, MD before a home sale or purchase, we will use a professional ion chamber radon testing device for short-term testing. This test only takes 48 hours, and it measures the level of radon over that period of time. After we get the results, we will complete a detailed personalized report that you can use as proof of the current conditions in your home. If you do not need radon testing in a short period of time, the most accurate testing method is long-term testing. These tests measure radon levels over the course of 90 days, and they are much more thorough.
If there are high levels of radon present in your home that exceed the EPA recommendations, Alban Inspections is also here to help with remediation. Our remediation systems can decrease the level of radon in your home by lowering the pressure underneath the lower slab and using special fans to circulate the air in your home properly. By lowering radon levels in your home, you can rest assured that your family is safe.
How Can I Schedule a Radon Inspection in Montgomery County, MD?
Call Alban Inspections today at 301-760-2909 to schedule an appointment for a radon inspection in Montgomery County, MD. We have flexible scheduling and always show up on time to your appointment. We serve homeowners throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania and can also complete radon testing, mold testing, water and septic system testing, lead-based paint inspections, commercial inspections and consultations. We are ready to help you feel confident purchasing your new home or property.