I do a lot of radon testing. I would go as far as saying, probably more radon testing than anyone else in Porter County. The reason for that is simple- best pricing, a true certified report, and a written warranty. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the soil. The big concern with radon is that it causes lung cancer- the EPA estimates 21,000 deaths per year.
There are certain areas in northwest Indiana that have higher radon levels than most. One of the areas with the highest radon levels I’ve seen is Valparaiso. There are 2 areas in particular that almost always come back high- the Washington/Morgan Township area and the north side of Valpo. I have done quite a few tests in the Hawthorne subdivision, near SR49 & 500. I have never had a test pass. The radon levels I have seen in this subdivision range from the high 20s up into the 80s! Keep in mind anything over a 4 is considered elevated- 80 is off the chart! Its a similar story in the Grand Prairie subdivision in Morgan Township- I’ve seen levels in the 10-20 range here.
There are techniques a builder can use to reduce the chances for high radon levels. Some builders will actually install a passive radon system below the foundation. If the house ever tests high, the radon mitigator only has to install a fan on the system. A few years ago, I tested 2 neighboring houses in Hebron. The tests were started and stopped at the same time, using the same brand of monitor (Radalink Aircat), both of the houses had basements, and were built within 3 years of each other. If I remember correctly, one house was around a 1, and the other radon level was around a 6. So one needed a mitigation system, the other passed.
The EPA says 43% of homes tested in Porter County come back high (over a 4.0). You can’t know the radon level without testing the house. Luckily, high radon levels are easily remedied. A professionally installed radon mitigation system can be installed in a day, and usually cost between $800-$1200 depending on the complexity. These systems can usually bring the radon level down under a 2, which is considered safe by EPA standards. Of course an independent followup test is recommended after the radon mitigation system is installed, to verify that the radon level is acceptable.
If you would like to have your home tested for radon, please give us a call or schedule right here online.