How Radon Consulting in Pitkin County, CO Can Improve Your Crawl Space

Crawl spaces are a frequent source of indoor environmental issues. Many homeowners put them in an out-of-sight, out-of-mind category without considering that they are often a breeding ground for dangerous elements. Humidity, mold and radon all have been traced back to dirt crawl spaces that were not properly sealed during construction or remodeling. Radon consulting in Pitkin County, CO can reduce environmental impacts to your home. Here is an overview of radon and how to keep it under control.

The danger of radon

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced by uranium deposits in soil, rocks and water. Uranium decays, and the radon is a natural result. This is a common phenomenon; two radon atoms are released from every square centimeter of soil each second of the day.

When you are exposed to radon outdoors, it is harmless. There are no major health conditions linked to naturally occurring radon. The problem arises when it is concentrated indoors. Radon leaches from basements, crawl spaces and foundations. Since floors and walls often contain settling cracks, it will build up, leaving people vulnerable to developing lung cancer and other preventable diseases.

Dangerous radon levels result when people leave their crawl spaces or dirt-floor basements ignored. If your home has either of these conditions, there is a good chance that you may need to take steps to reduce the amount of radon in your home.

Controlling radon

Dirt crawl spaces are the first line of attack against radon buildup. If a consultation ends with a high radon reading, expect questions about your crawl space or basement. Many times, these spaces lack a permanent vapor-proof seal over the soil. This is a common trend. Contractors will settle for merely laying down black or clear plastic, and that does not stop the migration of radon into your home.

While building codes should require better vapor control, that is not the case. If you discover your crawl space does not contain a seal over the soil, arrange to have one installed. Any dirt left exposed allows radon into your indoor air, so hire a professional to make the needed adjustments. This is not a do-it-yourself project, or an easy one to complete correctly.

If you need to wait to start that project, there are short-term solutions that can start reducing radon in your home. Fill the cracks in your foundation, floors and walls. If there are floor gaps, like between pieces of tile or wood floor panels, fill those, too. Also, cover any sump pump drains, as those also act as a good conduit for radon.

Schedule a radon consultation for better air quality

If you recently discovered your home has shortcomings in radon control, it is a good idea to have a radon consultation to see if renovations are necessary. Tests can determine the amount of radon in your home and whether it is dangerous. Once you make necessary changes, a follow-up visit can confirm whether the radon levels have decreased.

HealthSafe Inspections Inc. offers radon consulting in Pitkin County, CO. Call us today to schedule an inspection.

Categorised in: Radon

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