top of page
Search

Understanding the Importance of Testing Your Home for Radon Levels

  • Writer: David Meixell
    David Meixell
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read
Cross-section of a house showing airflow and moisture paths. Red arrows indicate possible radon movement from a loose pipe, sump, and crack in the basement.
The image above was provided by InterNACHI. I am an InterNACHI member and have permission to use this image.

Whether you’re tucked into a cozy family home or touring potential properties, there is one guest you never want to find: Radon.


At Maple Home Inspections, LLC, we believe a home should be a sanctuary, not a health risk. Because radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, it often goes unnoticed. Today, we’re breaking down what you need to know about this silent threat and why testing is a game-changer for homeowners and buyers alike.


Flowchart of uranium decay chain with colored circles showing isotopes, decay types (α, β-), half-lives, and atomic numbers.
The image above was provided by InterNACHI. I am an InterNACHI member and have permission to use this image.

What Exactly is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s everywhere outdoors, but when it seeps into your home through foundation cracks, sump pumps, or floor drains, it can become trapped and reach dangerous concentrations.


Why Should You Care?

  • The Health Factor: According to the EPA, radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It’s responsible for roughly 21,000 deaths every year in the U.S.

  • The Silent Nature: You can’t see it or smell it. The only way to know if your family is breathing it in is to test.


Why it is important for Homebuyers to Test for Radon

Buying a home is likely the biggest investment of your life. Not only is adding a radon test to your standard home inspection important, it is one of the smartest moves you can make.

  1. Negotiation Power: If a test reveals high levels (4 pCi/L or higher), you can often negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of a mitigation system before you close.

  2. Immediate Peace of Mind: You’ll move in knowing your air is safe for your kids and pets from day one.

  3. Future Resale Value: If necessary, having a professional mitigation system already in place is a selling point when you eventually decide to move.


Why Homeowners Should Test (Even if You’ve Lived There for Years)

Radon levels aren't static. Even if your home was safe five years ago, shifting soil, new construction nearby, or settling foundations can change your radon profile.

  • Protect Your Family: Regular testing (the EPA recommends every two years) ensures your "forever home" stays healthy.

  • Modern Mitigation is Effective: If levels are high, modern Sub-Slab Depressurization systems are incredibly effective. They use a fan and a pipe to pull radon from beneath your home and vent it safely above the roofline.


How We Can Help

Don’t rely on a "DIY" kit that might sit in a lab for weeks. Our professional radon testing uses state-of-the-art continuous monitors that provide accurate, tamper-proof results in as little as 48 hours.

Your home is where your life happens. Let’s make sure it’s a healthy one.

Comments

bottom of page