Call us today (978)381-4800

QUESTIONS ABOUT RADON?

YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE

We offer certified Radon Testing services to Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly, and more! We are proud to follow the proper radon testing protocol.

What Is Radon?

“Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and radioactive gas that originates from the ground. Radon is formed through a naturally occurring process of radioactive decay.” mass.gov

Could My Home Have Radon?

According to the EPA 1 in 4 homes in Massachusetts had elevated levels of Radon and our opinion is it’s an even higher percentage on Cape Ann. Testing is recommended for every home at least every two years.

What is Bad About Radon?

“Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and radioactive gas that originates from the ground. Radon is formed through a naturally occurring process of radioactive decay.” mass.gov

Radon Sounds Scary, But What Do I Do About It?

“Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels.
EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below
the third floor for radon” EPA

How Long Does A Test Take?

The home needs to maintain closed-house conditions for 12 hours (windows throughout the home need to be closed with the exception of normal coming and going). Once closed-house conditions are established we need to collect 48 hours of data (60 hours of closed house conditions)
Our machines are Bluetooth and results are available on site. No need to send them to a lab, our machines let us read them instantly when the test is complete!

How Long Does A Test Take?

The home needs to maintain closed-house conditions for 12 hours (windows throughout the home need to be closed with the exception of normal coming and going). Once closed-house conditions are established we need to collect 48 hours of data (60 hours of closed house conditions)
Our machines are Bluetooth and results are available on site. No need to send them to a lab, our machines let us read them instantly when the test is complete!

How Long Does A Test Take?

The home needs to maintain closed-house conditions for 12 hours (windows throughout the home need to be closed with the exception of normal coming and going). Once closed-house conditions are established we need to collect 48 hours of data (60 hours of closed house conditions)
Our machines are Bluetooth and results are available on site. No need to send them to a lab, our machines let us read them instantly when the test is complete!

Do You Install Mitigation Systems?

No. We feel the person telling you the problem should not be the one fixing it due to the potential conflict. We offer testing in air only services.

Can You Tell Me Who Can Mitigate My Home If My Level Is High?

Yes. We have no affiliation with any mitigation contractors and no arrangements with any company. We do however provide a list of contractors that have had good interactions with us or our clients in the past if requested. 

Is Shutting The Basement Door Good Enough?
The answer is no.

From the EPA’s Guide “Improper testing may yield inaccurate results and require another test. Disturbing or interfering with the test device, or with closed-house conditions*, may invalidate the test results and is illegal in some states. If the seller or qualified tester cannot confirm that all items have been completed, take another test.”

Continued… “When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-4 days, it is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during the entire test period”
Continued… “*Closed-house conditions means keeping all windows closed, keeping doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and not operating fans or other machines which bring in air from outside. Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating for only short periods of time may run during test.”

What if there is a Mitigation System present?
If there is a system in place it is unlikely the level will be high if it is operating. That being said the ONLY way to ensure proper operation is testing and the EPA recommends testing every two years and in some other cases. We recommended testing even if a system is present.

You do not need to turn the system off if it is present. We want to learn the level under normal circumstances.

What should I Do If The Level Is Elevated?
With our testing process, there is no need to complete a retest as with some other methods. If your level is elevated (we will give you results after the test) you should consult a mitigation contractor. They can install a mitigation system (usually takes several hours). After having a system installed, you should wait the appropriate time and retest to confirm the system is operating.
Can Air Conditioning Be Used During A Test?
You can continue to operate MOST air conditioning systems. In many circumstances, they recirculate the air and do not introduce outside air. Some units have modes that introduce fresh air. THESE UNITS CANNOT BE OPERATED IN THIS MODE DURING THE TEST.
Why is a Machine Different Than A Passive Test?
While a machine could be considered to be more accurate, the primary reason for using a continuous monitor is to detect tampering. A machine has several ways that help determine if tampering or inaccuracies have occurred.
Should I Have My Newly Constructed House Tested?

While a newer home may have fewer entry points, it also may create more pressure due to being so tight. We recommend testing new homes for radon and we see elevated levels in new homes all the time.

Should I have My Old Home Tested?

We do recommend having a radon test done for older homes. While they may be more ventilated than newer homes, they tend to have many voids in the lower area and depending on the radon level and pressure planes can often have elevated radon levels.

ALL CAPE ANN RADON TESTING

OUR LOWEST PRICE FOR ALL CAPE ANN TESTING
$150
  • 48 HOUR SNAPSHOT TEST
  • PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
  • QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN
  • ANTI-TAMPERING FEATURES

RADON TEST

WHEN INCLUDED IN HOME INSPECTION (North Shore)
$175
  • 48 HOUR SNAPSHOT TEST
  • PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
  • QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN
  • ANTI-TAMPERING FEATURES

RADON TEST

STAND ALONE SERVICE (North Shore)
$200
  • 48 HOUR SNAPSHOT TEST
  • PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
  • QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN
  • ANTI-TAMPERING FEATURES
*Pricing and availability for Radon testing may vary outside of the North Shore Area. We do frequently test in other areas and would be happy to discuss your Radon test if interested.
What if my home was built on ledge?
We have had homes built on ledge that are elevated to an unsafe level and have tested many that are not elevated. There does also not need to be ledge present to have an elevated level. Testing is the only way to be sure.
What if my home is Newly Constructed?
Elevated levels of Radon is present in both newly constructed and older homes. Some newer homes can actively pull radon into the home which results in an elevated level. We recommend testing every new construction home.
What if there is no basement?
If there is no basement you should complete a radon test. In fact, there is an even lower threshold that may create a need for mitigation. If there is a basement you should also test. The EPA recommends testing in all cases with the exception of a home that is located entirely on the third floor or higher. If you are buying a condo on the 10th floor, we do NOT recommend testing.

Stop Wondering

CONTACT US
Radon Test