Why Choose Professional Radon Testing in Iowa

Each year, around 400 Iowans die from exposure to radon, a naturally produced gas. Radon is formed when the uranium and radium in rocks decays, filling the soil with radon. When buildings are constructed on radon-rich soil, the radon escapes into the home through foundation cracks, sump pumps, or gaps and spaces around pipes. This creates a dangerous environment for you and your family. If your home is one of the five out of seven homes in Iowa infected with dangerous levels of radon, it is important to call the experts at Ameriserv Radon Mitigation today.

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon; this makes it even more of a threat to the well-being of your family. Homes with elevated levels of radon are nearly impossible to detect without professional radon testing. There are a couple different types of testing, short-term testing, and long-term testing.

• Short-Term Testing: This type of test usually remains in your home for 2 to 90 days, depending on which kind of test you use. The types of devices used for short-term testing are “charcoal canisters,” “alpha track,” “electret iron chamber,” “continuous monitors,” and “charcoal liquid scintillation” detectors. Short-term tests may not determine year-round average radon level, but are great for getting quick results.
• Long-Term Testing: These tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. Common long-term test devices include “alpha track” and “electret” detectors. Long term tests take longer, but are much more likely to give you your home’s year-round average radon level.

 The first step is to determine whether or not there is a radon problem in your home. This can be done either by DIY methods, or by calling a professional radon mitigation expert to administer professional tests. Radon testing kits are very affordable, but the results may vary. In some cases, if you are just trying to determine whether or not to invest in radon prevention systems, DIY radon testing may be the option for you.

However, if you are looking to sell your home, or your DIY tests showed elevated radon levels and you want confirmation, professional tests should be considered. The radon mitigation experts at Ameriserv can provide reliable tests to see if your home is in need of professional radon mitigation services. The extra cost is definitely worth it, as professional radon testing can help you determine the extent of the radon problem in your home.

What to do once you test positive for Radon in Iowa

If you find that your home has elevated levels of radon, it is important to contact a radon mitigation expert immediately. The Ameriserv team installs a radon mitigation system to remove any harmful radon from your home as fast as possible. First, we will drill a hole in your foundation to provide a suction point. Next, we will attach a PVC pipe to the hole to act as a vent and connect the hole to a fan. This fan promotes air flow in the right direction. Once this system is installed, it is important to seal foundation cracks and any gaps and spaces to prevent radon from the soil from making its way into the home.

Contact us today for more information on our premiere radon testing and mitigation services in Iowa.