What You Need To Know About Radon & Real Estate Transactions In Iowa

Buying a home is a large investment, and as a home buyer, you want to make sure that your purchase will provide a safe space for your family. You may have heard of radon but aren’t sure how high your risk is or even if you should have your future home tested for radon before buying it. Learn more about radon and real estate transactions below and contact the professionals at AmeriServ Radon with any questions or to schedule your radon test.

What Is Radon?

In short, radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is caused by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. When the gas is released from the ground, it can seep into homes and have harmful side effects such as lung cancer.

Do Homes In Iowa Have Radon?

The EPA has designated that elevated levels of radon can be found in homes of all counties in Iowa. Unfortunately, radon does not discriminate when it comes to the types of homes it can get into and can be found in homes of all ages both with and without basements. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) estimates that over half of homes have high levels of radon that require remediation to protect residents. 

How Do I Know If The House I Am Buying Has Radon?

At this time, Iowa law does not require radon testing for real estate transactions, which means that as a buyer, it is up to you to ask for a radon test before you purchase a home if the seller hasn’t already provided results. The IDPH, EPA, American Lung Association & Surgeon General all recommend radon testing before buying and selling a home. Luckily, radon testing is a routine procedure that licensed radon specialists are able to provide in a timely manner.

How Can High Radon Levels Be Fixed?

If your radon test shows high levels in a home that you anticipate buying, do not panic. As your licensed radon mitigation contractors, we can install a radon mitigation system that will ensure that the radon levels in your home will stay below the EPA’s recommendations. You can then move forward with purchasing your new home knowing that the air quality will be safe for your family. Contact us today to get started!

4 Quick Summer Radon Testing Tips

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas created by the decay of radium in soil and has been proven to cause cancer in people who have experienced long-term exposure. This is why it is so important to have your home tested for radon at least every other year.

In many cases, homeowners test their home’s air for radon during the winter when radon levels typically spike. However, since radon levels can fluctuate depending on weather and seasonal conditions there is never a bad time to have your home’s air tested—particularly if it has been two or more years since it was last tested. There are a handful of steps that can be taken to make sure a radon test performed during the summer months is as accurate as possible.

1. Test during a scheduled vacation

In many cases, it is best to plan a radon test during a scheduled vacation. This will allow the test to proceed without any interference or excessive changes in airflow.

2. Central air conditioning

The use of central air conditioning to keep your house cool does not interfere with the testing process. However, window air units should be avoided since they tend to cycle outside air into the home.

3. Turn off interior fans

Too much air circulation inside the home may prevent an accurate test. That’s why it’s important to turn off any interior fans and avoid unnecessary circulation of air during the testing process.

4. Close all windows and doors

All windows and doors should be shut at least 12 hours prior to testing for radon. During the test, it is important to leave all windows shut and minimize the use of any exterior doors as much as possible.

By following these simple suggestions, you can be sure that your summer radon test will go smoothly and provide you with an accurate assessment of your home’s radon level. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a radon test for your home this summer, please contact us today.

AmeriServ Radon Mitigation Of Iowa Is Excited to Announce 2019 BBB Torch Award For Ethics Nomination

From the way we run our business to the way we treat our customers, honesty and integrity have always been part of our DNA. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has taken notice and nominated AmeriServ for the 2019 Torch Award for Ethics. Each year, the BBB Board of Directors chooses outstanding businesses that have upheld the highest standards of leadership, character, and organizational ethics, and AmeriServ’s excellent BBB track record has fueled this nomination. We are grateful for this nomination as part of our 5-year anniversary as a BBB member and look forward to continuing our mission of protecting Iowa communities from the dangers of radon.

Celebrate National Radon Action Month by Scheduling Your Radon Test

January is not only a time to start New Year’s resolutions but it’s also National Radon Action Month. Combine to the two and make it your resolution to have your home tested for radon this year. It is affordable, quick, and can ultimately save your life and the life of your family members. After all, radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Below are some quick facts about radon and radon testing to get you up to speed.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs when uranium breaks down in our soil, water, and rock. As it develops, it gets into the air we breathe and can be dangerous at best. It becomes a huge problem when it is trapped in homes, causing constant exposure.

Does My Home Have Radon?

Most homes in Iowa have some radon. In fact, most homes in Iowa have very high levels of radon. The EPA recommends that there be no more than 4 pCi/L, which can occur both in large, small, new, and old homes. The only way to know is through radon testing.

Is Testing For Radon Difficult?

Getting a radon test can be as simple as picking up your phone and calling AmeriServ. One of our technicians can come right to your home and either conduct a short-term or long-term radon test. Winter is a great season to have a radon test since your windows and doors are sealed, giving the most accurate testing.

But Radon Mitigation Must Be Difficult, Right?

If your radon test shows a level higher than the EPA’s recommendation, radon mitigation is a must to keep your family safe. When you work with the radon professionals at AmeriServ, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Our technicians will simply come back to your home to install a radon mitigation system that will keep your levels exactly where they should be. Our systems even come with a 5-year warranty.

You may decide to put off healthy eating or exercise, but radon testing and mitigation are nothing to delay. While it may not seem like a big deal in the immediate future, the adverse health effects can be deadly. Contact us today to cross off your first New Years’s goal and schedule your radon test.

5 Reasons To Have Your Home Re-Tested for Radon

You may think that if you have your home tested for radon when you move in, you are set for life. That is just not the case, though. There are a variety of situations that would necessitate a radon re-test or follow-up test. Learn about 5 distinct situation that would be cause for radon retesting and always feel free to contact AmeriServ with any questions.

Your original radon test was conducted during the summer.

Studies have shown that radon levels vary depending on the weather outside. They also tend to spike during winter months when your home has been sealed tightly. If your original test was done during the summer, consider retesting in the winter to make sure your levels are still below the recommended level.

You have added onto or finished a new area in your home.

Anytime you add or finish a new level in your home, you should have that level tested for radon. Additions and updates can include new windows, siding, or rooms. While updates can make your home more energy efficient, they can also trap in more radon. The only way to be sure your home is still safe is to have it retested.

You have only ever had a short-term radon test.

Radon levels change over time, especially during seasonal changes. Short term radon tests are a great snapshot, but the longer the test, the more accurate results. For the most comprehensive results, consider a long term radon test that lasts minimum of 6 months.

You just moved into a new home.

If you just moved into a home, chances are a radon test was already conducted. Certainly, you can just take their word for granted that the levels are where they should be, but for a complete safeguard, you can also get your home retested for radon to ensure proper protocols are followed.

Your original radon test was 2 or more years ago.

Because radon levels change over time, it is recommended to have your home tested for radon every two years. One of the benefits of choosing AmeriServ Radon for your radon testing and mitigation is that we will provide a free follow up radon test after 2 years.

When it comes to deciding whether or not you should have your home retested for radon, it’s always better to be on the safe side. Just contact the professionals at AmeriServ and we would be glad to talk with you about whether we recommend a radon re-test or follow-up test. Call today and let us help you keep your family safe.

Radon-Resistant New Constructions

Whether you are having a new home built yourself or are just purchasing a newly built home, you should consult with the construction team to see if your home is a radon-resistant new construction (RRNC). Because radon is so prevalent in homes and can cause great health risks, construction companies can now use specific techniques that will greatly reduce the amount of radon in your new home.

What Makes My New Home Radon-Resistant?

Building a RRNC doesn’t require a lot of fancy techniques. It just takes implementing a handful of safeguards that can ultimately make a huge difference in protecting you from the harmful effects of radon. A construction team builds a RRNC by making sure the following are in place:

1. Gravel layer below the foundation to allow radon to flow freely around underground and never get into your home
2. Plastic interlayer placed on top of the gravel to use as a barrier when the concrete slab is poured to keep radon below the foundation
3. Vertical PVC pipe that runs from the gravel layer up through the home and out of the roof to vent the radon out and away from the home
4. Sealant to cover any cracks in the foundation floor
5. Outlet to be able to plug in a fan, if needed, in the attic for further removal of radon

To be safe, you should always touch base with your home builder to make sure these are in place if you chose to have a radon-resistant new construction.

How Do I Know If My Home Is Radon-Resistant?

The only way to know for sure if your home is radon-resistant is to talk with your builders. Make sure they have a radon system installed, test the radon level in your home before you move in, and go over the results with you. Also, if your home is certified by NAHB, LEED, or IAP, you my have a radon-resistant home. You can always call the team at AmeriServ Radon of Iowa to help with any radon testing or mitigation, as well. We are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about keeping families safe from radon.

To learn more about the EPA’s recommendations for RRNC’s, visit their website.