Radon Mitigation Salinas, California
Radon Companies and Remediation Services
As people living in high-crime neighborhoods know, finding a radon mitigation system Salinas, CA is not easy. Radon enters homes through the cracks in the foundation and floorboards, so proper ventilation systems are of utmost importance. Yet, many homebuyers expect their new homes to be properly ventilated, even though local building codes do not require it. Instead, they assume that "solving" the problem of radon will take care of themselves, when in fact, mitigation systems often need to be retrofitted to work well.
There are many factors that make radon testing necessary, such as high levels of carbon dioxide, soil that's too heavy, and older homes. However, one factor makes a huge difference: radon testing must occur for the radon to be tested. That's right - there is no "off the shelf" radon mitigation system that can effectively lower radon levels at home. It has to be custom-built.
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How does a radon mitigation system work?
The process begins with radon testing. A qualified radon company measures radon levels in your home before the home is built. That way, the radon company knows how much of the radon it will contain in your home when it is installed. In addition, the radiologist will determine the concentration and extent of any water penetration through the floorboards, walls, or windows, which will help the radon mitigation company define a remedy. Once the test results come back from the radon company, the contractor can decide what remedial action will be most helpful to the project.
Some radon companies offer their own radon mitigation products, while others subcontract their radon testing to independent contractors. This is important to remember, however, because not all radon companies use the same methods. In fact, some radon mitigation contractors may use completely different methods than radon technicians from other companies, even though they are certified under the same regulatory agency. Because of this, it is important that you make sure that the contractor you choose to perform the remediation has certification and is accredited by the radon regulatory agency in your state.
Once your house has been tested and found to be in compliance with the radon code for your region, you will have to purchase or install a radon mitigation system. You can purchase an individual kit, or buy a system that is designed to handle many homes. Either way, the system should be installed professionally and follows the radon code very precisely. If you opt for a kit, you should be prepared to pay more, as the kits can take several months to install and the contractors who install them usually charge extra for their time.
Why it’s important to hire a professional
On the other hand, many radon mitigation contractors sell mitigation systems directly to consumers. Before hiring them, however, you will want to verify that they perform radon gas mitigation in compliance with the regulations set forth by your state. You may want to check with your state's department of energy or consult your state attorney general. It is also a good idea to consult with consumer agencies such as the Better Business Bureau or the National Radon Prevention Association. These independent organizations will provide information about legitimate radon mitigation contractors. After you find a reputable radon mitigation contractor, you will need to evaluate your home and find areas of the house that are located close to the ground and that have the least radon levels.
You will want to hire a contractor to complete this assessment for you because it is a complex process that involves understanding how radon enters a home and what levels are dangerous. Not every home is tested for radon levels at the same time, so you may have to wait for results to come back from one radon company and then contact the other to get the results from the second. This can be very time-consuming.
If your home is found to have unsafe levels of radon, you will need to buy or install a radon mitigation system that will lower the levels to a safe level. In most cases, the system is an underground tank that holds a solution that will reduce radon levels when it rains or whenever other weather conditions encourage the leaching of radon. Once installed, the contractor will alert you and your radon control company so they can remedy the problem. They can either remove the water that is causing the problem, or they can advise you on the best way to fix the issue.