Radon gas is invisible and odorless but it can pose serious health risks if it builds up indoors. While radon can affect any home certain types of homes and conditions make radon exposure more likely
At Mitigation Quote we help connect homeowners with certified radon mitigation professionals. Understanding what factors increase radon risk can help you make smart decisions about testing and mitigation
Radon Can Affect Any Home
No home is immune to radon. It does not matter if your home is new or old large or small located in the city or countryside. Radon enters from the ground below and builds up in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation
However certain features do increase the likelihood of higher radon levels
1 Homes With Basements or Crawl Spaces
Homes that have basements or crawl spaces are more likely to draw in radon gas. These spaces are closest to the soil where radon forms and often contain gaps or cracks in the foundation that allow gas to enter
Common entry points include
- Floor drains
- Sump pumps
- Foundation cracks
- Utility penetrations
- Expansion joints
2 Homes Built in High-Radon Zones
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has identified areas with higher natural radon levels. Utah Colorado Iowa and parts of Idaho and Pennsylvania are all examples of high-radon zones
Check your zip code with your state’s radon program or contact a local expert to find out your risk level
3 Homes With Poor Ventilation
Tightly sealed homes that are energy efficient or newer builds often have less air exchange with the outside. While this can improve energy use it also allows radon gas to accumulate more quickly indoors
Older homes with poor ventilation may also be at risk especially if they have dirt crawl spaces or no vapor barriers
4 Homes With Slab-on-Grade Foundations
Even homes without basements can have radon problems. Slab-on-grade construction allows radon to seep directly through foundation cracks or floor joints. Just because a home is built on a slab does not mean it is safe from radon
5 New Construction Homes
Surprisingly newer homes can sometimes be more at risk for radon. This is because they are built with tighter envelopes for energy efficiency and often lack passive ventilation systems
Unless a radon mitigation system is built into the design new homes may trap more gas inside
6 Homes With Well Water
In some cases radon can enter the home through well water especially in rural areas. This is more common in places with naturally high uranium content in the soil and rock
What About Townhomes or Apartments
Multi-unit buildings are also at risk particularly for ground-floor units. If the building was not built with a radon-resistant design each unit should be tested separately
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute health legal or engineering advice. Radon risk depends on multiple environmental and structural factors. For accurate assessment contact a certified radon testing or mitigation professional. Mitigation Quote is a lead generation platform and does not perform mitigation or testing services directly
Know Your Risk and Take Action
If your home has a basement poor ventilation or is located in a high-radon zone it is time to test. Radon mitigation systems are affordable reliable and usually installed in one day
Let Mitigation Quote help you get fast accurate quotes from licensed professionals in your area. Request a quote now and take the first step toward peace of mind