Radon Testing and Closed House Conditions…What Does That Mean?
Radon gas builds up in homes because it is trapped when windows and doors are closed. Radon gas enters a building through foundation fissures, cracks and openings due to pressure differentials. The pressure inside a home is typically lower than the pressure in the soil that is exerted against a home’s foundation. This pressure differential can suck more radon into the house through these cracks and fissures.
When performing short term radon testing lasting 2-7 days, it is imperative to maintain closed house conditions throughout the entire testing period for a valid test. This includes real estate transactions! Closed house conditions means all doors and windows to the exterior including attached garage doors, to be closed for a minimum of 12 hours prior to deployment and for the entire period of active testing. Normal entry and exit is perfectly fine in and out of doors with rapid closure once passing through yet windows must stay closed during the entire period of deployment. Opening a small bathroom window while showering, for example, changes the internal pressure and can cause more radon to be pulled into the home.
Testing during the summer? Rest assured air conditioning can be used during the testing period. Make sure the temperature is consistent throughout the testing period. Testing in Winter? Keep the heat on as you normally would and once again, make sure the temperature is consistent throughout the testing period.
If closed house conditions sounds like it’s too much to endure if you are living in the property, consider arranging your radon testing while away on a long weekend or plan to visit a friend. The results will be well worth the hassle to know if your home is safe and if levels are elevated, a relatively quick and easy fix. Remember to re-test post mitigation!
Test Your Home…Protect Your Family!