Radon is something you cannot see, smell, or taste. That is why many homeowners never think about it until they are buying or selling a home. The only way to know whether a home has an elevated radon level is to perform a professional radon test.
At Summit Peak Home Inspections, I provide professional radon testing for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals throughout Cortez, Mancos, Dolores, Lewis, Pleasant View, Towaoc, and the rest of Montezuma County.
My goal is simple. I want to provide accurate testing, explain the results in plain language, and help you make informed decisions about your home.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. Outside, radon quickly disperses into the atmosphere and usually remains at very low concentrations. Inside a home, however, it can become trapped and build to higher levels.
Because radon has no color, odor, or taste, there is no way to know it is present without testing.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.
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Why Radon Testing Is Important in Montezuma County
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that if a nearby home tested low for radon, every home in the neighborhood must also be safe.
Unfortunately, that is not how radon works.
I have seen homes located very close together produce completely different radon readings. Soil conditions, foundation construction, air movement, and ventilation can all affect the amount of radon that enters a home.
The EPA recommends testing every home because neighboring homes can have very different radon levels.
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Every Home Should Be Tested
Many people believe that only older homes have radon problems.
The truth is that the age of a home has very little to do with whether radon is present.
New homes, older homes, homes with basements, crawl spaces, and homes built on concrete slabs can all have elevated radon levels.
The only reliable way to know your home’s radon level is to test it.
Understanding Radon Levels
One of the most common questions I receive is, “What do the numbers actually mean?”
The average outdoor radon level in the United States is about 0.4 pCi/L.
The average indoor radon level is approximately 1.3 pCi/L.
The EPA recommends taking action when the average radon level in a home is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Because no amount of radon exposure is considered completely risk free, the EPA also suggests homeowners consider reducing radon levels that fall between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.
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What to Expect During a Radon Test
I use a professional Continuous Radon Monitor that measures radon levels over a minimum forty eight hour testing period.
The monitor records hourly readings and documents environmental conditions throughout the test. Once the testing period is complete, I review the results and provide a clear report that explains what the numbers mean.
The testing process is simple, non invasive, and designed to provide accurate measurements while following current industry standards.
Why Hire an NRPP Certified Radon Measurement Professional?
As an NRPP Certified Radon Measurement Professional, I have completed specialized training and certification to perform professional radon measurements using nationally recognized testing protocols.
NRPP certification demonstrates a commitment to continuing education, quality assurance, and accurate testing procedures. When you hire an NRPP certified professional, you can be confident your radon test is being performed according to accepted national standards.
Serving Cortez and Montezuma County
Summit Peak Home Inspections proudly provides professional radon testing throughout:
- Cortez
- Mancos
- Dolores
- Lewis
- Pleasant View
- Towaoc
- Rural Montezuma County
If you are located outside these communities, feel free to contact me to discuss your location.
Schedule Your Professional Radon Test
Whether you are buying a home, selling a property, or simply want to better understand your indoor air quality, professional radon testing provides valuable information that cannot be determined any other way.
If you are looking for professional radon testing in Cortez or anywhere in Montezuma County, I would be happy to answer your questions and help you schedule your test.