What Are the Requirements for Virginia Radon Testing?
Testing your current residence or potential new home for radon is not a step you or your home inspectors should take lightly. Everyone wants to live in a safe house, and high levels of radon can directly impact you and those living in the home. Virginia Code requires all professional testers and mitigators certified by the National Radon Safety Board or National Radon Proficiency Program to ensure accuracy in testing.
There are many more ins and outs to radon testing your home that the average homeowner may not understand or have the time to take care of themselves. At Detail View Home Inspections, we know exactly what to do in these situations and how to test your home correctly. Additionally, we are trained in the legalities of radon testing and ease homeowners’ minds.
Are There Additional Recommendations for Virginia Radon Testing?
There is a fine line between mandatory radon testing or laws for home inspections and the recommendations made by the state or national government to make the process smoother. There are strict laws and less strict recommendations that can improve the overall process. There are also recommendations for homeowners to follow when they’re in the radon testing phase. For example, if your radon gas levels are above a certain amount, it’s recommended to have a professional install a radon reduction system.
While it is not officially written in the Virginia code, it’s recommended that professionals follow testing/mitigation guidelines co-written by the ANSI and AARST; those standards cover all types of buildings (and, in your case, homes). They are also updated and revised every three years, so they stay up-to-date, and changes are made as needed regularly. Professionals in this industry do all testing below the third level of buildings and start with a short-term test, then move on to a long-term one if needed.
Steps to Testing
Step 1: Choose a Location
You should begin radon testing at ground level, so start in your first-floor frequently used rooms and test the area for seasonal levels. Test every section of the lower level, work your way from the most frequented rooms to the least, and take note of all readings.
Alt text: professional setting up radon testing equipment in the home
Step 2: Prepare
It’s essential to keep your home closed during testing for at least 12 hours before and throughout the duration. Don’t schedule the test during high winds or storms, and if you already have a radon reduction system, make sure the fan is working correctly.
Step 3: Set up
Place the test in a frequently occupied area, at least 20 inches above the floor, away from windows, fans, vents, or areas with high humidity. Try to find the lowest level of your home (as some have differing levels on the base floor), and begin the test, leaving it in place for 2 to 7 days for a short-term kit.
Step 4: Analyze
Once the test is completed, It needs to be sent to the manufacturer or lab for analysis. If they find the elevated levels, they will likely move onto a long-term test to get a precise measurement, which will give your inspector information on the next steps.
Can I Do This Test Myself?
There are, in fact, radon testing kits you can buy as a homeowner to do the process yourself – however, there is typically a limited supply of these tests, so if you’re determined to try it yourself, you should research when to order them. If you are looking to sell/buy a home, you should trust a professional to take care of tests like these. You’re likely to get a more accurate reading, and if that reading is high, you’ll have quicker access to answers to any questions you may have regarding how to handle the situation!
