How Does Radon Get into Your Home?

Name: Airduct Cleaning & Radon Co.
Address: 1251 S Front Ste B, Columbus, OH, 43206, United States
Telephone: 614-799-8530

Radon, in case you didn’t know, is a colorless, odorless gas that’s found in almost all air around you. While trace amounts are harmless, high concentrations can be dangerous. In fact, radon is the number one cause for lung cancer among non-smokers.

The EPA estimates that around 21,000 people die from radon-related lung cancer each year.

The most at-risk place for radon poisoning is in your very home. But how does radon reach dangerous levels inside your home?

How Radon Builds Up in Your Home

Radon develops from uranium decay in soil, rock, and water. It then rises from the ground and into the air. When it releases outdoors, it spreads around, causing no harm. When it gets inside a building, however, it becomes concentrated.

One of the most common ways radon gets into your home is through cracks and holes in your foundation. Radon leaves the ground and seeps straight into your home. It can also come through walls, seams, crawl spaces, sump pumps, porous materials like brick or concrete, and more.

For homes with basements, radon is typically at its highest there. However, radon can still pose a risk to homes without basements. Any home can have radon problems. It doesn’t matter if it’s new or old. Whether it has a basement or not. Radon can seep in from the ground, build up, and cause fatal problems.

Don’t assume your home is safe. Have it inspected so you can know that it is. A radon test is a cheap and simple procedure that could save the lives of you or your family members. If your radon levels are too high, a simple mitigation process can bring things down to normal.

For radon mitigation in Dayton, Ohio and the rest of the Miami Valley, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing Before Basement Renovation

How long does radon testing take, and when should I do it?

Short-term tests typically run for 48 to 96 hours. That’s enough to get a clear baseline before renovation. If you're on a tight timeline, we offer same-day professional radon testing, using calibrated digital monitors with faster turnaround and higher accuracy.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Schedule your test at least a week before framing or insulation begins — that gives you time to take action if mitigation is needed.

Will finishing my basement make radon levels worse?

Often, yes. Finishing a basement reduces natural ventilation, seals air pathways, and creates negative pressure zones — all of which can trap radon gas inside. We frequently see radon levels double or triple after renovation.

If you plan to install drywall, flooring, or closed-cell insulation, test first. It's much harder to retrofit a system once the space is finished.

Do newer homes still need radon testing?

Absolutely. In fact, newer energy-efficient homes are often more airtight, which can amplify radon accumulation.
Radon isn’t about age — it’s about soil conditions, slab construction, and airflow. We’ve mitigated brand-new builds in Columbus that tested over 10.0 pCi/L before occupancy.

How often should I test for radon in a finished or remodeled basement?

The EPA recommends testing every 2 years, but after a basement remodel, you should test immediately after the work is complete — even if you tested beforehand.

🎯 And if you already have a radon mitigation system, make sure to re-test after any HVAC upgrades, insulation changes, or new construction that may affect airflow.

What is a safe level of radon gas before finishing a basement?

Below 2.0 pCi/L: No action needed — considered low risk.
2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if children live in the home.
4.0+ pCi/L: The EPA’s action threshold. Mitigation is strongly advised.

🔎 We’ve seen plenty of “borderline” homes spike to dangerous levels after finishing — so if you're anywhere near 4.0 pCi/L, don't wait.

Final Takeaway: Test First, Then Build

The only way to ensure a safe renovation is through early detection. Testing for radon before finishing your basement isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Call (614) 799-8530 to schedule a professional radon consultation Licensed. Proven. Local. - Get answers before you build — and breathe cleaner air afterward.

Serving Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Cincinnati, and all of Central Ohio

Call [614-799-8530]airduct-cleaning.com