Overcoming the Risk of Radon in Wisconsin

We talk a lot about the thermal efficiency of reliable replacement windows and doors. These well-constructed products, once properly installed, offer a variety of benefits during a Wisconsin winter and year round. But something else may accompany the tight seal and lower heating bills and you may not even be aware of its presence. According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. have elevated levels of radon, a tasteless, colorless, odorless radioactive gas.

The primary cause of radon problems in Wisconsin homes stems from radon in the soil that may enter through the water supply, cracks in walls and floors, cavities inside walls and numerous other ways. Because of that, radon can be an issue both well-sealed and drafty homes. As it builds up inside, the elevated levels of radon can lead to health risks, especially with the respiratory system. Lung cancer is even connected to long-term exposure to radon.

FIND A QUALIFIED RADON CONTRACTOR

To reduce the risk of radon exposure, it’s important to accurately assess your home’s radon levels. Kits are readily available for both short-term testing, which can last from 2-90 days, and long-term testing, which lasts more than 90 days. Should those tested levels be high, a contractor who specializes in radon solutions can help you find the right treatment method for your home.

The EPA advises homeowners who are renovating a unfinished home space—such as a basement—into a living space to test radon levels before and after the renovation project. It’s also safe to ask for testing when buying a home. Radon should also be a part of the dialogue with a contractor when building a home.

While replacement windows and doors are our areas of expertise, it’s important that our customers exercise caution and good judgment in all areas of the home. The more informed you are, the better your decision-making will be. That’s a benefit we can all enjoy.