Michigan winters are known for cozy nights by the fire and snowy landscapes. But lurking beneath the picturesque scenery is an invisible threat: radon. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without specialized testing. While radon is a concern year-round, it poses a greater risk during the winter months when our homes are sealed tight against the cold.

At Apex Homeworks, we’re committed to helping homeowners in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties create safe and healthy living environments. This includes raising awareness about radon and providing professional solutions to mitigate its risks.

Radon in Michigan: A Widespread Concern

Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium found in soil and rock. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation, floor-wall joints, sump pump openings, and other gaps. Michigan has varying levels of radon depending on the geology of different areas. However, it’s important to understand that any home, regardless of age, construction type, or foundation, can have elevated radon levels.

Why Winter Raises the Stakes

During the winter, we tend to seal our homes tightly to conserve heat. This reduces ventilation and can trap radon inside, leading to higher concentrations. Additionally, the “stack effect” can draw radon up from the soil into your home. This occurs when warm air rises in your home, creating a slight vacuum that pulls radon in through the lower levels.

Recognizing the Risks

Radon is a known carcinogen. Prolonged exposure increases your risk of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking.

Testing: The First Line of Defense

The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test for it. There are two main types of radon tests:

• Short-Term Tests: These tests measure radon levels over a period of 2 to 90 days. They are relatively inexpensive and can provide a quick snapshot of your home’s radon levels.
• Long-Term Tests: These tests measure radon levels over a period of 90 days or more. They provide a more accurate average of your home’s radon levels, especially considering seasonal variations.

Radon Mitigation: Protecting Your Home

If your home tests above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), it’s crucial to take steps to reduce radon levels. Radon mitigation systems are designed to prevent radon from entering your home or to vent it out before it can accumulate. Common mitigation techniques include:

• Soil Suction: This involves installing a pipe in the soil beneath your home to draw radon gas away from the foundation and vent it safely outdoors.
• Sump Pump Suction: If your home has a sump pump, the radon mitigation system can be connected to the sump pit to vent radon gas that collects there.
• Sealing Cracks and Gaps: Sealing cracks in the foundation and other entry points can help reduce radon intrusion. However, sealing alone is rarely sufficient to address a radon problem.
• Improving Ventilation: Increasing ventilation in your home can help reduce radon levels, but it’s not always a practical or energy-efficient solution.

Apex Homeworks: Your Radon Mitigation Experts

Radon is a serious health concern, but it’s a manageable one. At Apex Homeworks, we offer comprehensive radon testing and mitigation services to homeowners in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Our team of certified professionals will:

• Conduct accurate radon testing: We use state-of-the-art equipment and follow EPA-approved protocols to ensure accurate radon measurements.
• Design a customized mitigation system: We’ll tailor a radon mitigation system to your home’s specific needs and ensure it meets all safety and performance standards.
• Provide professional installation: Our skilled technicians will install your radon mitigation system with precision and care, minimizing disruption to your home.
• Offer ongoing support: We’re here to answer your questions and provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your radon mitigation system continues to function effectively.

Don’t let radon steal your peace of mind.

Contact Apex Homeworks today for a free consultation. We’ll help you create a safe and healthy home for you and your family.

Breathe easy, knowing your home is radon-safe.

Call us at 888-979-2739 or visit us online at www.apexhomeworks.com to schedule your radon testing or mitigation service. We’re here to help you breathe easier and enjoy a healthier home environment.