When you buy a home, you check the roof, the furnace, and the foundation. However, one of the most significant risks to your family’s long-term health is something you cannot see, smell, or taste. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that pulls into homes through the soil. In many parts of Maryland, radon levels are high enough to pose a serious risk, making professional testing a vital part of any real estate transaction.
In Montgomery County, MD, radon testing is mandatory during specific real estate and rental transactions. Sellers are required to provide a radon test for single-family homes before sale, while landlords must provide testing for rental units (multifamily, condos, and single-family) on ground-contact or basement levels.
At Precision Building Inspections, we believe that “good enough” isn’t an option when it comes to safety. That is why we use the most advanced technology available to ensure your results are fast, precise, and reliable.
What is Radon and Why Does it Matter?
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the rocks and soil beneath your home. It moves through the ground and enters buildings through cracks in foundations, construction joints, or gaps around service pipes. Once trapped inside, it can build up to dangerous levels.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Because Maryland has diverse geological formations, levels can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next. You can never assume a house is safe just because the neighbor’s house passed a test.
Our Advanced Testing Technology
We do not use basic, passive charcoal canisters that you might find at a hardware store. Instead, Precision Building Inspections utilizes a professional-grade Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM).
Our system uses a pulsed ionization chamber sensor to measure radon alpha decay with extreme precision. While standard tests can be easily skewed by minor changes in humidity or temperature, our equipment features a high sensitivity of 30 CPH/pCi/L. This level of detail allows us to provide a comprehensive hour-by-hour breakdown of radon levels in the home.
Why our CRM technology is superior:
- Certified Accuracy: Our monitors are NRPP and NRSB approved, meeting the highest national standards for professional radon measurement.
- Tamper Detection: Unlike passive kits, our monitors detect if the device has been moved or if windows were opened to “air out” the room during the test.
- Speed: We provide a 48-hour testing window, which is ideal for tight real estate closing deadlines.
- Detailed Data: Instead of a single “average” number, you get a full report showing how levels fluctuate throughout the day and night.
The Testing Process
Our process is designed to be as non-intrusive as possible while maintaining strict testing protocols. We place the monitor in the lowest livable level of the home, typically the basement or a crawl space. After 48 hours, we retrieve the device and upload the data immediately.
Because we use our proprietary reporting software, your radon results are integrated directly into your full home inspection report. You receive a clear, digital document that includes our findings and professional recommendations for the next steps if levels exceed the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
What if Levels are High?
Finding high radon levels is not a reason to walk away from a home you love. Radon mitigation systems are highly effective at venting the gas safely outside. If your test results show elevated levels, we can provide guidance on how to move forward with a qualified mitigation professional to ensure the air in your new home is safe for your family.
For more information on national standards and health risks, you can visit the CDC’s Guide to Radon or review the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Radon Resources.
Ready to Schedule Your Test?
Precision Building Inspections is here to give you the data you need to breathe easy. We are licensed, certified, and fully insured to provide expert environmental testing across Maryland.
