What is Radon?

We have covered a solid amount of radon related topics so far. Such as knowing how and when to test, what material is under your slab and when a crawlspace encapsulation is necessary. I realize I am yet to cover the basics of radon! Well, here it is! What is Radon Gas? Radon is a…

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Do I Need a Crawl Space Encapsulation?

crawl space encapsulation with dehumidifier

Is crawl space encapsulation necessary for radon mitigation? The short answer is YES. My previous post on radon testing explains that crawl space homes can have elevated levels of radon in the living area. But how do you actually mitigate a crawl space? The method is simple and sensical, but sometimes people grapple with crawl space…

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Radon: Does It Matter When I Test?

stack effect illustration for house

It’s summer, you just purchased your dream home, and the inspection passed with flying colors. No major structural issues, no electrical or plumbing headaches to deal with, and your radon test came back low. Does this mean you never have to worry about radon mitigation? The answer to that question may surprise you.  Seasonal changes…

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Radon Testing: Is Your Home a Radon House?

Thinking of testing your home for radon? Testing for radon these days is much more simple and accurate than in the past. There are a variety of testing devices available (see our recommended radon measurement devices!) that are easy to understand and user-friendly. Should I test for radon? YES! One of the most important things…

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Radon & Real Estate: Contracts, Closing Dates and More

The home buying and selling process is moving at a rapid pace. Houses are flying off the market in Middle Tennessee; many buyers and sellers are eager to close as quickly as possible. The demands of Increasingly tight closing deadlines can make completing repair request updates to the home difficult.    About 85% of my…

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Passive Systems: A Double-Edged Sword

Passive radon vent pipe in radon resistant new construction in Nashville, TN

Passive Systems: A Double-Edged Sword What is a passive radon system? Basically, it’s a radon mitigation system without the fan. Passive and active systems are exactly the same except one has a fan and one doesn’t. The beauty of a passive system is that, if installed correctly, a fan can be easily attached making it…

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What’s Under Your Slab?

When you’ve drilled into as many slabs as I have, you learn that not every house has the same material under the concrete pad. Have you ever even considered what’s under your house? In other words, what did the builder do before the slab was poured? The answer is – It could be one of…

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First Post! Some background on myself and what I do!

I’m John Ottwein,  also known as The Radon Guy! I’ve been installing radon systems for over ten years. Way back in 2008 I started my first radon mitigation company in the St. Louis area, putting some of my real estate and construction background to better use. 2008 was probably the worst time to start a…

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