Radon Testing in Roanoke, VA

Every radon decision starts with a test. Here's how testing works in the Roanoke Valley, what the numbers mean, and when to bring in a certified professional, all based on EPA and Virginia Department of Health guidance.

Do-it-yourself test or professional test?

Both are valid. EPA's Citizen's Guide to Radon says homeowners can test themselves with a qualified test kit, or hire a qualified tester. In Virginia, anyone who tests radon professionally must be NRPP- or NRSB-listed (Va. Code § 32.1-229.01).

• DIY kits are inexpensive and sold at hardware stores and online. VDH has also announced plans to offer a limited supply of short-term kits for a small shipping fee. Check the VDH radon page for current availability.
• Professional tests usually use a continuous radon monitor that logs hourly readings and can flag tampering or open windows. That's why they're common in real estate deals.

Short-term vs long-term tests

Radon levels swing from day to day and season to season, so EPA notes that a long-term test is more likely to reflect your year-round average.

EPA's testing steps

1. Take a short-term test. If the result is 4 pCi/L or higher, take a follow-up test.
2. Follow up with a long-term test, or a second short-term test if you need results quickly. If your first short-term result was more than twice the 4 pCi/L action level, EPA says take a second short-term test right away.
3. Decide. Fix the home if the long-term result, or the average of two short-term tests, is 4 pCi/L or more. Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

How to get an accurate reading

• Place the test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, such as a finished basement or the main floor if there's no basement. Keep it out of kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
• For short-term tests, keep windows and outside doors closed for 12 hours before and during the test, except for normal coming and going.
• Avoid 2–3 day tests during severe storms or unusually high winds.
• Mail the kit to the lab promptly, following the kit instructions.

Testing during a home sale in the Roanoke Valley

Real estate deals move fast. EPA's Citizen's Guide notes that buyers often ask whether a home has been tested and whether high levels were reduced, that buyers frequently want the test done by someone not involved in the sale, and that they may want levels checked in areas they plan to use, like a basement they plan to finish. For sellers, EPA's advice is to test now, keep the results, and fix a problem early so it doesn't complicate the sale. You can also use two short-term tests placed side by side to decide whether to fix. Ask any tester for their NRPP or NRSB credential.

Already have a system?

EPA's Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction recommends a post-mitigation test within 30 days of installation (but not sooner than 24 hours after the fan starts), ideally done independently of the installer, and retesting at least every two years. Retest after major renovations too, like finishing a basement.

My test is high. What now?

Read about mitigation systems and what affects cost, or send us your result with the form below. We'll pass it to an independent certified mitigation pro who serves your ZIP code. Not sure which applies? The FAQ covers the common questions.