Quick Fixes

ON RADON

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil. It’s found all over the United States and Canada, especially along the northern tier of states and most of the West. The radioactive particles from radon filter up through ground sources such as unfinished basements and cracks in the foundation and walls. When inhaled, these particles can damage the cells that line the lungs. Longterm exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. If your house is in a radon-prone area but hasn’t been checked, buy a test kit. Radon levels in excess of 4 picoCuries per liter are considered potentially dangerous.

While not a solution for a chronically damp basement, a dehumidifier that plugs into an electrical outlet can help clear dampness after a heavy rain.

If your home lacks vents in the bathroom or laundry room, call a plumber to install them. Vents in these areas are required by most local building codes.

If condensation appears on pipes, joists, or other basement surfaces when it’s warm and humid outside, close off the vents and turn on the air conditioning. HVAC systems are designed to cool by removing excess water from the air.

Using a device that’s smaller than a household dehumidifier, a proprietary system from Aquapol utilizes natural energy forces to reverse the electrical polarity of water molecules in old walls, driving the water back where it came from.