Expert Radon Contractor in Kalamazoo, MI

Why Radon Mitigation Was Needed:

A homeowner in Kalamazoo, Michigan, discovered elevated radon levels in their home, exceeding the EPA's recommended action limit. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, posing a serious health risk with prolonged exposure. To safeguard their family's well-being, the homeowner sought a professional solution to address the elevated radon levels.

Why They Chose ALS Radon & Environmental:

The homeowner chose ALS Radon & Environmental due to our reputation for expertise, reliability, and commitment to client satisfaction. Our team of certified radon mitigation professionals is dedicated to providing effective and lasting solutions.

Understanding the Problem:

Radon gas originates in the soil and can enter homes through various pathways, including cracks in the foundation, crawlspaces, and slab foundations. This can lead to radon accumulation indoors, posing health risks for occupants.

Our Solution: A Comprehensive Radon Mitigation System

To address the elevated radon levels, we installed a customized radon mitigation system utilizing sub-slab depressurization. This proven method effectively reduces radon levels by:

• Creating a Negative Pressure Zone: A fan system draws radon gas from beneath the foundation and vents it safely outdoors.
• Strategic Pipe Placement: Our experts carefully designed the pipe network to optimize radon gas capture.
• Manometer Monitoring: A manometer was installed to continuously monitor the system's performance and ensure optimal radon removal.
• Addressing Potential Entry Points: We sealed cracks and gaps, including the sump pump pit if necessary, to prevent radon re-entry.
• Post-Mitigation Testing: A final radon test confirmed a significant reduction in radon levels, ensuring the system's effectiveness.

The Outcome: A Healthier Home

With the successful installation of the radon mitigation system, the homeowner can now enjoy a healthier and safer living environment for their family. This project demonstrates our commitment to providing effective and long-lasting solutions for our clients.

1. The Silent Threat: Elevated Radon Levels

Testing revealed elevated radon levels in the crawlspace of this Kalamazoo home, exceeding the EPA's recommended action limit. This prompted the need for a radon mitigation system to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

2. Why ALS Radon & Environmental?

The homeowner prioritized the well-being of their family and sought a reliable company to address the radon issue. Several factors influenced their decision to choose ALS Radon & Environmental:

• Expertise and Experience: Our team of certified radon mitigation specialists is highly experienced in identifying and resolving radon concerns. We prioritize clear communication and keep clients informed throughout the process.
• Customized Solutions: We understand that every home is unique. Our team takes a one-size-fits-one approach, designing a customized mitigation system to effectively address the specific needs of each situation.
• Peace of Mind: Our commitment to quality and client satisfaction ensures families like this one can breathe easier, knowing their homes are safe and healthy.

3. The Source of the Problem: Radon Gas Entry

Radon gas originates in the soil and can enter homes through various pathways, including cracks or gaps in the foundation, crawlspaces, and slab foundations. These entry points allow radon to accumulate indoors, potentially reaching harmful levels if left unchecked.

4. A Tailored Solution: Addressing Radon at the Source

Our comprehensive approach addressed the radon issue at its source – the crawlspace. Here's how we tackled the problem:

• Strategic Extraction Point: A strategically placed extraction point within the crawlspace acts like a mini-vacuum, capturing radon gas before it can enter living areas.
• Crawlspace Encapsulation: We installed CleanSpace, a durable vapor barrier that acts as a protective suit for the crawlspace, significantly reducing radon gas entry from the soil.
• Meticulous Sealing and Insulation: Following encapsulation, all cracks and openings were meticulously sealed to further prevent radon infiltration. Additionally, Silver Glo insulation installed in the crawlspace rim joists provided extra sealing and improved overall crawlspace insulation, potentially leading to better energy efficiency.
• Exterior Radon Fan: Depending on the specific system design, an exterior radon fan with a system muffler and fan moisture guard (10-year warranty) might have been installed. This high-performance fan efficiently vents captured radon gas outside the home, while the muffler minimizes noise disruptions and the moisture guard protects the fan.

1. Why a Radon Mitigation System?

Imagine wanting to relax in your Kalamazoo home, but a hidden threat lurks beneath your feet. This was the reality for Paula, who contacted ALS Radon & Environmental after discovering elevated radon gas levels in her home. Radon, a naturally occurring gas, can seep into basements through cracks and foundations, posing a health risk over time. Testing confirmed levels exceeding safe limits, prompting the need for immediate action.

2. Why Paula Chose ALS Radon & Environmental:

Paula sought a company known for its expertise, clear communication, and commitment to a healthy living environment. She was impressed by:

• Free Consultation: We offered a free consultation to discuss her concerns and answer all her questions about radon mitigation.
• Detailed Inspection: Our certified inspectors conducted a thorough inspection to identify potential radon entry points.
• Customized Solution: Based on the inspection results, we presented Paula with a detailed proposal outlining the recommended system, tailored specifically to her home's needs.

3. The Cause of the Problem:

Radon gas seeping through the foundation and cracks in the basement slab was the culprit. Left unaddressed, this could pose a health risk to Paula and her family.

4. How We Fixed the Problem:

Our team devised a customized sub-slab radon air mitigation system:

• Strategic Placement and Performance Verification: Following installation, we used a specialized tool called a manometer to measure the system's effectiveness in drawing radon gas from beneath the slab. This ensured optimal performance and peace of mind.
• Strategic Pipe Placement: Utilizing data from the inspection, our specialists identified a single, strategically located extraction point in the basement. PVC piping was then carefully routed throughout the basement to efficiently capture radon gas while minimizing disruption to Paula's living space.
• Powerful Radon Fan Installation: A high-performance Radon Eagle Extreme Radon Fan was installed, efficiently removing radon gas from beneath the home and venting it safely outdoors.

5. What Made This Situation Unique?

• Client-Centered Approach: ALS Radon & Environmental prioritizes understanding the homeowner's concerns and tailoring the solution to their specific needs and preferences.
• Transparency Throughout the Process: From the initial consultation to the final installation, the company emphasizes clear communication, keeping the homeowner informed every step of the way.

Imagine a bustling jewelry store in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where skilled artisans meticulously craft exquisite pieces. Beneath the storefront, however, lurked a hidden threat – elevated radon gas levels in the basement workshop. This posed a health risk to the jewelers who spent a significant portion of their days there. Concerned about their employees' well-being, John of Plaza Corp, the store's owner, contacted us for a solution.

The Silent Threat: Understanding Radon Gas

Radon gas is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can seep into buildings through cracks and foundation openings. While harmless at low levels, prolonged exposure to elevated radon concentrations increases the risk of lung cancer. Testing revealed a worrying level of 5.4 pCi/L in the jeweler's basement, exceeding the EPA's recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Prompt action was necessary to safeguard the health of the employees.

Why Plaza Corp. Chose Us:

Plaza Corp. prioritized a company known for its expertise, meticulous approach, and ability to work collaboratively. We impressed them with:

• Free Consultation: We offered a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss their concerns, answer questions, and explain the radon mitigation process.
• Comprehensive Inspection: Our certified specialists conducted a thorough inspection of the basement to identify potential entry points for radon gas.
• Detailed Proposal: Following the inspection, we provided a detailed proposal outlining the recommended mitigation system, including a clear breakdown of costs and the steps involved.
• Collaborative Approach: We assured Plaza Corp. of open communication and collaboration throughout the project.

A Tailored Solution: Addressing the Problem at its Source

The unique layout of the storefront presented a challenge – minimizing disruption to the store's operations while effectively mitigating the radon gas in the basement. Our team devised a customized solution that addressed these concerns:

1. Meticulous Manometer Monitoring: This initial step involved measuring pressure levels within the basement at various locations. This meticulous process ensured the optimal placement of the radon extraction point for maximum effectiveness.
2. Strategic Extraction Point: Utilizing the data from the manometer monitoring, our specialists identified a single, strategically located extraction point within the basement.
3. Concealed Pipe Placement: PVC piping was strategically routed from the designated extraction point, minimizing disruption to the store's operations. We ensured the pipes were discreetly concealed for a clean aesthetic.
4. High-Performance Fan Installation: A powerful Radon Eagle Extreme Radon Fan was installed in the garage to efficiently remove radon gas from the building.
5. Safe Roof Venting: The radon exhaust vented safely through the roof, ensuring no re-entry into the building or the surrounding environment.

Verifying Success and Lasting Peace of Mind

Following the system's installation, a post-radon test confirmed the mitigation efforts were successful, bringing the radon levels well below the EPA's action level. This provided Plaza Corp. with the peace of mind of knowing their employees could now work in a healthy and safe environment.

Nataile a real estate agent found out after a home inspection the property she was selling had elevated radon levels above the epa standards. She needed a radon reduction system installed for her client and time was a factor for closing. She called ALS Property Associates and Bucky Block was able to come out that day to provide a free estimate. ALS Property Associates from there was able to install a sub-slab depressurization radon reduction system in time for closing on the property. The radon mitigation system was run with schedule 40 piping and vented above the roof line in the rear corner of the property as requested by the buyer. Nataile was very pleased with the timely response and the new homeowner now had safe radon levels.

Dean B. called ALS Property Associates after an elevated radon test. He was referred to ALS Property Associates from a neighbor who had recently had her radon levels successfully reduced. Dean decided to have Doug from ALS do some additional radon testing with a continuous radon monitor to confirm what his short-term charcoal test he had complete prior. The continuous monitor confirmed that Dean's levels were a bit elevated and he decided to have ALS Property Associates, Inc install the radon reduction system. (Radon Mitigation) 

The system design included drain tile and two sump pits. The ALS team installed radon sealed covers over the sump pump pits and tied into the existing drain tile located under the slab. As Dean requested the team routed the schedule 40 PVC pipe to the West Side of the home to the Legend Low Voltage exterior radon fan, then vented safely above the roof.

Dean was happy with the finished product and shocked at how much lower the radon levels were reduced in his home. The ALS Team is happy with the results and always put the health of their clients first. Their goal is to lower the radon levels as much as possible to lower the risk of developing lung cancer. 

Michelle reached out to us in an emergency because she had visible mold located in her finished basement. Members of their family were beginning to show side effects that seemed to be linked to possible mold toxicity. There had been a previous leak from the water softener in the utility room which drained into an adjacent finished room causing mold to grow on the drywall, trim, and carpet. This room was right below her daughter’s bedroom who was beginning to show symptoms. 

ALS Property Associates was on the job and ready to help. Upon inspection, we found visible mold growth on the backside of the drywall. Though parts of the trim had water stained, the mold was not showing on the front of the drywall and was hidden from plain sight. We proceeded to build containment around the utility room and the adjacent room with the mold issues. Once the containment was built and sealed off, we created negative pressure, ducting air from the work areas to the outdoors using a HEPA filtered negative air machine. Our team proceeded to remove the affected drywall, carpet, and some of the wet insulation. Following removal, we proceeded and vacuumed all extracted areas, walls, ceilings, floors, and flat surfaces located throughout the contained areas using Nikro HEPA filtered vacuums. After all of the HEPA vacuuming was completed, our team wet wiped all walls, floors, ceilings, and flat surfaces with a hospital grade antimicrobial disinfectant using microfiber towels. The same protocols were used in the daughter's bedroom above the utility room. After removing drywall, cleaning, and wet wiping our team fogged the contained work areas along with the entire basement and areas of the main level with Concrobium Mold Control to eliminate additional mold spores and help prevent future microbial growth. Our last step in the remediation process was to run (4) HEPA filtered air scrubbers for approximately 12-24 hours scrubbing the air of particulates and improving the overall air quality of the home. 

Once the remediation was completed the family began to improve and the mold induced side effects began to subside. Michelle also wanted to improve her indoor air quality of the family’s newer built home. We ended up installing a Breathe EZ Air Filter in her furnace along with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). The ERV brings in fresh air which is filtered and conditioned and takes stale air outdoors. We set the energy recovery ventilator to a slight positive pressure to also help lower the radon levels which were also slightly elevated. Along with the slight positive pressure, we installed a radon fan in the attic to the already installed pass through radon system that was installed with the home. We are waiting for follow up radon and mold testing but believe we successfully lowered both the mold and radon levels throughout the home to our even below outdoor levels. 

Stacey C bought her entire family radon test kits for Christmas. She had read about the dangers of radon and wanted to be sure her immediate families were safe. When all the tests came back, she found that here  own radon levels were elevated to 19 Pico Curies. After a second follow up test that came back at 17 Pico Curies she decided to mitigate. 

We met with the Stacey and designed a radon sub-depressurization system that we felt would significantly lower the radon levels in the home. This included multiple suction points in the basement along with the concrete floor crawlspace. We also included an interior aesthetic package and ran the schedule 40 piping to the garage, up to the attic and out of the roof. With the fan in the attic and discharge pipe through the roof, the entire system is out of site from the exterior. This system also came with an extended 10-year warranty.  

ALS Property Associates, Inc. was happy to help her with this project and feel confident we have lowered the Radon levels significantly in the home. We will follow up on this story once a post Radon test has been completed by the homeowner.