Radon is invisible, odorless and only found by testing. John Killen offers 48-hour radon testing for a flat fee, on its own or added to your home inspection.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It moves up through the ground and can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, sump pits and crawl spaces, then build up inside. You can't see it, smell it or taste it, so the only way to know your home's radon level is to test.
That matters here. The Alabama Department of Public Health lists Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties among the counties in Alabama with the highest potential for elevated radon levels — which covers much of the Shoals and North Alabama.
John Killen offers 48-hour radon testing for a flat fee. It's easy to add to a pre-purchase inspection, and homeowners can schedule a test on its own anytime. Results are reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and compared against the EPA's action level, so you know exactly where your home stands.
A few key facts about radon and why testing matters.
Radon can't be detected by sight or smell. Testing is the only way to measure it.
New or old, with a basement, crawl space or slab — radon levels vary from house to house.
The EPA recommends fixing your home if radon levels are 4 pCi/L or higher.
High radon levels can be reduced with a radon mitigation system installed by a qualified contractor.
According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Because exposure happens over years of living in a home, knowing your level is an important part of protecting your family.
For home buyers, the best time to test is during the inspection period. If levels come back high, you can negotiate with the seller to have a mitigation system installed or adjust the price, rather than paying for it yourself after closing.
Radon levels can vary even between neighboring homes, so a neighbor's result doesn't tell you about yours. A 48-hour test gives you a clear, home-specific answer.
Every radon test from John Killen Home Inspections includes:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through the foundation and build up indoors, where it can't be seen or smelled.
Yes. The Alabama Department of Public Health lists Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties among the Alabama counties with the highest potential for elevated radon levels.
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon if your home tests at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, and suggests considering action between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
Our radon test runs for 48 hours. For the most accurate results, windows and exterior doors should stay closed during the test, except for normal coming and going.
High radon levels can be reduced with a radon mitigation system installed by a qualified radon mitigation contractor. If you're buying, you can often negotiate with the seller to address it before closing.
From your first phone call to your finished report, here's exactly what to expect when you hire John Killen Home Inspections.
Call, text or email John at 256-335-0028 or request your inspection online. Add radon testing or a whole-house thermal scan if you'd like.
John inspects the home from the roof to the foundation, using thermal imaging when needed to verify hidden issues.
When the inspection is finished, John encourages you to walk the home with him. He'll show you what he found, answer your questions and offer practical advice about repairs.
You receive a detailed, easy-to-read report with high-quality photos and clear descriptions the same day.
State of Alabama Certified • Licensed & Insured • Same-Day Reports • Thermal Imaging & Radon Testing • Serving Florence & the Shoals