Smyrna, DE's Trusted Home Efficiency & Radon Mitigation Experts

Why they needed a radon mitigation system: After two years of living in their Smyrna, DE home, the homeowner discovered elevated radon levels of 8.8 pCi/L using a consumer-grade detector. Concerned about the associated health risks, they sought a solution to reduce their exposure to radon.

Why the customer chose the company: The homeowner chose Lawson Home Services due to the company's well-established reputation for delivering high-quality radon mitigation solutions.

What's causing the problem: The radon buildup in the home was likely due to naturally occurring radon gas seeping through the foundation and basement area, a common issue in homes within this region.

How We Fixed the Problem (Mitigation Process):

• Conducted a thorough inspection to confirm elevated radon levels.
• Installed an exterior radon fan to efficiently vent radon gas from the home.
• Strategically placed pipes to optimize radon gas extraction.
• Installed a manometer to monitor system pressure and ensure ongoing functionality.
• Properly sealed the sump pit to prevent radon entry and maintain proper drainage.

What's unique about this situation: The home was relatively new, built in 2022, which highlights that even modern homes are susceptible to high radon levels. Despite being new, radon levels reached 8.8 pCi/L, a reminder that radon can affect any home, regardless of age. Post-installation testing showed a dramatic reduction in radon to 0.9 pCi/L, demonstrating the effectiveness of the customized mitigation system.

Why they needed a radon mitigation system: The homeowner in Smyrna, DE, was particularly concerned about radon exposure after being diagnosed with cancer. Despite living in the house for 8 years, a recent short-term radon test revealed a level of 1.73 pCi/L, and their goal was to reduce this as much as possible to minimize health risks.

Why the customer chose the company: They selected Lawson Home Services due to their reputation for professionalism and expertise in radon mitigation. The homeowner wanted a reliable solution and trusted Lawson to deliver.

What's causing the problem: The radon levels, though below the action threshold, still posed a concern for the homeowner, especially in light of their health condition. Radon gas was likely seeping into the home through the foundation, exacerbated by the naturally occurring radon in the area.

How We Fixed the Problem (Mitigation Process):

• Conducted a radon test using a short-term test kit to measure the initial radon levels.
• Installed an exterior radon fan to effectively vent radon gas from the house.
• Set up a strategically placed pipe system to ensure the efficient extraction of radon from beneath the foundation.
• Installed a manometer to monitor the system’s pressure and ensure proper functioning over time.
• Sealed the sump pit to maintain proper drainage while preventing radon from entering the home through that pathway.

What's unique about this situation: The urgency of reducing radon levels was heightened due to the homeowner’s cancer diagnosis, making this case more sensitive than usual. While the radon levels were not exceedingly high, the customer’s health concerns prompted a strong desire to lower the radon concentration as much as possible. Additionally, the home was fairly new, having been built in 2016, yet radon levels were still a concern, highlighting the importance of mitigation even in recently constructed homes.

1. Why they needed a radon mitigation system:

A health-conscious Smyrna, Delaware homeowner, concerned about their family's well-being, conducted a radon gas test. The results revealed levels exceeding the EPA's recommended limits for radon exposure. Understanding the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure, they sought a prompt and effective solution from a qualified radon mitigation company.

2. Why the customer chose Lawson Home Services:

Lawson's established reputation for expertise and proven track record in radon mitigation resonated with the homeowner. Faced with potential health concerns, they prioritized partnering with a trusted and qualified radon mitigation contractor for peace of mind.

3. What's causing the problem:

Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive element, can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, around sump pump pits, or other basement openings. Silent and odorless, radon testing is crucial for any home, even newer construction, to identify potential radon exposure.

4. How we fixed the problem:

Lawson's team of experienced radon inspectors implemented a proven solution called sub-slab depressurization. This method strategically creates a negative pressure zone beneath the foundation. By doing so, it effectively draws radon gas out of the soil and safely vents it outside the home, preventing its accumulation and potential health risks.

Lawson's Multi-Step Approach for Long-Term Results:

• Strategic Pipe Placement: A network of pipes is meticulously planned beneath the basement slab to efficiently capture radon gas with no escape route.
• Powerful Yet Efficient Radon Fan Installation: A high-performance fan is installed to effectively remove radon gas while minimizing energy consumption.
• Manometer Monitoring: For long-term peace of mind, a manometer is continuously installed to monitor the system's effectiveness, ensuring optimal performance.
• Sump Pump Pit Attention: Lawson ensured its proper sealing to prevent radon gas entry.

5. What's unique with this situation:

This situation emphasizes the importance of proactive radon testing in all homes, regardless of age or location. Early detection and prompt radon mitigation can ensure a safe and healthy living environment for families.

1. Why they needed a radon mitigation system:

A homeowner in Smyrna, Delaware, took a proactive step towards a healthy home after a short-term test revealed a concerning radon level (17 pCi/L). This level significantly exceeds the EPA's recommended action limit (4 pCi/L), prompting the homeowner to address the potential health risk for their family. Having lived in their 2005-built home for nearly two decades, they sought a reliable and swift solution.

2. Why the customer chose Lawson Home Services:

Lawson Home Services' reputation for expertise and certification in radon mitigation gave the homeowner peace of mind. Faced with a potential health concern, partnering with a trusted and qualified professional was a top priority.

3. What's causing the problem:

Radon gas, a naturally occurring health hazard, can seep into homes through various openings, including foundation cracks, around sump pump pits (if present), or other basement openings. Its silent and odorless nature makes testing crucial, even in older homes where potential build-up may have occurred over time.

4. How we fixed the problem:

Lawson's team swiftly implemented a proven solution – sub-slab depressurization. This method creates a negative pressure zone beneath the foundation, effectively drawing radon gas out of the soil and safely venting it outside the home. Here's a breakdown of Lawson's multi-step approach:

• Strategic Pipe Placement: A network of pipes is meticulously planned beneath the basement slab to efficiently capture radon gas with no escape route.
• Powerful Yet Efficient Radon Fan: A high-performance fan is installed to effectively remove radon gas while minimizing energy consumption.
• Manometer Monitoring: For long-term peace of mind, a manometer continuously monitors the system's effectiveness, ensuring optimal performance.
• Sump Pump Pit Attention: Lawson ensures its proper sealing to prevent radon gas entry.
• Crack Sealing: Identified cracks in the foundation are meticulously sealed with high-quality materials, creating a comprehensive barrier against radon intrusion.

5. What's unique about this situation:

While this situation highlights the importance of radon testing in any home, it also emphasizes the potential for build-up over time, even in structures built over a decade ago.

1. Why they needed a radon mitigation system:

Gary, a recent homeowner in Smyrna, Delaware, prioritized his family's well-being before moving into their newly built home (2019). Even new construction can have radon concerns, so Gary conducted a preliminary test using a consumer-grade detector. The results, showing a level of 8 pCi/L (above the EPA's action level), prompted him to seek professional confirmation and mitigation services, if necessary.

2. Why the customer chose Lawson Home Services:

Lawson Home Services' reputation for expertise and clear communication resonated with Gary. He understood the importance of a definitive assessment and peace of mind before moving in. Lawson's experience with both testing and mitigation offered a one-stop solution for Gary's needs.

3. What's causing the problem:

Radon gas, a naturally occurring health hazard, can seep into homes through various openings, including foundation cracks, around sump pump pits (if present), or other basement openings. Its silent and odorless nature makes testing crucial, especially in new builds where basements might not have fully aired out.

4. How we fixed the problem:

Following Gary's contact, Lawson conducted a thorough inspection of his new home. This included a professional radon test to confirm the initial reading and determine the most effective mitigation strategy. Since the test indicates that a mitigation system should be installed, Lawson implemented a customized mitigation system:

• Strategic Pipe Network: Experts meticulously plan a network of pipes beneath the basement slab for strategic pipe placement, ensuring efficient capture of radon gas with no escape route.
• Powerful Yet Efficient Radon Fan: A high-performance fan is installed to effectively remove radon gas while minimizing energy consumption.
• Manometer Monitoring: For long-term peace of mind, a manometer would be installed to continuously monitor the system's effectiveness, ensuring optimal performance.
• Sump Pump Pit Attention: Lawson would ensured its proper sealing to prevent radon gas entry.
• Crack Sealing: Identified cracks in the foundation would be meticulously sealed with high-quality materials, creating a comprehensive barrier against radon intrusion.

5. What's unique with this situation:

New construction can sometimes have higher radon levels initially due to trapped gasses. Lawson's experience allows them to adapt their mitigation systems to address the specific needs of a new build like Gary's.

1. Why they needed a radon mitigation system: Steven, a homeowner in Smyrna, Delaware, suspected radon gas might be lurking in his basement. Radon, a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes, poses a health risk.

2. Why the customer chose the company: Steven prioritized his family's well-being and knew cutting corners wasn't an option. Lawson Home Services' reputation for excellence and positive client reviews resonated with him. He trusted our commitment to quality and long-term solutions.

3. What's causing the problem: Radon gas can enter basements through cracks in the foundation, around the sump pump pit, or other openings. Its presence often goes unnoticed, making testing and mitigation crucial.

4. How we fixed the problem: Our team conducted a thorough inspection of Steven's basement to identify potential radon entry points. Based on this assessment, we designed and installed a customized mitigation system specifically for his needs. This typically involves:

• Strategic Pipe Placement: A network of pipes is meticulously placed to capture radon gas beneath the basement slab.
• Powerful Yet Efficient Radon Fan: A high-performance fan effectively removes radon while minimizing energy consumption.
• Manometer Monitoring: A manometer continuously monitors the system's effectiveness, ensuring optimal long-term performance.
• Sump Pump Pit Integration: We ensured its proper integration with the system to prevent conflicts and sealed it properly.

5. What's unique with this situation: Every basement is unique. Lawson's personalized approach tailors the mitigation system to address Steven's specific needs, guaranteeing optimal results for his home.

6. Client's feedback: Steven expressed immense satisfaction with the entire process, particularly impressed by Lawson Home Services' clear communication, expertise, and professionalism. Knowing his family is now protected from the dangers of radon gas provided immense relief and peace of mind.

Why They Needed a Radon Mitigation System:

A Smyrna, Delaware homeowner became concerned about potential radon exposure after learning about its long-term health risks. This proactive approach to indoor air quality highlights the importance of radon testing, especially for those concerned about the health of their families.

Why They Chose Lawson Home Services:

• Expertise and Efficiency: The homeowner sought a company known for its experience and ability to handle radon mitigation quickly and effectively.
• Professionalism: Clear communication and a trustworthy demeanor are essential when dealing with potential health hazards. Lawson Home Services' professionalism instilled confidence in the homeowner.

What's Causing the Problem:

Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive element, is the culprit. This odorless and colorless gas can seep into homes through cracks or foundation gaps, accumulating to dangerous levels if left unchecked. Without a mitigation system, elevated radon levels like those the homeowner might have been concerned about can pose health risks.

How We Fixed the Problem (Mitigation Process):

1. Thorough Assessment: Lawson Home Services began by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the homeowner's concerns and the property. This included evaluating potential entry points for radon gas.
2. Professional Testing: Following the assessment, Lawson Home Services conducted a professional radon test to determine the exact level of radon gas present in the home.
3. Transparent Communication: With the test results, Lawson Home Services provided the homeowner with a clear and detailed free quote outlining the recommended radon mitigation system.
4. Efficient Installation: Upon homeowner approval, Lawson Home Services' certified specialists began the efficient installation process:
   • Strategic Pipe Placement: The optimal location in the basement slab was identified for drilling a hole for the radon pipe, the pathway for drawing radon gas out of the home.
   • Sump Pit Sealing (if applicable): A special sealant was applied around the sump pump pit to prevent radon gas from entering the living space through this potential pathway.
   • Radon Pipe Installation: The radon pipe was meticulously installed throughout the basement, ensuring proper connection to the rest of the system and reaching the designated exit point.
   • Radon Fan Installation: A powerful yet energy-efficient radon fan was strategically placed within the system. This fan continuously draws radon gas from the sub-slab area and vents it outside the home.
   • Manometer Monitoring: A manometer was strategically placed within the system to provide a visual indication of the suction power created by the radon fan, allowing for ongoing monitoring and system optimization.
5. Verification and Peace of Mind: Once the installation was complete, a fresh test kit was used to verify the system's effectiveness. The significantly reduced radon level confirmed a successful outcome, providing the homeowner with peace of mind.

What's Unique About This Situation:

This project emphasizes the importance of proactive radon awareness and highlights Lawson Home Services' focus on efficiency, clear communication, and professional service.

Client's Feedback:

The homeowner expressed satisfaction with Lawson Home Services' professionalism, efficiency, and clear communication throughout the process. The significant reduction in radon levels achieved through the mitigation system made the homeowner feels confident about the safety of their indoor air quality.

After conducting a recent radon test in their Smyrna, Delaware residence, a homeowner identified elevated levels of radon gas, despite previous attempts to mitigate it. Utilizing a Consumer Grade Radon Detector, they obtained a reading of 5.1 pCi/L, equivalent to 100 X-rays per year.

Upon researching various mitigation options, they chose Lawson Home Services, a reputable company known for their warranty coverage and positive testimonials. They were also attracted by the company's fair pricing and reputation for quality workmanship.

Our team conducted a thorough assessment of the property to determine the optimal location for radon mitigation installation. Following the provision of a detailed quote and subsequent approval, we commenced the installation process.

The homeowner expressed satisfaction with our services, feeling reassured by the proactive measures taken to mitigate radon exposure risks in their home.

For those facing concerns regarding radon levels in their homes, do not hesitate to contact us.

Phone: 1-302-684-3418

Website: lawsonhomeservices.com

We're dedicated to ensuring your peace of mind and the safety of your home.

It's important to have a radon mitigation system installed whenever testing shows levels of indoor radon gas concentration is at or above 2.0 pCi/l. It's just as important, once the equipment is installed, to have it serviced regularly. This typically involves inspecting the basement or crawl slab for cracks, checking the suction gauge to see the fan is supplying the proper pressure, and disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the depressurization fan.

Here we see a smiling Lawson Home Services radon tech, servicing the depressurization fan. 

You might think a brand new home has no need for energy efficiency improvements. But the truth is, many, if not most, do. Contractors build to code, and that often leaves many things done to the bare minimum. 

Energize Delaware Audits are currently being subsidized and cost the homeowner just $50 ($25 for first responders and military personnel). The audit is a valuable tool showing many things. Check of the pictures below that show the basic information contained in the audit for this 1,586 square foot home in Smyrna, DE, built in 2020.
Look closely at the information. 
Check out the one that says "Where do the energy efficiency estimates come from". The green at the bottom represents energy used by things you use everyday in your home, like refrigerators, lights, and appliances. The yellow represents energy used for hot water. You'll notice both the yellow and green lines are pretty consistent throughout the year. Notice the orange, which represents energy used to heat the house in cold weather, and the blue which represents energy to cool the air in hot weather. Here in Delaware a typical home uses a lot more energy annually to heat than to cool. That is why having good insulation in the attic and and around the foundation is so important to keep energy costs low while keeping your home comfortable. 
There are many other things in the audit, like the blower door test, which shows how much air leaks out of the home. The building contractor of this home did a fairly good job of air sealing, meeting the 3-5 air changes per hour requirement for Delaware Building Energy Code. That means the air inside the home will not leak out and get replaced by outdoor air, and running up air conditioning and heating bills. But of course, we do need some ventilation. The energy audit will indicate if additional ventilation is needed. 
And lastly there is the summary, which is a priority list of all the potential improvements for this particular home. The column marked MMBtu shows the expected reduction of energy use, both in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and in  percentage. The next column shows the annual savings in dollars. But remember it isn't just about dollars, home comfort is equally important. The next column shows how many years it will take for the savings to pay for the cost of the improvement, followed by the Savings to Investment ratio (SIR) for those of you who are savvy with financial figures. The last two columns show the discount incentive subsidized by Energize Delaware, and the last column shows the estimated total cost. The actual cost the homeowner pays for the improvements is found by subtracting the discount from the total cost. 
So as you can see, an energy audit can help you find ways to increase your home comfort while saving money. It also adds substantial value to your home should you ever decide to sell it. And last, but certainly not least, home energy improvements will also improve indoor air quality. That's really important in Delaware where everyone seems to complain of allergies. Many times the allergens come from mold, resulting from uncontrolled humidity in the crawlspaces or by the intrusion of outdoor air in the summer. 
Lawson Home Services can schedule an Energize Delaware Home Energy Audit at your home. Just contact us and get on the schedule. It's be the best $50 you can invest in your home. 

This homeowner made the wise decision to install a radon mitigation system in his home. Radon is a very dangerous gas that occurs naturally and can accumulate inside buildings. Exposure to radon can be compared to smoking cigarettes. Both can result in lung cancer. Studies indicate 15% of all lung cancers are linked to radon exposure inside buildings. 

So why risk exposing yourself or the occupants of your home to this dangerous radioactive gas. Call Lawson Home Services today to schedule a top-quality radon test. And if your home is found to have dangerously high levels of radon lurking inside Lawson Home Services can also install radon mitigation system just like they did here in Smyrna, DE

The continual multiple-day monitoring showed the average radon concentration inside this home was 5.6 pCi/l, more than double the level at which a radon mitigation strategy is recommended. But at times, especially at night the levels were spiking at 14.0 pCi/l. You wouldn't have wanted to be breathing inside thais Smyrna, DE home on those days.

Radon concentration inside the home varies greatly, day by day, and hour by hour. Those cheap radon test kits you buy at the hardware store don't always give you the whole picture. This is why you want the most reliable radon mitigation contractor in the First State,  Lawson Home Services, to conduct a detailed test of your home. 

This homeowner decided to have a radon depressurization system installed in his home. Radon mitigation works by creating a suction underneath the basement floor slab, effectively sucking the radon out of the soil like a hungry teenager drinking a milkshake through a straw.
Radon mitigation equipment is not as expensive as you might imagine. The installation is quick and the equipment is easy to service. A suction gauge is provided so homeowners can check the functioning of the equipment at a glance.  

Studies have shown that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer., responsible for at least 15% of all lung cancers diagnosed in the USA each year. Unacceptably high levels of indoor radon concentration affects one in every fifteen American homes. Yours could be one of them. Why not find out? 

Radon occurs naturally in the soil and can get trapped inside your home where it breaks down into radioactive particles that get lodged in your lung tissues. The radioactive particles are known to cause cancer. The risk of getting cancer from exposure to a level of 1 pCi/l inside a home is comparable to smoking  2-3 cigarettes per day. 

As part of our routine Energy Audit Lawson Home Services performed a measurement of the Radon Gas concentration inside this Smyrna, DE home and found it to be 1.6 pCi/l, just slightly below the 2.0 level at which the EPA suggests the homeowner take action.  
Although Radon can and does occur in all parts of Delaware, it occurs with much greater frequency in the central and northern parts of the state. Regardless of where you live in Delaware it makes good sense to have your home tested. It's inexpensive and it can give you great peace of mind to know the level of risk inside your home.

If your test uncovers a radon level inside your home that makes you feel uncomfortable, Lawson Home Services can  prepare an estimate for the installation of an effective and affordable radon mitigation system in your home. 

Lawson Home Services inspect and service all Radon Mitigation Systems, not just those installed by Lawson Home Services.

This Smyrna, DE homeowner call us about a strange noise coming from her radon system.

Lawson Home Service service tech Donnie, disassembled the vacuum fan unit and found a large amount of debris inside the vacuum fan, including dead grasshoppers.  He cleaned and re-assembled the unit. 

Now the homeowner can rest assured her Radon System is working properly, and quietly.