Radon Testing
There are several radon testing methods, most of which are fairly inexpensive, easy to use and minimally invasive. Alpine Building Performance uses a small electronic radon testing machine which is placed in the lowest living space of a house (basement or lowest floor) and takes an air sample every hour for 2 days. The machines require no extra input or maintenance by the customer and provides an instant reading when picked up by an Alpine Building Performance technician.
If the radon levels detected by the tests come back high, a radon mitigation system can be installed by certified contractors and costs can range from $1000-2000 dollars.
ABP is a licensed provider of radon testing in the state of Colorado and our radon technicians are National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) certified.
Learn more about radon and the importance of testing, especially in Colorado, here.
What is Radon and Why Does it Matter in Colorado?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless — meaning it is completely undetectable without proper testing equipment. Radon enters homes through foundation cracks, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, and other openings in the building envelope.
Colorado has some of the highest radon levels in the United States. The state's geology — particularly the uranium-rich soils found along the Front Range — makes radon exposure a serious and widespread concern. According to the EPA, Colorado has a significantly elevated percentage of homes testing above the action level compared to the national average. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths per year. Testing is the only way to know if your home has a problem.
What to Expect from an ABP Radon Test
Our radon testing process is straightforward and requires no preparation or maintenance on your part:
A small electronic continuous radon monitor is placed in the lowest livable space of the home — typically a basement or lowest floor
The monitor takes an air sample every hour over a 48-hour period
No input or maintenance is required from the homeowner or buyer during the test
An Alpine Building Performance technician retrieves the monitor at the end of the test period and provides an instant reading on-site
ABP is a state-licensed radon testing provider in Colorado and all technicians are National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) certified
What Happens if Radon Levels are High?
The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels test at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your results come back at or above this threshold, a radon mitigation system can be installed by a certified radon mitigation contractor. Mitigation systems typically involve sub-slab depressurization — a pipe and fan system that draws radon from beneath the foundation and vents it safely outside. Installation costs in Colorado generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the home's foundation type and configuration. Mitigation systems are highly effective and typically reduce radon levels by up to 99%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing
What is the EPA action level for radon? The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon in any home that tests at 4.0 pCi/L or higher. The average indoor radon level in the United States is 1.3 pCi/L. Colorado homes frequently test above the national average due to the state's geology.
Is Colorado a high radon state? Yes. Colorado is considered a high-risk state for radon exposure. The Front Range in particular — including Denver, Boulder, Castle Rock, and surrounding communities — sits on uranium-rich soils that produce elevated radon levels. Testing is strongly recommended for any home purchase in Colorado regardless of age or construction type.
How long does a radon test take? ABP uses a 48-hour continuous electronic radon test, which is the most accurate short-term testing method available. The monitor is placed at the start of the inspection period and retrieved 48 hours later, with results available immediately upon pickup.
Do new homes need radon testing? Yes. New construction does not guarantee low radon levels. Radon is determined by the soil and geology beneath a home, not the age of the structure. Even newly built homes in Colorado should be tested, particularly those with basements or slabs on grade.
Can I test for radon myself? DIY radon test kits are available, but they require precise placement, strict closed-house conditions, and lab processing that adds days to the timeline. A professional electronic test performed by a certified technician like those at ABP provides faster, more accurate results and is the standard method used during real estate transactions.
What is a continuous electronic radon monitor? A continuous electronic radon monitor is a device that measures radon levels in the air at regular intervals — in ABP's case, every hour — over a 48-hour period. Unlike passive charcoal canisters that require lab processing, electronic monitors provide instant results when retrieved and create an hourly log that detects any unusual fluctuations during the test period.
Should radon testing be included with a home inspection? We strongly recommend it. Radon testing is one of the most important add-on services you can include with a home inspection in Colorado. ABP offers radon testing as part of our Home Health Package, which bundles radon testing with sewer scope, mold air quality testing, and water quality testing at a discounted rate.
