Radon Mitigation in Rochester, MN
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps in the slab, or openings around plumbing. In Rochester and throughout southeastern Minnesota, radon levels tend to run higher than the national average—making mitigation an important step in protecting your family’s health.
Long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA. Because it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to know your risk is through testing. If elevated levels are detected, installing a radon mitigation system is the most effective way to lower them.
At SafeBasements, we install radon mitigation systems in Rochester homes using proven techniques that safely vent radon gas away from your living space. Our licensed team ensures your system is installed to meet EPA guidelines and built for long-term performance.
Signs You May Have High Radon Levels
Radon doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in the short term, which is why it often goes undetected for years. Unlike gas leaks or mold, there’s no odor or visible sign to alert you. The only reliable way to know if your home has high radon levels is through a test.
However, here are a few reasons homeowners in Rochester may want to test for radon:
You’ve Never Tested Your Home
All homes, regardless of age, insulation, or foundation type, can have elevated radon. If you’ve never done a radon test, it’s worth checking, especially in this region.
You Have a Basement or Crawl Space
Homes with basements or exposed soil under the foundation are more prone to radon entry. Gaps around plumbing, sump pits, and floor cracks can all allow gas to seep in.
Nearby Homes Have Elevated Levels
If your neighbors have installed a radon mitigation system or received high test results, your home could be at risk too.
You’re Buying or Selling a Home
Radon testing and mitigation are often part of real estate transactions in Minnesota. A system already in place can help preserve property value and buyer confidence.
Because radon is so difficult to detect without testing, many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until they check. At SafeBasements, we encourage testing before symptoms or risks begin to build.
What Is Radon Mitigation?
Radon mitigation is the process of lowering the concentration of radon gas inside your home, usually by preventing it from entering in the first place. The most common and effective method is called sub-slab depressurization.
At SafeBasements, we install radon mitigation systems that use a fan-powered venting system to redirect radon gas from beneath your foundation to the outside, where it safely disperses. A network of PVC piping is routed through the slab and vented through the attic or side of the home, creating negative pressure that draws the gas out before it can rise into your living space.
This method is recommended by the EPA and is effective at reducing radon levels in both finished and unfinished basements. The goal is to bring indoor levels below 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the EPA’s action threshold for radon exposure.
Radon mitigation systems are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and can significantly improve the air quality and safety of your home when installed correctly.
How Radon Enters Your Home
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms underground as uranium in soil and rock breaks down. In outdoor air, it disperses quickly and doesn’t pose a threat, but inside your home, it can build up to dangerous levels without any obvious signs.
Because radon moves through the soil, it tends to enter homes from below. Common entry points include:
- Cracks in the basement floors or foundation walls
- Gaps around plumbing or utility penetrations
- Open sump pits or floor drains
- Exposed soil in crawl spaces
- Construction joints and cold seams in concrete
Once radon seeps inside, it becomes trapped, especially in homes that are well-insulated or have tight building envelopes. Over time, the gas can accumulate to unsafe concentrations, particularly in lower levels like basements or crawl spaces.
Understanding how radon gets in is the first step toward keeping it out, and that’s where our mitigation systems come in.
Our Radon Mitigation Process
At SafeBasements, we design each radon mitigation system to fit your home’s unique layout. Whether you have a finished basement, a crawl space, or bare concrete, our goal is to reduce radon levels efficiently and with minimal disruption to your space.
- Site Evaluation and Planning
We start with a full inspection of your foundation to identify the best venting route and fan placement. Our team considers factors like basement layout, slab thickness, and accessibility to ensure the system works effectively without interfering with your home’s structure. - Sub-Slab Depressurization Installation
A small suction pit is drilled beneath the slab to create an entry point. We install PVC piping that connects to an inline fan, which draws radon from below the home and vents it outside—either through the attic or a side wall. This creates negative pressure under the slab, redirecting radon away from your home. - System Sealing
We seal the suction point and any necessary penetrations to ensure proper airflow. While sealing foundation cracks is not the focus of mitigation, we do close any areas directly impacted by the installation to optimize performance. - Post-Installation Testing
Once the system is active, we provide a 48-hour radon test kit so you can confirm that radon levels have dropped. If additional adjustments are needed, we’ll work with you to ensure the system is performing to EPA standards.
Our radon mitigation systems are designed for long-term performance and operate quietly in the background, protecting your home’s air with very little maintenance required.
Why Rochester Homeowners Choose SafeBasements
When it comes to radon mitigation, experience and precision matter. SafeBasements has been helping homeowners across Minnesota for over 30 years, with custom-designed systems built to meet EPA standards and local needs.
We use proven sub-slab depressurization systems tailored to your home’s layout, installed cleanly, quickly, and with minimal disruption. Whether you have a finished basement, a crawl space, or a concrete slab, our licensed team ensures your system is working as intended.
Homeowners in Rochester choose SafeBasements because:
- We offer free inspections and no-pressure estimates
- Our installers are licensed, trained, and experienced
- We stand behind our work with a lifetime transferable warranty
- Our systems are quiet, low-maintenance, and designed to last
- We’ve served the Upper Midwest for over three decades
When you work with SafeBasements, you’re not just getting a radon fan and some piping; you’re getting long-term protection for your home and your family’s health.
Get a Free Radon Mitigation Estimate in Rochester
If your home hasn’t been tested for radon, or you’ve received elevated results, SafeBasements is here to help. Our Rochester radon mitigation team will inspect your home, design a system that fits your layout, and get your levels under control quickly and effectively.
Call today or fill out our online form to schedule your free radon inspection and estimate. Protect your indoor air and gain peace of mind with a solution built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost of radon mitigation system installation depends on several factors, including the size of your home and any necessary repairs. Once we inspect your home, we can provide you with an accurate quote.
The main benefits of radon mitigation systems are:
- Reduced radon levels
- Increased air quality and safety
- Increased home value