What Affects Radon Tests

Radon Levels during Spring Months in Southeastern Wisconsin

Radon levels tend to be at their highest throughout the winter months. Does that mean radon levels are lower during the spring months? Not necessarily. In fact, with “April showers” comes (potentially) higher radon levels.

How does the Weather Impact Home Radon Levels?

Certain types of weather can have a greater impact on your home’s radon levels. Wind and rain storms create the largest variables of radon levels when testing for radon gas. Rainier days tend to result in noticeably higher radon levels. This is because rainy days are often coupled with lower barometric pressure.

The greater the pressure in the ground relative to the lower pressure in your Wisconsin homes basement causes radon gas to seep upward from the soil into your home through small cracks and other entry points of the concrete slab of your basement. Conversely, clear Wisconsin days tend to create higher pressure in your basement and thus result in less radon entering your home.

Light rain and gentle winds will have little effect on your homes radon levels.

High winds and severe storms will have a more significant impact of radon concentrations in your home. For example, when wind blows on the side of your house with the most doors/windows it creates more positive indoor pressure. This effect pushes more radon out of your home. Conversely, when high winds are blowing on the side of your home with fewer doors and windows, it creates negative pressure which then draws more radon gas into your home.

Spring Radon Levels are Mostly Impacted by Rain and Wind

As Wisconsin changes seasons from winter to spring, and eventually summer, expect daily radon levels to fluctuate more than they do during winter. Sometimes radon levels can fluctuate two to three times greater or less than they may otherwise be during “normal” weather conditions due to stormy weather and/or consistently strong winds.

Keep these things in mind when you’re conducting short term tests, especially during real estate transactions. If you have any questions about how the weather may be affecting your home’s radon levels or radon testing, give us a call!