When I first heard about radon mitigation Fort Collins CO, I honestly had no idea how serious radon could be. Like many homeowners, I assumed my house was safe because it looked clean and dry. But after a quick home test, I was shocked to see my radon levels were higher than the EPA limit. A few weeks later, I also discovered that my crawl space was collecting moisture. That’s when I started learning about crawl space vapor barrier Fort Collins CO services and how they work hand-in-hand with radon control systems.
Both problems were invisible but potentially harmful—one affected air quality, and the other created the perfect breeding ground for mold. My experience led me to research deeply and eventually call a local expert, Lords Radon, to help fix the issue.
Understanding Radon and Crawl Space Issues
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps up from the soil. It’s formed naturally when uranium in the ground breaks down. In Fort Collins and other parts of Colorado, the soil composition makes radon buildup quite common. The problem is that when it accumulates indoors, it can cause long-term health risks.
Crawl spaces, on the other hand, often trap moisture. This moisture doesn’t just create a musty smell—it can lead to wood rot, mold, and poor air quality that spreads through the entire home. When radon and crawl space issues combine, the air you breathe every day can slowly become hazardous.
Why I Chose Lords Radon
After reading multiple reviews and talking to a few neighbors, Lords Radon stood out for one main reason: honesty. They didn’t rush me into buying anything. Instead, they walked me through my test results, explained my options, and answered every question.
About Lords Radon: They’re a Fort Collins-based company that specializes in radon mitigation, crawl space encapsulation, and home air quality improvement. Their goal is to create safe, healthy indoor environments for Colorado homeowners. You can check their full service list at lordsradon.com.
What I appreciated most was their simple approach. They sent a technician who first did a thorough inspection, explained how radon travels through cracks and foundation gaps, and then recommended a mitigation system that suited my home’s layout.
The Installation Process
The process was smoother than I expected. For the radon mitigation, they installed a sub-slab depressurization system. That’s a fancy way of saying they created a pathway for radon gas to move safely from under my house to the outside air, instead of letting it seep inside.
The team drilled a small hole in the basement floor, inserted a pipe system, and connected it to a quiet fan outside. Within a few hours, the system was running. They tested again two days later, and my radon levels dropped below 2.0 pCi/L—well under the EPA’s safety limit of 4.0 pCi/L.
For the crawl space, they recommended a vapor barrier installation. They sealed the entire crawl space floor with a heavy-duty plastic liner. This barrier blocks moisture from rising into the house. The difference in smell and humidity was noticeable within a week.
Benefits I Noticed After Installation
The changes were small at first but built up over time. The air in my home felt fresher. The musty smell from the basement disappeared. I also noticed my allergies weren’t acting up as much, especially during damp weather.
Some of the biggest benefits included:
- Better indoor air quality.
- Lower risk of mold and mildew growth.
- More stable humidity levels in every room.
- Peace of mind knowing the air my family breathes is safer.
It’s not something you can see every day, but you definitely feel the difference.
Pros and Cons of Radon Mitigation Systems
Every home improvement comes with trade-offs. Here’s what I found after living with the system for a few months.
Pros:
- Radon levels stayed consistently low after installation.
- The fan system is quiet and barely noticeable.
- Energy use was minimal—it didn’t affect my power bill much.
- The system increased my home’s resale value and safety rating.
Cons:
- The initial installation cost was higher than I expected, but worth it for long-term safety.
- The outdoor fan requires periodic checks to ensure it’s running properly.
- Crawl space sealing made the space harder to access for wiring work later on.
Even with these small downsides, the overall improvement in air quality made it an easy decision to recommend.
Comparing Results Before and After
Before mitigation, my radon test results averaged around 8.5 pCi/L. That’s double the safe limit. After the system was installed by Lords Radon, follow-up tests showed readings between 1.5 and 2.2 pCi/L.
Moisture levels in the crawl space also dropped significantly. I used a simple hygrometer to track humidity—it went from 75% to 45%. Less humidity meant fewer spiders, less mold, and less of that damp basement smell.
What Sets Lords Radon Apart
There are many companies offering similar services, but Lords Radon stood out because of their transparency. They didn’t oversell anything or use scare tactics. Their technicians explained the science behind every step and gave me practical maintenance advice.
They even followed up a month later to check if the system was still performing as expected. That kind of customer care isn’t common these days.
Another thing I appreciated was their local expertise. Fort Collins homes have unique soil and foundation conditions, and their team clearly understood how to design systems that last.
Tips for Homeowners in Fort Collins
If you live in Fort Collins or anywhere along the Front Range, it’s smart to test your radon levels at least once a year. Many homes, even new ones, can have elevated radon levels without showing any signs.
If you have a crawl space, don’t ignore moisture. It might not seem like a big deal, but it can cause long-term structural damage. A vapor barrier installation can prevent that while improving indoor air quality.
Also, make sure to ask your installer about warranties and maintenance. A good radon fan should last 5–10 years, but regular testing ensures it’s doing its job.
Verdict
After my experience, I can confidently say that installing a radon mitigation system and a crawl space vapor barrier was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my home. It wasn’t just about safety—it made my home more comfortable and healthier.
Lords Radon made the process simple, professional, and stress-free. They were upfront about costs, explained every detail, and delivered exactly what they promised.
If you’re worried about air quality or moisture under your home in Fort Collins, this is one investment you won’t regret. The peace of mind alone is worth it.
Final Word:
Clean air starts below your home. Whether it’s through radon mitigation Fort Collins CO systems or crawl space vapor barrier Fort Collins CO solutions, taking action today can protect your family for years to come.
