Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground — and it's the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. You can't see it or smell it, so the only way to know a home's level is to test. And it's more common here than people think: the EPA estimates that roughly a third of homes in this area show elevated radon, and in our experience that's about right. Patriot operates the only certified Radon Lab in Southwest Florida.
Why testing with an actual lab matters
Almost every home inspector who offers radon testing is just a technician. They place the device, collect the data, and hand you a report — but they aren't permitted to interpret it. If you have questions, they point you to a lab, usually a large operation out of state. The catch: you're not that lab's client, the inspector is, so there's no one whose job it is to actually walk you through your results. Because we are a certified lab, we interpret your data ourselves and tell you what it means — directly, to you.
How radon testing works
We place continuous radon monitors on the lowest livable level of the home for a 48-hour test period, then analyze the readings ourselves. You get a clear result, an explanation of what it means for that specific home, and — if levels come back elevated — a straight conversation about your options.
Yes, condos have radon
There's a common myth that condos don't get radon. They do — and multilevel units are where we see it most. The reason is the construction itself: most multilevel buildings in Florida are poured concrete, walls and floors alike, and depending on where the aggregate in that concrete was sourced, the material can emit radon. A unit several floors up can test higher than a single-family home on the ground. If you're buying a condo, don't assume you're in the clear.
Why new and high-end homes are prime candidates
Here's the part most people miss: tighter construction is making radon worse, not better. High-end and new-construction homes are built sealed up for energy efficiency — impact windows and doors, spray foam insulation in the attic, a tight envelope all around. That efficiency comes at a cost: the home needs mechanical air exchange to bring fresh air in, and when that system is set too low, or the home relies on passive intake, radon has nowhere to go but up. We're seeing levels climb in newer homes for exactly this reason — the push for energy efficiency solved one problem and quietly created another.
What it costs
Radon testing is priced by the size of the home, so the most accurate way to get a number is a quick call. Reach us at (239) 826-5866 and we'll quote your property.