Letters from Readers
Mitigator Referrals vs. Licenses
Correction for Jan/Feb MCL
Thanks for your article in Minnesota Community Living. I just noticed that you suggest hiring a licensed radon mitigation contractor. Minnesota does not currently license radon testers and mitigators. A bill was introduced in the legislature this year to do so, but has not found much support in the legislature or the radon testing / mitigation community. I do not support such a bill for many reasons. (Discussion too long for this email.)
The January/February 2015 issue of Minnesota Community Living on pages 17 and 19 contained an article I wrote following the Halloween snow storm of 1991, but no credit was given. Please make this correction and advise. This article was previously unpublished and was used as a marketing brochure.
The credential to look for is AARST - NRPP listed, which is also creates a listing on the Minnesota Dept. of Health radon website. There are a few mitigators with bad reputations who have this credential and one or more excellent mitigators who no longer carry this credential. It is unlikely that licensing these individuals would improve the present situation. As always, an HOA or homeowner should seek contractor referrals and investigate the performance, business practices, and qualifications of any vendor prior to hiring the firm. Finally, I’m not sure that avoiding a roof penetration on a mitigation system is preferable to a system with an exterior pipe and/or blower installation. The aesthetics of an exterior system are generally not good. A simple pipe penetration of the roof generally looks fine and is relatively trouble- free if installed properly. I can refer you to several trusted mitigation contractors if you would like more information on this matter. Overall, I think your article raised and answered some interesting questions. Thanks again. Best wishes. Roger Hankey, ASHI Certified Inspector
1280 Landmark Towers 345 St. Peter Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55102 P 651.222.2155 F 651.222.2156 www.levinandedin.com
We have substantial experience helping condominium and townhome associations in the successful resolution of: • Construction Defects • Insurance Claims • Water Damage
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Minnesota Communit y Living
On a separate matter, anyone installing solar panels on a building roof would be wise to contact the shingle manufacturer to discuss solar systems that may void an existing shingle warranty. Some manufacturers require a minimum distance between the solar panel and the roof deck (for air circulation). Respectfully yours, Gil Cross, GWCross, LLC