Is Lead Paint Still Toxic If It Has Been Painted Over?

Have you ever looked at the peeling paint on your older home and felt a mix of frustration and worry? If your house was built before 1978, there's a good chance it was originally painted with lead-based paint. You may have lead paint in the interior and/or exterior of your home. This isn't just a cosmetic issue – it's a potential health hazard that requires special attention.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we've been helping Omaha homeowners tackle painting projects for over 28 years. As an EPA-certified painting company, we've seen firsthand the challenges that come with repainting homes that originally had lead paint, and we know how important it is to handle these situations correctly.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about repainting a home that originally had lead interior and/or exterior paint. You'll learn why it's crucial to take precautions, what the process involves, and how to ensure your home is safe and beautiful. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to move forward with your painting project.

Understanding Interior & Exterior Lead Paint

If you're living in an older home in Omaha, you might be sitting on a hidden health risk without even knowing it. Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint, which can pose serious health hazards, especially to children and pregnant women.

What's the Big Deal with Lead Paint?

Lead paint was widely used in homes until it was banned in 1978 due to its toxic effects. When lead paint deteriorates, it creates dust or chips that can be ingested or inhaled. This exposure can lead to a range of health problems, including:

• Learning disabilities in children
• Behavioral issues
• Reduced IQ scores
• Anemia
• Hearing problems
• Slowed growth

In adults, lead exposure can cause:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney damage
• Reproductive problems

These health risks are why it's crucial to take lead paint seriously, even if your home has been repainted with non-lead paint since its original construction.

The Tricky Thing About Lead Paint

Here's where it gets a bit complicated: Even if your older home has been repainted with non-lead paint, you're not necessarily in the clear. Why? Because that newer paint layer is sitting on top of the original lead-based paint.

When that top layer of paint starts to peel or chip, it can expose the lead paint underneath. This is why homes that originally had lead paint always need to be approached with caution when it's time for a new paint job.

When Lead Paint Becomes a Serious Concern

You might be wondering, "Is my home at risk?" The answer depends on the condition of your paint. Lead paint is most dangerous when it's deteriorating. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. A lot of peeling or chipping paint
2. Paint that's cracking or flaking
3. Areas where paint is wearing away due to friction (like on window sills)
4. Water damage that's causing paint to bubble or separate from the surface

If you're seeing any of these signs in a home built before 1978, it's time to take action.

The Importance of Professional Painters for Lead Paint

When it comes to dealing with lead paint, this isn't a job for your typical weekend project. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict guidelines for handling lead paint, and for good reason.

EPA-Certified Painters

Any painting project in a home with lead paint must be handled by an EPA-certified painter. These professionals have undergone special training to:

1. Properly identify lead paint hazards
2. Use safe work practices to minimize lead dust
3. Clean up thoroughly to prevent lead contamination
4. Dispose of lead-containing materials safely

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, we are EPA-certified for lead paint removal and remediation. This certification isn't just a piece of paper – it's a commitment to keeping your family and our workers safe.

The Cost Factor: Why Lead Paint Projects Are More Expensive

If you've gotten quotes for painting your older home, you might have experienced some sticker shock. There's a reason for this higher cost:

1. Extensive Prep Work: Before any painting can begin, the area needs to be carefully prepared to prevent lead dust from spreading. This includes sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and using specialized equipment.
2. Special Equipment: EPA-certified painters use HEPA vacuums, respirators, and other specialized tools to minimize lead dust exposure.
3. Careful Removal Techniques: Instead of sanding or scraping, which can create lead dust, painters might use methods like wet scraping or heat guns set to specific temperatures.
4. Thorough Clean-up: After the job, a detailed cleaning process is necessary to ensure no lead dust remains.
5. Proper Disposal: Lead-containing debris can't just be thrown in the regular trash. It needs to be disposed of according to EPA guidelines.

All these extra steps take time and resources, which is reflected in the cost. But when you consider the alternative – potential lead exposure and health risks – the investment is well worth it.

Repainting Lead Process

So, you've decided it's time to repaint your older home. What does this process look like when lead paint is involved? Let's walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Assessment and Testing

Before any work begins, a certified professional will assess your home's paint condition. They might use special testing kits or send samples to a lab to confirm the presence of lead paint.

Step 2: Creating a Safe Work Environment

Once lead paint is confirmed, the next step is to set up containment. This involves:

• Sealing off the work area with heavy-duty plastic sheeting
• Removing or covering furniture and belongings
• Setting up warning signs to keep people out of the work area
• Turning off HVAC systems to prevent dust from spreading

Step 3: Paint Removal and Surface Preparation

This is where the real work begins. The painters will:

• Use wet methods to minimize dust when removing loose paint
• Employ HEPA-filtered equipment for any sanding or scraping
• Clean surfaces thoroughly to ensure good paint adhesion

Step 4: Applying New Paint

Once the surface is properly prepared, the new paint can be applied. This step isn't too different from a regular paint job, except that the painters will continue to use careful practices to avoid disturbing any remaining lead paint.

Step 5: Thorough Cleanup

After the painting is complete, a meticulous cleaning process begins:

• HEPA vacuuming of all surfaces
• Wet wiping of walls and floors
• Careful removal of plastic sheeting to contain any lead dust
• Proper disposal of all lead-containing debris

Step 6: Final Inspection

Before the job is considered complete, many certified painters will conduct a final inspection, which might include dust wipe sampling to ensure lead dust levels are below EPA standards.

Living with Lead Paint: Tips for Homeowners

Even if you're not planning to repaint right away, there are steps you can take to minimize risks if you suspect your home has lead paint:

1. Keep paint in good condition. Regularly inspect your walls and trim for signs of wear.
2. Clean smart. Use a damp mop or sponge with warm water for cleaning floors and other surfaces. Avoid dry sweeping or dusting, which can spread lead dust.
3. Watch those windows. Window friction can create lead dust. Keep window troughs clean and consider replacing old windows if possible.
4. Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or sleeping.
5. Be cautious with renovations. Even small projects can disturb lead paint. Always consult with a certified professional before starting any work.

By taking care of lead paint issues in your home, you're not just protecting your family – you're contributing to a healthier neighborhood for everyone.

Lead Paint in Your Omaha Home

We started this article talking about the worry and frustration that can come with peeling paint in an older home. Now, you understand why those concerns are valid, especially when lead paint is involved. But more importantly, you know that there are safe, effective ways to address this issue.

Remember, if your home was built before 1978 and you're noticing peeling or chipping paint, it's crucial to approach any repainting project with caution. While the process might be more involved and costly than a typical paint job, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe is priceless.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we're committed to helping Omaha homeowners navigate these challenges. Our team of EPA-certified painters has the expertise to handle lead paint safely and effectively, ensuring your home looks beautiful and stays healthy for years to come.

Ready to tackle that painting project with confidence? Click the button below to get a quote from our team of certified professionals. Let's work together to keep your home safe, beautiful, and lead-free.

If you’re not ready to get a quote quite yet, take this time to prepare yourself to hire a painter. With hundreds of painters in the Omaha area, you may feel overwhelmed finding the best one for you and ensuring your investment doesn’t go to waste. Especially with handling lead-based paint, you want to be sure you are making the right decision. 

Click the button below to get your guide to hiring a painter, so that you can be confident in one of the most important decisions regarding your home transformation project.