Lead Paint Removal: what to know
Understand your options for paint that may contain lead.
A home built before 1978 may still have lead-based paint buried under later coats. Intact paint that is left alone is usually less of a concern than paint that is chipping, peeling, or on surfaces that rub, such as windows, doors, stairs and porches. Many Bay Area neighborhoods have housing from well before 1978, so the question comes up often.
Removal is only one approach. Depending on the surface and its condition, a pro may remove the paint, replace the part, enclose it, or coat it so it stays sealed. Which one makes sense depends on the surface, the condition of the paint, and who lives in the home. An inspection or risk assessment before work starts shows where lead actually is.
We are a referral service. We do not do lead work, we do not quote prices, and we do not negotiate or sign contracts for anyone. When you send a request, we refer you to a contractor who holds an active California contractor license. You talk to that contractor directly, and you sign and pay them directly.
Questions to ask a pro
- What is your California contractor license number, and which license classification covers this work?
- Which CDPH lead certification do you or your workers hold for this job?
- How will the work area be sealed off and dust kept out of the rest of the home?
- Will a clearance test be done afterward, and who does it?
- Is everything in a written contract before work begins?
Common questions
Do I have to remove all lead paint?
Not always. Paint in good condition is often managed in place instead of being removed. An inspector can tell you which surfaces are hazards and what your options are.
Should I scrape old paint myself?
Scraping or sanding old paint dry can send lead dust through a house. Read EPA guidance on lead-safe work practices first, and consider a trained pro.
How do I know if my paint has lead?
You cannot tell by looking. A qualified inspector or a lab test is the dependable way to know.
Where we refer
San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond, San Jose, Hayward, Daly City.