Old Siding and Lead Paint – Hazard Control
Prior to the 1978 federal ban on the use of lead paint in residential buildings, many homes had their wood or brick siding coated in this toxic substance. Lead is a very efficient material for providing opaque coverage. This means it took only a thin layer of the paint to effectively coat siding well enough that the original surface color didn’t show through. This made it cheaper to use than other paints that didn’t provide the same level of coverage. Today, titanium is added to paints to achieve the same effect without the hazardous side effects of lead.
Of course, lead was still used well into the 1900s, so there are plenty of older homes that pose a problem for residents and communities. As the paint deteriorates, falling flakes can accumulate on window sills and other areas where they may drift into the interior living space. Lead will also contaminate the soil around the foundation of the home. This means leaving old lead paint exposed to the elements is not a viable solution.
Get Expert Help
The process of stripping off lead paint to refinish the underlying siding can release dangerous levels of lead-laden dust into the air. Special precautions must be taken in any kind of home improvement project involving sanding, cutting, drilling, or otherwise disturbing a lead painted surface. Having an environmental evaluation and cost analysis carried out by a certified abatement specialist is critical.
Such a professional can determine the best approach for refinishing siding. This may involve painting over the existing lead contaminated surface to seal it in place. Or, wet sanding techniques may be used in conjunction with personal protective equipment to remove the old paint while preventing contamination of the air, soil, and water in the surrounding area.
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