Front porch prep (re-paint), Historic home
I have a bungalow, built in 1920.
Porch needs some TLC.
What are you thoughts about lead safety?
The paint that was originally there is LONG gone, it has two coats of modern paint on there. The question arises from some folks saying the lead would have leached into the wood, even if the paint has totally flaked off over the years.
Do you agree? Can I sand it (and potentially stir up lead dust), or should I only scrape (which would reduce disturbing any lead that may be in the wood)? Another friend suggested a gel paint remover.
Figured I’d get The Best Advice here, from you all.
Replies
Kids?
If you have small children around then it is more of a concern.
I've started removing the old siding on our buildings. It is more cost effective to install new siding than do the mitigation efforts required with the lead. Plus, it give us chance to upgrade wiring, and insulation, flash the windows, and install house wrap.
The lead rules are there for a reason.
If you disturb the siding/paint on a house from the 20's w/o testing, you are defeating the purpose of the guidlines. You can either assume there's lead or test. The swab kits (some) are recognized as being accurate, or you could send a sample to a lab.
Contractors must do this or risk serious consequences. Homeowners can evidently avoid the pain of compliance. But, you and your family, the neighbors, those down the street could be affected.
Best of luck..