Renovating a Home Built Before 1978? What to Know About Lead Paint

Older homes have plenty of character, but they may also contain lead-based paint. If your home was built before 1978, it is important to consider lead before sanding, cutting, removing trim, or beginning demolition.

Why Does 1978 Matter?

The federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978. Homes built before then are more likely to contain it, sometimes beneath several newer layers of paint.

Lead paint that remains intact may not present the same risk as paint being disturbed. During renovation, sanding, drilling, scraping, and demolition can release contaminated dust into the surrounding area.

According to the EPA, even a small renovation project can create hazardous lead dust if lead-based paint is present.

Where Is Lead Paint Commonly Found?

Lead paint may be present on:

• Window frames and sills

• Doors and door jambs

• Baseboards and trim

• Stairs and railings

• Cabinets and built-in shelving

• Porches, siding, and exterior surfaces

You cannot reliably identify lead paint by looking at it. Professional testing can determine whether affected materials contain lead before work begins.

When Should You Test?

Consider testing when:

• Your property was built before 1978

• Painted materials will be sanded, cut, scraped, or removed

• Paint is peeling, cracking, or deteriorating

• You are replacing windows, doors, cabinets, or trim

• Children or pregnant individuals occupy the property

• Previous construction left unexplained dust or debris

Peak Environmental provides professional environmental testing to help property owners understand potential hazards before renovation or demolition begins.

Testing and Abatement Are Different

Testing determines whether lead is present. Abatement addresses an identified lead hazard through controlled removal, stabilization, encapsulation, or another appropriate method.

The right solution depends on the condition of the paint, how it will be disturbed, and how the property is being used.

Professional lead work may include:

• Isolating the work area

• Protecting nearby rooms and belongings

• Using HEPA-filtered equipment

• Removing or stabilizing affected materials

• Containing and handling debris

• Thoroughly cleaning the work area

Peak Environmental applies professional containment procedures and specialized equipment during lead abatement projects.

Before You Begin Renovating

Before disturbing painted materials in an older home:

1. Confirm when the property was built.

2. Identify which painted surfaces will be affected.

3. Avoid sanding or demolition until questionable materials are evaluated.

4. Arrange professional testing when lead may be present.

5. Include containment and cleanup requirements in the project plan.

Testing early can help prevent delays, unexpected contamination, and additional cleanup after construction begins.

Plan Before You Disturb

Possible lead paint does not have to stop your renovation. It simply needs to be addressed before painted materials are disturbed.

Peak Environmental provides professional lead testing and abatement for residential and commercial properties throughout Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.

Planning work on a home built before 1978? Request a free quote or call Peak Environmental at (435) 341-0341 before renovation begins.