Lead paint is deadly. Paint chips containing lead are sweet tasting, and can be irresistible to children who are not aware of the dangers of eating the chips. Laws were enacted in 2010 by the Environmental Protection Agency regulate exposure to people and animals to prevent contamination from lead-based paints.

While lead-based paints are no longer in use today, many homes, manufacturing facilities, commercial properties, rental dwellings, and other buildings that were constructed decades ago still have lead-based paint within the structures. The lead-based paint may have been covered over since with non-lead-based paints, but there is always a risk of exposure should any of the earlier applications of lead-based paint become exposed.

This is even more crucial if such spaces are occupied or frequented by children.

At Above & Beyond Finishes, simple testing can be conducted to determine whether there’s any presence of lead-based paint. If lead-based paint is detected, Above & Beyond Finishes has the expertise to implement several remediation techniques to mitigate risk. While some jurisdictions allow owners to remediate lead-based paint themselves, it is always best to have a certified contractor do the job. Contractors like Above & Beyond Finishes have specialized expertise and credentials to assess risk, and possess the proper training to determine the best way to mitigate exposure.

Above & Beyond Finishes offers several lead-based paint remediation options. Depending on the circumstance and structure involved, one or more of the following options may be best suited for mitigating.

Encapsulation

This remediation process is typically the least complicated. Encapsulation involves brushing or rolling on a specially made paint-like coating which creates a non-permeable bond and seal over the lead-based paint.

However, with this option, there does involve continued risk. Should there exist lead-based paint on doors, windows, cabinetry, or other fixtures where use may wear-down the encapsulation coating, eventually the protective coating will wear off.

Enclosure

This remediation process involves fully covering contaminated surfaces with new surfaces. Examples of this technique include installing new drywall over existing walls, or covering sills and door hardware with cladding.

With this approach, if the enclosed surface is ever re-exposed, like during a home renovation, the risk of lead-contamination returns and a method for remediating the re-exposed contamination must be addressed.

Outright Removal

There are a variety of approaches which are used to completely remove lead-based paints.  This includes removal via wire brushing, or scraping with specialized liquid paint removers.

More advanced techniques can also be used, such as those involving lasers and heat guns.

Whenever Above & Beyond Finishing utilizes this technique, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuums are used.

Outright Replacement

This is a more radical approach, but is the most comprehensive and effective. With this method, Above & Beyond Finishes completely removes any and all contaminated surfaces, up to and including walls, doors, windows, trimwork, and other architectural elements.  All contaminated surfaces are fully replaced.