Lead 1 compounds have been added to paint for centuries to make different colors. Certain varieties like lead (II) carbonate create a white or cream color, and lead 1 tetroxide will make a brilliant red hue. The use of lead in the paint also helps it dry faster and makes the surface more durable/moisture resistant.
The average cost to do lead paint removal ranges from $8,000-$15,000, with the average homeowner spending around $12,000 to remove lead paint from a 1,500 sq.ft. house.
Lead 1 paint removal costs | |
---|---|
National average cost | $12,000 |
Average range | $8,000-$15,000 |
Minimum cost | $6,000 |
Maximum cost | $25,500 |
Removal of lead paint is typically priced by the square foot, and varies depending on the removal system used. Prices range from $4 to $17 per sq.ft.
Square footage | Lead 1 paint removal cost |
---|---|
200 sq.ft. room | $800-$3,400 |
1,500 sq.ft. home | $6,000-$25,000 |
2,000 sq.ft. home | $8,000-$34,000 |
3,000 sq.ft. home | $12,000-$50,000 |
A lead 1 paint professional is trained in how to safely remove lead paint. In addition, they have the tools needed, such as HEPA vacuums, chemical stripping, and professional-grade compounds. Moreover, they are familiar with local ordinances and the required disposal methods. Lead paint abatement professionals typically charge by the square foot. Depending on the size of the job, it can take one person or an entire crew to remove the paint, depending on the size of the job. Prices range from $4-$17 per sq.ft. depending on the method used.
Lead paint abatement methods and costs vary depending on the types of lead products (dark-hued paint may require additional coats of encapsulants), surface types, and accessibility. If the lead-covered area is located in a hard to reach area then there then there might be added costs. Also, it is harder to scrape or encapsulate lead paint that has been painted over a rough surface so the cost could go up due to the extra time involved.
Lead paint was used to add pigment to paint and also for the durability it rendered on the paint’s finish. In 1978, the U.S. banned the use of lead in household paints because the heavy metal was found to cause health problems such as convulsions, delayed learning, coma, impaired brain function, anemia, poisoning, hearing problems, infertility, blood cell disorders, kidney malfunction, and death. Lead also builds up in the human body, which leads children to suffer from problems with mental and physical development. However, lead paint remains in many older homes.
Many homeowners are unsure if their houses contain toxic lead-based paint. Lead inspection and testing average $350-$500. An inspector tests both the interior and exterior painted surfaces of the home using an x-ray fluorescence analyzer to determine if there is lead 1 in the paint. Any time you buy a house, you can request a lead inspection in the contract. The inspection will provide you with a determination of the possibility of exposure to the lead paint.
A lead risk assessment investigates the potential problems of the lead paint removal and outlines strategies needed to remove the problem. Usually, a lead risk assessment is ordered if someone in the house is sick from lead exposure or if medical testing has revealed high levels of lead. A lead risk assessment will cost from $800-$2,000.
There are numerous ways to get rid of lead paint.
Method | Pros | Cons |
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Encapsulation ($4-$8/sq.ft.) | Noninvasive Contains toxic dust to prevent the spread Affordable | Can harm aesthetics May damage friction surfaces Not permanent Peeling |
Enclosure ($9-$10/sq.ft.) | Effective when done in sections Prevents toxic dust from spreading Can monitor for damage Affordable | Limited only to smooth surfaces Not permanent |
Removal ($10-$17/sq.ft.) | Permanent Typically raises the resale value | Expensive Invasive Risk of harmful dust |
Replacement ($10-17/sq.ft.) *This price does not include the replacement of the removed lead-covered surfaces | Typically increases the resale value Permanent | Invasive Risk of harmful dust Expensive You must replace the walls or ceiling that are removed with new materials |
Chemical stripping ($10-$17/sq.ft.) | Permanent removal Typically increases the resale value | Harmful chemicals Fumes Excessive scraping |
With an inspection, the painted surface is investigated to determine if lead paint was used. Certified inspectors and risk assessors are both able to perform a lead paint inspection. A risk assessment involves an investigation to not only determine if lead paint is present, but also the type, severity, and exact location of the lead hazard. Such an assessment can include lead found in paint, dust, or soil around the residence. It will also provide suggestions on how to control the lead. Risk assessments must be performed by a certified risk assessor.
When removing lead paint from an interior room, you’ll need to prepare the area. Use plastic sheeting to protect the entrance area into the work area. The plastic sheeting helps to contain the dust. Remove all furnishings, drapes, rugs, and other household items. If there are objects in the room that cannot be moved then cover them using heavy plastic and tape to protect the surfaces from dust accumulation. Prepare a spray bottle with water and a tiny amount of detergent to wet all of the surfaces in the room to successfully contain the dust during every step of the removal process. When you hire a professional lead abatement team, the interior prep work is included in the cost.
Lay down drop sheets to catch all of the paint scrapings so they do not fall into the soil and contaminate the surrounding dirt or vegetation. Avoid performing the task on windy days. Cover all of the windows and doors on the exterior of the structure with plastic and tape. When hiring a professional lead abatement team, the cost of site prep is included.
The cost of interior or exterior paint removal remains the same. Also, the same methods are used to remove heavy metal contamination. However, during exterior lead paint removal, protection is laid down on the ground to avoid soil contamination.
Yes, if you use a lead paint encapsulation formula.
Lead 1 paint leads to a wide variety of health problems and can even cause death.
The surface is moistened and scraped. It can also be heated and vacuumed using a special vacuum with a HEPA filter. Chemical removers are also effective.
Exterior lead-based paint is removed using the same methods as interior lead-based paint. However, ground protection is laid down to prevent soil contamination.
Lead 1 paint may cause a variety of health conditions such as convulsions, delayed learning, infertility, blood cell disorders, kidney malfunction, coma, impaired brain development, anemia, poisoning, hearing problems, infertility, kidney malfunction, and death.
It depends on the method you choose. Prices range from $4-$17 per sq.ft. for removal.
Some homeowners’ insurance policies might cover it, but others will have clauses excluding lead paint abatement.
Some home inspectors check for lead paint, but others do not. Always ask before hiring the home inspector if they check for lead paint during their inspection.
Landlords are required to disclose lead paint by law, but they are not required to remove it.
Cost to do lead paint removal varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.