Lead Paint Removal in Baltimore
Stripping, encapsulating or replacing surfaces that carry lead-based paint.
Homes built before 1978 can have lead-based paint under newer coats. Lead paint is usually not a problem while it is intact, but chipping, peeling, or paint on surfaces that rub or get hit, such as windows, doors, stairs and porches, can create lead dust and chips. Baltimore has a lot of older rowhouses and single-family homes, so this comes up often.
Removal is only one way to deal with a lead hazard. Depending on the surface, a pro may remove the paint, replace the component, enclose it, or coat it so it is sealed in. Which approach makes sense depends on the condition of the paint, what the surface is made of, and whether the home is owner-occupied or a rental. A qualified inspector can look at the property before anyone picks a method.
We are a referral service. We do not do lead work ourselves. When you send a request, we connect you with local lead pros who handle this kind of work in the Baltimore area, so you can compare how each one would approach your home.
Questions to ask a pro
- Are you accredited by MDE for this type of lead work, and what is your accreditation number?
- Will the work area be sealed off, and how will you keep dust out of the rest of the house?
- How will you dispose of paint chips and debris?
- Will a clearance test be done afterward, and who performs it?
- Can I stay in the home, and should children or pregnant family members stay elsewhere during the work?
Common questions
Do I have to remove all the lead paint in my house?
Not always. Intact lead paint is often managed rather than removed. A qualified inspector can tell you which surfaces are hazards and what your options are.
Can I scrape lead paint myself?
Dry scraping and sanding old paint can spread lead dust through a home. Many people choose to have a trained pro do the work. At the least, read the EPA and MDE guidance on lead-safe work practices first.
How do I know if my paint contains lead?
You cannot tell by looking. Testing by a qualified inspector or a lab is the reliable way. Home test swabs exist, but ask a pro how much to rely on them.
Where we connect you
Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Towson, Dundalk, Catonsville, Essex, Glen Burnie, Columbia.