Lead-Safe Window & Door Work in Baltimore
Repair or replace friction surfaces without spreading lead dust.
Windows and doors in older homes get a lot of wear. Paint on moving parts such as sashes, sills and jambs can grind into dust every time a window opens. That makes them one of the most common places lead dust comes from in pre-1978 housing.
Options range from repairing and re-coating original woodwork to replacing the unit. Because window and door work disturbs painted surfaces, the method matters. Dry scraping, power sanding and open-flame removal are the kinds of techniques lead-safe guidance warns against.
We connect you with local lead pros who handle window and door work in older homes. Ask each one how they contain dust and whether they hold the accreditation Maryland expects for the work being done.
Questions to ask a pro
- Will you replace the window or repair the existing one, and why?
- How do you protect the floor and the room while you work?
- What will you do with the old sashes and trim?
- Do you test for lead before you start?
- How will the work area be cleaned and checked at the end?
Common questions
Are painted wood windows always a lead risk?
Not always, but in a pre-1978 home they are a common place to check because of friction and wear.
Is replacement better than repair?
It depends on condition, budget and the look you want. A pro can walk through the tradeoffs for your windows.
What about historic districts?
If your home is in a historic district, check local review rules before changing visible windows or doors.
Where we connect you
Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Towson, Dundalk, Catonsville, Essex, Glen Burnie, Columbia.