Removing Lead Paint: DIY or Hire a Contractor?

[@Joethetooltech]

I'm watching this as my neighbor is currently having siding replaced which I know is lead based original paint layers (made 1953) as is mine. I'm more than frustrated that the contractors are simply hooking & ripping the siding off with claw hammers & no effort to contain the debris. I personally tested ours & it was the most potent lead concentration of all items I've tested besides pure lead. I also told the neighbor that these houses were lead based original paint a couple weeks ago as we were having our driveways replaced. My 2-1/2 year old wanting to play outside while the wind is gently blowing in our direction, I can't have him outside today & plan on testing surfaces later today to assess contamination & do washdown on everything necessary. I can't control as much the debris our dogs will track inside from the yard so they'll at least be getting baths & i can hope for a good rain to help rinse the lawn & others surfaces down. We're going to run errands today.

[@nobonesaboutit7639]

I think you're over reacting

[@Joethetooltech]

@@nobonesaboutit7639 well there, we clearly have a difference of opinion.

[@nobonesaboutit7639]

@@Joethetooltech yeah? How did those surface tests turn out?

[@Joethetooltech]

Lead Positive medium high concentration on neighbors house sample (the Gable specifically, which was ripped off the neighbors house & landed in my yard then left there). From nearby surfaces, 20 ft away (atop the plastic waste cans) positive low concentration. 40 ft in the yard (on childs toy) not detected. The samples were taken that evening.

[@nobonesaboutit7639]

@@Joethetooltech based on those results i would affirm over reaction, objectively speaking

[@claireh.7605]

I had PERFECTLY INTACT old growth cedar wood siding that was pristine underneath with old tar paper underneath. I got scare of lead paint and removed it. Should’ve just covered with fanfold insulation and vinyl siding or used IR Cobra Heater remover with 6 mil plastic and Dustless Vacuum and then removed the top layer of soil.

[@mikemaloy3044]

Dealing with this issue right now, and I don't think anyone really talks about how little amount of paint can elevate your blood lead level. I always thought as long as the kids aren't eating paint chips like corn flakes you'll be ok. But it's the dust. All it takes is a Sweet-n-low packet sized amount of dust getting on their hands then into their mouths over time to cause problem.

[@claireh.7605]

Get a Dustless HEPA vacuum and vacuum your house and dust it with wet wipes and throw them away. Air out the house. Cleaning is your friend. But don’t spread it around

[@sjastram]

Not an impossible task. Definitely helps they are not living in the house. Mask off the windows, use a paint shaver pro with dust collection with a HEPA filter, and properly dispose of the paint. Make sure you strip and wash the clothes you were wearing before entering the home he lives in.

[@Panzerfaust9161]

My landlord had some yahoo he knew from high school come in to my 100 year old home and sand down a small entry way. He sanded all the way down until there was that velvety wall paper with the paisley print, made in the 20’era about 3 layers of paint on top. The dust was blowing everywhere, he was covered in it and so was the entire kitchen across the living room. He had all the windows open and the wind was blowing it everywhere. I was completely flabbergasted at the utter lack of care for anyone’s health in the house.

[@claireh.7605]

Get a Cobra IR heater to remove lead paint. It bubbles it underneath unlike a regular heat gun that bakes from only the top. Do not remove old cedar siding because it will outlast vinyl, and you can’t buy it anymore because it’s old growth wood. Put 6 millimeters plastic, put 10 ft of plastic each way, make raised sides with stakes, make little holes in the plastic with grass lawn aerator roller spikes by rolling the spikes on the plastic everywhere; get a dust technologies hepa vacuum and don’t use it anywhere else except renovations. DON’T tear off old cedar siding. You can never replace the old growth wood. Old cedar siding under lead paint on my house is in perfect shape. I removed some and regret it. Now going to strip it with the Cobra IR heat gun and 6 mil plastic and the hepa vacuum.

[@eaj2900]

I had an estimate a week ago for $13k on a smaller house smh

[@digitalpacs]

These three guys must use old technology to fix houses. Who uses scaffolding? These days most people rent a motorized aerial lift which you can rent at any local rental company. I rented one to repaint my whole house by myself. It was going to be 10k-12k from a contractor. Renting the 45' Genie was only $600 a week, and they would deliver and pick it up for $200. The total cost to rent that for the week was $1000. I know renting scaffolding would be cheaper, but the guys are right. You would need others to help you assemble. My whole project cost me 2.5k since I already owned a Greco paint sprayer and only had to buy the paint.

[@claireh.7605]

This video screwed me over. I ended up removing perfectly good old growth cedar siding with asphalt paper underneath it because it had lead paint on it that was flaking. I should have just scraped it carefully using proper orevautions with the IR cobra heater

[@bobbycrosby9765]

I wouldn't trust someone if they quoted me that low. If you want it done right, you gotta pay. And even then, it might not be done right.

[@claireh.7605]

All rentals in NYC will have to be lead tested in 2025.

[@bobwhelk2117]

You’ll be getting lead on tools, boots, truck, clothing, couches, hair, and everything else.

[@johnanderson8096]

SO...?????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[@bobwhelk2117]

@@johnanderson8096 well Johnny - it’s obvious you’ve eaten too many paint chips. I’d recommend you get tested for lead exposure and get a lawyer. I’m guessing your a contractor and have created hazardous situations at many of your customers homes. Once word gets out about your ignorant and cavalier attitude to something as serious as lead exposure you can kiss your double wide trailer good bye.

[@johnanderson8096]

@@bobwhelk2117 Its a "single-wide"... but I appreciate you thinking so Highly of me!!!

[@chasedirtbike4155]

My tenants are crying a river with all the rent increases post covid. Wait til they get the rent increase for this cost lol.

[@cody7889]

LOL, asshole.