Author Topic: Removing a wall that might have lead paint  (Read 13918 times)

BAMxi

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Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« on: June 02, 2017, 09:31:48 AM »
Hi there. We are a couple weeks out from closing on a house built in 1974. I understand it is within the time frame that it could contain lead paint, however all walls were repainted by the seller just before listing it for sale. There is a wall between the kitchen and dining room that we are planning to remove and I guess there is a possibility that there is lead paint under the new paint. I'm just wondering if anyone:

1. has experience with those DIY test kits they sell at home depot that claim to check for lead paint?
2. and also if anyone has any experience removing drywall that contains lead paint. I'm seeing lots of results online for physically removing lead paint via sanding/scraping, but I don't see much mention of just removing the drywall entirely. I feel like at least in theory, the drywall could be cut away in such a way to minimize dust particles from getting everywhere. We are just somewhat concerned because we have a 15 month old daughter who will be roaming around the house once all the construction is done and we move in, and certainly don't want to put her at risk.

Side note: according to a study I read online, only 25% of houses in my area of that vintage are thought to contain lead paint, so I'm really hoping we just get lucky and don't have to deal with it.

Papa bear

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2017, 09:44:40 AM »
Take the drywall out. Wear a mask.  Clean up after. Don't let your kid eat paint.  You'll be fine.


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Spork

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2017, 09:45:37 AM »
We've used the DIY test kits to test cast iron.  I think they work fine.  And I'm eating from the container being tested.  (Some people use cast iron pans to melt lead and make bullets for reloading.)

I think you're also stirring up less lead by removing sheet rock than you are by sanding.  I would still use standard precautions... but sanding throws up LOTS of particulate;  Mask off rooms; use a HEPA filter use a respirator; wet down walls to reduce particles; etc.

Cowardly Toaster

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2017, 10:36:28 AM »
Just minimize dust that escapes, wash your hands. Use drop cloths.

And ya the tests work just fine, though an old house might have several layers of paint so beware, the top layer may be lead free but there might be actual lead underneath.

lthenderson

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2017, 02:49:59 PM »
My preference is to invest in a good quality respirator that is comfortable to wear and has replaceable filters. I much prefer to rip out any drywall and replace it versus sanding. However with trim, you may not want to replace it especially if it is old wood stuff. For that, I remove it and label it so that I can put it back in the right place and take it outside to sand it down again wearing a good quality respirator. When cleaning up afterwards, use a shop vacuum with a filter versus a broom and empty the vacuum cleaner tank outside into a plastic bag as well so you reduce the chances of fine dust getting into your ventilation systems inside.

BudgetSlasher

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2017, 06:38:09 PM »
Lead paint is really only a concern if it is inhaled or ingested; that means that unless you are creating dust (sanding) that is inhaled/settles on food or are actually eating the paint there isn't much to worry about.

Since you will be tearing the wall our in large check with a coat of latex paint over it there will be significantly less dust created. A good respirator would a worthy investment (even if just from the decades of dust or drywall dust created), possibly containing the work area with plastic tarps as wall (if you want to go overboard), cleaning up well afterwards, and keeping children away from the work area. At least that is as far as I would go.

BAMxi

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2017, 12:00:36 PM »
Just a quick update here. We bought a couple of the 3M Lead Checks for $7 for a 2 pack from Menards. Followed the instructions and saw no evidence of lead paint. Was pretty straightforward for these purposes. I liked that it came with a test strip that you could drop some of the solution on after a negative reading to make sure that the test itself was functional.

Papa bear

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2017, 01:24:18 PM »
Great! Happy wall destroying!


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DangleStash

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2017, 12:13:01 PM »
Lead or not, I would highly recommend the ~$30 for a P100 rated 3M respirator (not just the paper dust mask) at Lowes, and possibly safety goggles instead of just glasses.

Source: Bought old home, took down a wall, also demo'd plaster from an additional wall to replace w/ drywall due to damage

The dust WILL get everywhere.  I would set up a window fan if you have one blowing outside.  This will keep negative pressure in the room, and minimize the amount of dust that gets pushed into the rest of the house past the plastic / tarp / sheet while you are doing demo.  I realize you are taking down drywall, but it can also be messy (the patching / sanding phase of closing it up will be messy too).

sisto

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Re: Removing a wall that might have lead paint
« Reply #9 on: June 22, 2017, 01:58:24 PM »
Lead or not, I would highly recommend the ~$30 for a P100 rated 3M respirator (not just the paper dust mask) at Lowes, and possibly safety goggles instead of just glasses.

Source: Bought old home, took down a wall, also demo'd plaster from an additional wall to replace w/ drywall due to damage

The dust WILL get everywhere.  I would set up a window fan if you have one blowing outside.  This will keep negative pressure in the room, and minimize the amount of dust that gets pushed into the rest of the house past the plastic / tarp / sheet while you are doing demo.  I realize you are taking down drywall, but it can also be messy (the patching / sanding phase of closing it up will be messy too).
This ^
Also make sure not to run your central heat or A/C if you can help it. You will kill your system quickly if this dust gets sucked into it. If you have to run it, use several disposable filters and replace them often.

 

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