Remove Lead Paint Safely From Older Homes
Lead Removal in Manchester and the Boston area for pre-1978 homes with deteriorating paint or planned renovations
Key Team Painting provides lead removal services in Manchester, Concord, Andover, MA and surrounding areas for homes built before 1978 where lead-based paint poses a health risk during repainting or renovation. You may see paint that is chipping around window sills, peeling on door frames, or flaking along baseboards. Disturbing these surfaces without proper containment releases lead dust into the air, which is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. The service ensures safe handling, containment, and disposal according to EPA lead-safe standards.
Lead removal begins with testing to confirm the presence of lead-based paint, followed by containment setup that prevents dust from spreading to other rooms. Surfaces are carefully scraped or chemically stripped, and all debris is collected using HEPA-filtered vacuums. The work area is sealed with plastic sheeting, and negative air pressure may be used to keep contaminated air from escaping. Once removal is complete, surfaces are wiped down and tested to confirm lead levels are safe before any new coatings are applied. This level of care is necessary in older New England homes where lead paint was standard in kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior trim.
If your home was built before 1978 and you are planning interior work, reach out to discuss lead testing and safe removal in Manchester and neighboring communities in the Boston area.
Why Lead-Safe Practices Matter During Renovation
The EPA requires that contractors working on pre-1978 homes follow lead-safe work practices, which include containing work areas, minimizing dust, and cleaning thoroughly after each phase. You will notice plastic barriers sealing off doorways, air scrubbers running throughout the project, and careful handling of all materials that may contain lead. These practices prevent lead particles from settling on floors, furniture, and ventilation systems where they can be inhaled or ingested long after the work is finished.
Once lead removal is complete, you will have surfaces that are free of hazardous materials and ready for priming and repainting. Key Team Painting integrates lead removal with interior painting so that restoration happens in one coordinated project rather than requiring multiple contractors. You will not see dust residue, and clearance testing confirms that lead levels meet safety standards before the space is returned to normal use.

The service does not include removal of lead-contaminated soil, lead plumbing, or asbestos, which require separate specialists. If testing reveals widespread lead contamination beyond painted surfaces, additional abatement may be necessary. The team will explain what is required and coordinate with certified abatement contractors when needed.
Common Questions About Lead Paint Removal
Homeowners in Litchfield and throughout New England often ask how lead removal fits into a repainting project and whether it is required by law for older homes.
What are the signs that your home has lead-based paint?
Homes built before 1978 are likely to have lead paint, especially on window frames, doors, and trim where friction causes deterioration and dust accumulation.
How does containment prevent lead dust from spreading during removal?
Plastic sheeting seals off work areas, HEPA vacuums capture fine particles, and all tools and materials are cleaned or disposed of according to EPA protocols.
Why is lead removal necessary before repainting older homes?
Sanding or scraping lead paint without containment releases toxic dust that can remain in the home for years, posing long-term health risks to occupants.
When is lead testing required in Manchester and surrounding areas?
Testing is required before any renovation that disturbs painted surfaces in homes built before 1978, and it is recommended even for minor repairs to ensure safety.
What happens to lead-contaminated materials after removal?
All debris is sealed in heavy-duty bags, labeled as hazardous waste, and disposed of at approved facilities that handle lead-contaminated materials.
Key Team Painting follows EPA lead-safe practices and integrates removal with interior painting to protect families and workers throughout the project. Contact the team in Litchfield to schedule testing and plan safe removal before your next renovation.