What Historic Homeowners Need to Know About Lead Paint

December 14, 2022

Do you own a historic home? Historic homes can offer a level of charm, beauty, and character that is difficult to find in newer homes. Unfortunately, many historic homes also contain an element that could be deadly in the form of lead paint. Lead paint was banned in the late 1970s. However, it's still present in many older homes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 90% of homes built before 1940 contain some level of lead paint. That percentage declines as homes get more recent in construction. However, any level of lead paint can permeate soil and water and can lead to illness and even death. Below are some things you should know about lead paint in your historic home and what lead paint renovation services can do about it.

Where Is Lead Paint Located in The Home?

You may not even be aware that you have lead paint in your historic home. In fact, it's possible that you've painted the walls in your home, maybe even several times. Given that experience, you may be confident that your home does not contain lead paint. The truth is that lead paint is often underneath several layers of newer paint. As the paint starts to scratch and chip, the lead paint comes to the surface. It can become part of the dust in your home and can then permeate every surface. If you have a remodeling job that includes stripping paint, you could soon find lead paint chips all over your home. That's why it's so important to work with lead paint renovation services before undertaking a major remodel in your historic home.

What Harm Does Lead Paint Cause?

Lead paint can be a very harmful and damaging element in your home, especially if you have young children or pets in your family. Lead paint can permeate dust, water, soil, and virtually any surface and substance in your home. It can then be inhaled and even ingested. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of lead poisoning include unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, headaches, joint pain, memory loss, and even low sperm levels in men. Children can experience all those symptoms and also delayed growth, stunted puberty, developmental issues, and learning disabilities. In severe cases, lead paint poisoning can lead to death. Very often, symptoms don't become noticeable until a significant amount of lead is in the system. At lower levels, you may mistake the symptoms for a cold or stomach bug. As lead levels increase, the symptoms usually become more intense. By the time you visit a doctor, you could have serious lead poisoning. For all of these reasons, it's necessary to hire a lead paint renovation service sooner rather than later.

What Options Do Historic Homeowners Have to Deal With Lead Paint?

The best way to minimize the risk of lead in your home is to remove all sources of lead paint. While you work on hiring a reputable service to remove the lead, you should regularly check surfaces for chipped or cracked paint. Paint over any chips in the paint that you discover. Also, regularly dust surfaces and mop floors to remove any possible sources of lead ingestion.

When you hire lead paint renovation services in your area, they strip all of your walls, ceilings, and other surfaces free from paint. That'll ultimately remove the base level of lead paint from your home. They can also do this in a way that minimizes dust and lead paint particles in your home. When the job is complete, they can test the home for lead, identify any remaining sources, and remove those. This can be a complicated job but it can give you the complete knowledge that your home is free of lead paint and your family is safe from lead poisoning.

Ready to remove the lead paint from your historic home? Contact us today at ASAP Environmental Inc. We can analyze your home and test for lead levels so you know how much lead is in your home, then start the process of removing paint and stripping lead paint from your walls and ceilings. When the job is done, you'll know with confidence that your home is free of lead paint.

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Why Professional Mold Inspections Are Essential for Your Home

October 15, 2025

Mold is often called a silent intruder, growing unnoticed behind walls, beneath flooring, in basements, and inside ductwork. Because it thrives in dark, damp areas, homeowners may not realize a problem exists until it has already spread. Mold doesn’t just compromise the structure of your home—it can also affect the health of everyone living inside. If left untreated, it can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma, and create long-term respiratory issues. Professional mold inspections are the most reliable way to identify, assess, and address mold problems before they become severe. These inspections go beyond surface-level checks, providing a deep and detailed look into your home’s condition. If you have ever searched online for “mold inspection near me,” you are already taking the right step toward ensuring a safer and healthier environment. Expertise and Experience Matter Professional mold inspectors bring years of training and specialized knowledge to every inspection. Their background allows them to recognize different strains of mold and understand how each can impact health and property. For example, black mold is often linked with respiratory issues, while other species may cause allergic reactions or damage materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. Beyond identifying the type of mold, professionals know the conditions that allow it to thrive. They understand how moisture, poor ventilation, and temperature can work together to create the perfect environment for mold growth. This expertise allows them to not only find existing mold but also identify areas of risk before they turn into larger problems. Comprehensive Assessment of Your Home A professional mold inspection is more than a visual check—it’s a complete evaluation of your property. Inspectors use advanced tools such as thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, moisture meters to measure dampness in building materials, and air quality monitors to measure spore levels in the environment. This thorough process means mold will be detected in places most homeowners would never think to check. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, HVAC systems, and even behind wallpaper are common hiding spots. By investigating the entire home, inspectors can pinpoint the full extent of the issue rather than just identifying what’s visible. Accurate Results and Actionable Recommendations Accuracy matters when it comes to mold detection. Professional inspectors don’t rely on guesswork. They collect samples using standardized procedures and send them to certified laboratories for testing. This ensures the results are precise and trustworthy. Once the lab results are complete, inspectors translate the findings into clear, actionable steps. They can recommend whether remediation is necessary, suggest improvements to ventilation, or highlight repairs needed to prevent future mold growth. Instead of leaving homeowners with vague answers, professionals provide a concrete plan to move forward. If you’re searching for “mold inspection near me,” it’s important to choose a provider who not only identifies the problem but also gives you the tools and advice to solve it effectively. Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run Many homeowners hesitate to schedule a mold inspection because they worry about cost. However, delaying an inspection can lead to far more expensive repairs in the future. Mold can spread quickly and damage drywall, flooring, insulation, and even structural beams. Repairing this damage often costs thousands of dollars. According to This Old House, mold thrives in areas that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which means many homes unknowingly provide the perfect environment for it to grow. Because these conditions are so common, small moisture problems can quickly escalate into widespread infestations. When you search for “mold inspection near me,” you’re not only protecting your property—you’re also safeguarding the well-being of the people you care about most. Health and Safety Benefits for Your Family Mold is more than just a home maintenance issue—it is a health concern. Exposure can trigger allergies, sinus problems, headaches, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. For individuals with asthma, mold exposure can worsen symptoms and cause dangerous flare-ups. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. By scheduling a professional mold inspection, you are taking an important step toward creating a healthier living environment for your family. Professional inspectors not only identify mold but also help you understand the potential health risks, empowering you to make informed decisions for your household. If you’ve been searching for “ mold inspection near me ,” now is the time to act. Don’t wait until minor issues grow into costly, damaging problems. Take the proactive step today and protect your home, your investment, and your family’s health. Contact ASAP Environmental Inc to schedule your professional mold inspection and ensure a safer, healthier home for years to come.