The new EPA lead paint removal rules starting this April 22 will probably have a big impact on how contractors deal with lead-based paints. Contractors will be responsible for containing and cleaning lead dust during remodels and renovations. Certification for contractors will be required and done by the EPA. Although these rules do not apply to homeowners unless they use paid help for the removal, the health risk is there for them too. Homeowners should take the same precautions when disturbing lead-based painted surfaces. Homes built before 1978 are at risk, which is before lead paint was outlawed for residential use. According to Lead-Safe Families the greatest risk comes from homes built before 1950.

The three methods for paint removal or stripping are first, grinding or sanding, second, using a heat source (heat gun), and third, applying chemicals. Grinding creates the most exposure to lead-laden dust, heat methods can be a fire hazard, and chemical strippers can be a real pain. Removing paint from doors, windows, and molding by do-it-yourselfers using wood strippers usually turns into a messy and very time-consuming project. It is not as easy as the ads on the television make it look. Some paints can be a lot harder to remove than others. And sometimes these strippers can do more harm than good to the wood. Removing windows, doors, and woodwork involve the same safety concerns. There is a safer way to strip these pieces once removed. That’s where a professional stripping service comes into play.

Houck’s Process Stripping Center in southeast Portland is a more environmentally friendly process that meets all DEQ requirements. Houck’s uses a much less toxic chemical than the methylene chloride found in some over-the-counter strippers, a chemical that is possibly carcinogenic. Adhering to strict cleanup and disposal processes, Houck’s takes the worry out of a do-it-yourselfer’s possible risk to home and family. Most of the elements stripped at Houck’s are doors, molding, windows, and furniture. Many of the pieces they take in are from customers who have attempted to strip the pieces themselves and have given up.

Ron Bauer, owner of Houck’s, has built a new facility that meets strict fire codes and DEQ rules and can handle the risk associated with lead paint. Besides doing the dirty work for home-owners, Houck’s keeps quality materials out of landfills. The consumer is left with a clean house part that can be refinished as desired. The re-use of wood products promotes sustainability and lowers the carbon footprint produced by the manufacturing of new materials. Houck’s will take the paint off your 100-year-old door and make it ready to survive another 100 years.

Bauer has done work for Portland City Hall, the Old Federal Building, the Benson House, and the Muslof Manor, just to name a few. Houck’s has also stripped the siding on the R.E.X. House. This was a project promoted by Shannon Quimby, one of our nation’s top renew-it experts. The R.E.X. House was the attempt to re-use 100% of an old house into new home construction. To find more information on this project visit www.shannonquimby.com/blogger.html.

Both contractors and do-it-yourselfers can benefit from using Houck’s Process for their stripping needs. While home-owners and contractors need to take care when removing windows or molding, the actual stripping can be done at Houck’s instead of inside the house or building. This will help protect the contractor, homeowner, and do-it-yourselfer from possible lead exposure.

Call 503-232-5151 for directions and also pick-up and delivery information. For additional information visit www.dipdoors.com. For general information on lead paint removal and to download a brochure and other guides visit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead.