Old Homes, New Problems: Why Lead Paint Testing in San Antonio is Non-Negotiable

 

San Antonio is a city defined by its rich history and stunning architecture. From the stately Victorian mansions of the King William Historic District to the charming Craftsman bungalows in Monte Vista and Alta Vista, our historic homes are more than just residences, they are cultural landmarks. However, for those who own or are looking to purchase these beautiful older properties, a hidden legacy often lingers beneath layers of modern aesthetics: lead-based paint.

While the character of an century-old home is undeniable, the safety of its environment must be the priority. At Veteran Home Inspections, we understand that preserving the past shouldn't come at the cost of your family's future. Understanding the risks associated with lead exposure and the technical requirements for lead paint testing in San Antonio is not just a recommendation; for homes built before 1978, it is a critical necessity.

The 1978 Threshold: Why Age Matters

The year 1978 serves as a definitive line in the sand for residential safety in the United States. This was the year the federal government officially banned the use of lead-based paint in residential housing due to its documented toxicity. If your home was constructed prior to this date, there is a statistically high probability that lead paint is present.

According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the prevalence of lead paint correlates directly with the age of the structure:

• 87% of homes built before 1940 contain lead-based paint.
• 69% of homes built between 1940 and 1959 contain lead-based paint.
• 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 still contain lead-based paint.

In a historic city like San Antonio, where thousands of homes pre-date World War II, these statistics are not just abstract numbers, they represent the reality for many local homeowners. Lead was originally added to paint to increase durability, speed up drying time, and resist moisture. While effective for preserving wood, its impact on human health is devastating.

The Hidden Danger: How Lead Exposure Occurs

The primary misconception many homeowners have is that lead paint is only dangerous if a child physically eats a paint chip. While "pica" (the ingestion of non-food items) is a serious concern, the most common route of exposure is actually through microscopic lead dust.

As lead-based paint ages, it undergoes a process called "chalking." Friction surfaces, such as window sashes rubbing against frames or doors closing in their jambs, constantly grind down these old layers of paint, releasing invisible, heavy lead dust into the air and onto floors. This dust is easily inhaled or ingested through normal hand-to-mouth contact.

Furthermore, even if the lead paint is currently covered by modern latex paint, any renovation project that involves sanding, scraping, or demolition will disturb these deep layers. Without professional lead paint testing in San Antonio, a simple weekend DIY project can inadvertently contaminate an entire home with toxic dust that is nearly impossible to clean with standard household vacuums.

The Health Implications: Protecting Your Family

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in the body over time. Because it mimics calcium, the body absorbs it into the bones and blood, where it can cause permanent damage.

Vulnerable Populations:

1. Children Under Six: Children are at the highest risk because their brains and nervous systems are still developing. Lead exposure can result in permanent lower IQ, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and slowed growth.
2. Pregnant Women: Lead can cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus to the toxin. This can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
3. Adults: While adults are more resilient, high levels of lead exposure can lead to hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.

Given these stakes, we believe that "guessing" is not an option. Professional testing provides the data needed to make informed decisions about your living environment.

The Science of XRF Testing: Accuracy Without Destruction

When you choose Veteran Home Inspections for your lead-based paint testing, we utilize the industry’s most advanced technology: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF).

Unlike DIY swab kits, which are notoriously unreliable and only test the very top surface, XRF technology allows us to see through every layer of paint on a wall or trim piece. Here is why XRF testing is the gold standard for lead paint testing in San Antonio:

• Non-Destructive: We do not need to scrape or damage your walls. The XRF analyzer uses high-energy radiation to excite the atoms in the paint, which then emit an energy signature that identifies lead content.
• Instant Results: You don’t have to wait for a lab to process samples. The device provides a direct readout of lead concentration in milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm2).
• Depth Penetration: Lead paint can often be buried under 10 or 20 layers of modern paint. The XRF scanner reads through all of them, ensuring that a "safe" top layer isn't hiding a toxic history beneath.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Every reading is logged, allowing us to provide a detailed report of exactly where lead exists and, just as importantly, where it does not.

For homeowners in neighborhoods like Olmos Park or King William, this level of precision is vital for planning renovations or negotiating a property purchase.

Texas Regulations and Compliance (TELRR)

In the state of Texas, lead paint activities are governed by the Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules (TELRR). These regulations are designed to protect the public by ensuring that lead-based paint activities are conducted by properly trained and certified individuals.

For owners of "target housing" (homes built before 1978) or child-occupied facilities, compliance with these rules is essential during renovations. Using a certified inspector from Veteran Home Inspections ensures that your property is evaluated according to state standards, providing you with a defensible report that can be used for legal disclosure or insurance purposes.

Failure to identify lead paint before disturbing it can lead to massive cleanup costs and potential legal liability. A proactive inspection is the most cost-effective way to manage these risks.

Why Experience Matters: The Certified Master Inspector Advantage

At Veteran Home Inspections, we bring more than just equipment to the job site; we bring elite-level expertise. As Certified Master Inspectors, we have performed thousands of inspections across the Texas Hill Country, including San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville.

Being a veteran-owned business means we operate with a level of discipline, integrity, and attention to detail that is unmatched. We don't just "check the boxes." We provide a comprehensive analysis of your property’s condition, identifying not just the presence of lead, but the factors that might make it hazardous, such as moisture intrusion that causes paint to peel or structural shifts that create friction on lead-painted surfaces.

Our background allows us to offer deeper insights into how lead paint interacts with your home's systems. If we find lead, we don't just hand you a "yes/no" result; we explain what that means for your specific property and how to prioritize maintenance or remediation.

Creating a Safe Environment: Your Next Steps

If you live in or are buying a home built before 1978, you have a responsibility to yourself and your family to know the facts. Lead paint testing in San Antonio should be your first step before any of the following:

1. Purchasing a Home: Don't rely on the seller’s disclosure alone. Most sellers simply "don't know" if lead paint is present. Verify it for yourself.
2. Renovating or Painting: Before you sand that beautiful old trim or tear down a wall, know what's inside.
3. Welcoming a New Child: Ensure your nursery and play areas are lead-free.
4. Noticing Peeling Paint: If your historic windows or siding are showing signs of wear, test them immediately to prevent lead dust contamination.

At Veteran Home Inspections, we provide the clarity you need to enjoy the beauty of your historic home without the worry of hidden toxins. Our reports are detailed, easy to understand, and delivered within 24 hours of the inspection.

Schedule Your Inspection Today

Don't let the charm of an old home mask a serious health hazard. Trust the experts at Veteran Home Inspections to provide the professional XRF testing you need. Whether you are in San Antonio, Boerne, or Kerrville, we are here to ensure your home is as safe as it is beautiful.

Contact us today at 210-202-1974 to schedule your lead paint inspection and gain the peace of mind that comes with professional, veteran-led expertise.

DIY Safety: Identifying Lead Paint Before You Renovate Your Heritage Home

 

San Antonio is renowned for its rich history, mirrored beautifully in the architecture of neighborhoods like King William, Monte Vista, and Lavaca. If you have recently purchased or are planning to renovate one of these heritage properties, you are likely eager to peel back the layers of time and restore its original character. However, before you pick up a sander or a heat gun, you must address a significant hidden hazard: lead-based paint.

At Veteran Home Inspections, we understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining and upgrading older homes. Lead paint was standard in residential construction until its ban in 1978. In the historic districts of San Antonio, the likelihood of encountering lead-based paint is exceptionally high. Renovating without proper identification and safety protocols can transform a dream project into a health crisis for your family.

The Invisible Threat: Why Lead Paint Awareness Matters

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women. When lead paint is disturbed: through sanding, scraping, or even the friction of opening and closing old windows: it creates microscopic dust. This dust is easily inhaled or ingested.

In adults, lead exposure can lead to hypertension, joint pain, and memory loss. In children, even low levels of exposure can result in permanent neurological damage, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. Understanding the facts about lead paint is the first step toward a safe renovation. Our goal is to ensure you can enjoy your heritage home without compromising the long-term health of your household.

Identifying Lead Paint in Your San Antonio Home

If your home was built before 1978, you should operate under the assumption that lead-based paint is present. However, "assuming" isn't enough when you are about to disturb the surfaces.

Common Locations for Lead Paint

In older Texas homes, lead-based paint is most frequently found in high-wear areas and exterior surfaces:

• Windows and Door Frames: Friction surfaces that generate dust every time they are used.
• Baseboards and Trim: Decorative elements often received the highest quality (and most lead-heavy) paints.
• Porches and Exteriors: Lead was prized for its durability against the harsh San Antonio sun and humidity.
• Built-in Cabinetry: Common in Craftsman and Victorian homes.

The Limitations of DIY Test Kits

Many homeowners turn to over-the-counter chemical swab kits. While convenient, these kits have significant limitations. Aside from an accuracy of about 50%, they often only test the topmost layer of paint. In a heritage home, the lead-based paint is frequently buried under five or six layers of modern, lead-free latex paint. A DIY swab might give you a false sense of security while the hazard remains hidden just one millimeter deeper.

The Gold Standard: XRF Testing by Veteran Home Inspections

To get a definitive answer without damaging your walls, we utilize XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) testing. This is a non-destructive method that allows us to see through every layer of paint down to the substrate.

Why XRF is Superior for DIYers

1. Non-Destructive: We do not need to scrape or chip your paint to get a reading. This keeps the lead contained while we test.
2. Instant Results: The XRF analyzer provides immediate data on lead concentrations.
3. Depth Penetration: It detects lead in all layers of paint, ensuring you know exactly what is behind that modern "eggshell" finish.
4. Comprehensive Reporting: We provide a detailed report within 24 hours, giving you a roadmap for your renovation.

As Certified Master Inspectors, we bring a level of technical expertise that goes beyond a standard visual check. We understand the construction of heritage homes and can identify where lead is most likely to be lurking.

Essential Safety Protocols for DIY Renovations

If our inspection confirms the presence of lead-based paint we recommend having an EPA certified RRP contractor complete the project. If you choose to proceed with a DIY renovation, you must follow strict safety protocols. This is not just about your safety; it is about preventing the contamination of your entire neighborhood.

1. Contain the Work Area

You must isolate the room you are working in. Use heavy-duty 6-mil plastic sheeting to cover floors and seal off doorways.

• Seal Vents: Turn off your HVAC system and seal all vents with plastic and tape. This prevents lead dust from circulating through your home’s ductwork and affecting indoor air quality.
• Furniture: Remove all furniture, or at the very least, wrap it completely in plastic.

2. Wear Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Do not rely on a simple dust mask. You need a NIOSH-certified N-100 or P-100 respirator.

• Disposable Suits: Wear disposable coveralls and shoe covers.
• Hygiene: Never eat, drink, or smoke in the work area. Always wash your hands and face thoroughly before leaving the contaminated zone.

3. Use "Wet" Methods

The goal is to keep dust to an absolute minimum.

• Mist Before You Work: Use a spray bottle to mist painted surfaces with water before scraping or sanding. This "wet" scraping traps the lead in a paste-like substance rather than allowing it to become airborne.
• Avoid Power Tools: Unless they are equipped with a HEPA-filtered vacuum attachment, avoid power sanders and grinders. They create massive amounts of fine lead dust that is nearly impossible to clean up.
• Low Heat: If using a heat gun to strip paint, ensure it operates below 1,100°F. Higher temperatures can vaporize lead, creating toxic fumes.

4. HEPA-Only Cleaning

A standard household vacuum cleaner will only make a lead problem worse. The filters are not fine enough to catch lead dust; instead, the vacuum will suck up the dust and exhaust it back into the air. Use only a vacuum equipped with a true HEPA filter.

Disposal and Final Steps

Lead-contaminated waste must be handled carefully. Place all plastic sheeting, paint chips, and used PPE in heavy-duty trash bags. Seal them with duct tape. Check with the your city's solid waste management for specific guidelines on disposing of residential lead waste.

Once the "dirty" work is done, use a high-phosphate detergent (like TSP) to wash all surfaces in the work area. This helps remove any remaining lead residue before you apply your new, safe coats of paint.

Protecting Your Investment and Your Family

Renovating a heritage home is a labor of love, but it requires a disciplined approach to safety. By identifying lead paint early with professional XRF testing, you can plan your project with confidence and avoid the catastrophic health and financial costs of lead contamination.

At Veteran Home Inspections, we are proud to serve the San Antonio, Boerne, and Hill Country communities. Our background in construction management allows us to provide more than just a report; we provide the insight you need to renovate wisely. Whether you are conducting a pre-listing inspection or preparing for a major DIY restoration, we are here to help.

Don't guess when it comes to your family's safety. If you own a home built before 1978 in the San Antonio area, contact Veteran Home Inspections today to schedule your professional lead-based paint XRF test. Let’s ensure your heritage home remains a safe haven for generations to come.

Renovating an Older Home? Why Lead Paint Testing is a Must

 

Renovating an older San Antonio home can be one of the smartest ways to build equity and create a space that finally fits your life. But if your house was built before 1978, there’s a safety issue you can’t afford to guess on: lead-based paint.

When lead paint is disturbed: by sanding, scraping, cutting, demo, window replacement, door/trim work, or even aggressive prep: it can turn into fine dust that spreads quickly and settles everywhere. That dust is easy to inhale or ingest, especially for kids (hand-to-mouth is real) and pregnant family members. And here’s the frustrating part: you often can’t see it.

At Veteran Home Inspections, we help you remove the guesswork before you start tearing into walls, trim, and cabinets. The goal is simple: protect your family and keep your renovation on schedule with clear, defensible information.

If you’re ready to schedule, start here: Request an Inspection
Learn more about our service: Lead Paint Inspection (XRF)

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Why Pre-1978 Homes in San Antonio Deserve Extra Caution

San Antonio has plenty of charming neighborhoods with older housing stock: solid framing, mature trees, real character. Those same homes often have multiple generations of paint on:

• Windows and sashes (high friction surfaces create dust faster)
• Doors and door trim
• Baseboards and crown molding
• Stair rails and balusters
• Kitchen/bath cabinets
• Exterior siding, soffits, and porch railings

The risk isn’t just “old paint.” The risk is what happens during renovation. Activities that seem routine: like prepping trim for a smooth finish: can create the exact conditions that spread lead dust through your home.

Benefit to you: Treating lead as a planning item (not an afterthought) reduces anxiety, prevents expensive do-overs, and protects the people who matter most.

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What Makes Lead Paint So Dangerous During Renovations

Lead exposure is especially harmful for children because it can affect the developing brain and nervous system. The hard truth is that children can have elevated blood lead levels with no obvious symptoms: meaning you may not know there’s a problem until long after the dust has settled.

Lead dust is dangerous because it:

• Travels: It gets on shoes, tools, clothing, HVAC returns, and surfaces throughout the home.
• Persists: It can settle into cracks, carpets, and window tracks.
• Is easy to ingest: Kids pick it up from floors and windowsills, then touch their mouth.

Benefit to you: When you identify lead sources early, you can plan containment and safe workflows: so your renovation doesn’t quietly create a long-term health concern.

For broader guidance on lead-safe renovation, the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting program is the standard reference (often called the “RRP Rule”).

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Before You Renovate: Understand the EPA’s Renovation (RRP) Reality

If your home is pre-1978, federal rules can come into play for renovation activities that disturb painted surfaces. In practical terms, you should assume lead may be present until proven otherwise: especially if you’re hiring a contractor or planning a big DIY project.

The RRP framework is built around one central idea: disturbing lead paint creates lead dust, so the work needs to be planned and contained.

Common lead-dust-generating activities include:

• Sanding old trim and repainting
• Replacing windows or doors
• Cutting into drywall/plaster near painted surfaces
• Removing cabinets, baseboards, or built-ins
• Exterior scraping and repainting

Benefit to you: Knowing where lead is located helps you (and your contractor) choose safer methods and avoid accidental contamination that can delay the project.

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Lead Paint Testing Options (And Why Swabs Often Fall Short)

You’ll see a few “testing” approaches advertised. Here’s how to think about them:

1) Chemical swabs (quick kits)

These can be tempting because they’re cheap and fast, but they’re often limited:

• They test only the specific spot you swab
• Results can be affected by surface conditions and user technique
• They don’t create a whole-home strategy for renovation planning
• Even used correctly, the false-positive and false negative rates are so high they are about as accurate as flipping a coin. This is why professional lead-paint inspections do not use these kits

On our lead paint service page, we address this directly: don’t rely on low-bid, partial testing when you don’t even know if lead paint is present.
Source: Veteran Home Inspections – Lead Paint Inspection

2) Paint chip sampling (lab testing)

Accurate, but it’s destructive (you remove a sample), and results take time.

3) XRF testing (the professional standard for fast, non-destructive screening)

This is the option most homeowners renovating older homes actually want: because it supports real decision-making without tearing up your house.

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What Is XRF Lead Paint Testing? (And Why It’s Ideal for Renovations)

XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence. In plain terms, an XRF analyzer is a specialized instrument that can detect lead in paint by reading what’s in the layers: even through multiple coats: without you having to scrape anything off.

How XRF testing works in the real world

During an on-site lead paint inspection, we:

• Select representative painted components (doors, trim, windows, walls, exterior elements, etc.)
• Test surfaces in-place with the XRF device (non-destructive)
• Document results by location and component so you can plan renovation work intelligently

Why XRF matters for your renovation

• Instant clarity: You don’t wait days wondering whether demo is safe.
• Non-destructive: No unnecessary damage to historic trim or finished surfaces.
• Better planning: You can target containment and work sequencing to the areas that actually matter.

Benefit to you: XRF gives you confidence. Instead of “maybe it’s fine,” you get a clear map of risk: so your project stays controlled and your family stays safer.

Learn more about our XRF approach here: Lead Paint Inspections

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Inspection vs. Risk Assessment: Which One Do You Need?

Your next step depends on your goal.

According to the EPA (and echoed on our lead paint page):

• A Lead Paint Inspection tells you whether lead-based paint is present and where it is located (surface-by-surface).
• A Lead Paint Risk Assessment goes further: evaluating the presence, type, severity, and location of lead hazards in paint, dust, and soil, and providing recommended controls.

Source: Veteran Home Inspections – Difference Between an Inspection and Risk Assessment

Practical guidance for San Antonio remodels

• Choose a Lead Paint Inspection (XRF) if you primarily need to plan a renovation and determine where lead paint exists.
• Choose a Risk Assessment if you need deeper hazard evaluation (for example: concerns about children’s exposure, deteriorated paint, dust pathways, or soil issues in the yard).

Benefit to you: Picking the right scope saves money and time while ensuring you’re not under-reacting to a genuine hazard.

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Where Lead Paint Problems Show Up First in Older Homes

If you’re renovating, pay special attention to the high-risk areas below because they create dust easily and spread it widely.

High-friction components (dust generators)

• Window tracks and sashes
• Door frames and door edges
• Stair rails
• Drawers and cabinets

High-disturbance renovation zones

• Kitchens (cabinet removal, wall opening, backsplash demo)
• Bathrooms (vanity removal, patching, repainting)
• Trim-heavy rooms (baseboards, wainscoting, crown molding)

Exterior work (often overlooked)

• Scraping and repainting siding/trim
• Porch rebuilds
• Fascia/soffit repairs
• Old outbuildings and detached garages

Benefit to you: When you know the “hot spots,” you can prioritize testing and reduce the chance of contaminating clean areas of the home.

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If Lead Is Present: What You Should Do Next (Renovation-Smart Steps)

Finding lead paint doesn’t mean you can’t renovate. It means you need a plan that protects your household and prevents spread.

Use this checklist to stay in control:

1. Adjust your scope before demo starts.
   Knowing where lead is helps you avoid “surprise” changes after dust is already everywhere: reducing stress and rework.
2. Use proper containment and dust control.
   Isolation barriers, protected pathways, and HEPA equipment are key to preventing contamination of bedrooms, HVAC returns, and living areas.
3. Sequence the job to minimize exposure.
   Keep high-disturbance work grouped and contained so your home isn’t a rotating dust zone for weeks.
4. Protect the most vulnerable people first.
   Keep children and pregnant family members away from work areas and consider temporary relocation for major disturbance work.
5. Verify cleanliness when the work ends.
   Renovation is only “done” when the dust is handled. Post-work cleaning and verification reduce lingering worry and support a safer move-back-in.

Benefit to you: These steps protect health, prevent project delays, and help you feel confident that your renovation improved your home instead of introducing an invisible hazard.

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Why This Matters Most for Families (Not Just Compliance)

Most people think about lead paint testing as a regulation or a checkbox. We recommend you think about it differently: it’s a family protection decision.

When you test before renovating, you gain:

• Control over how and where work happens
• Confidence that you’re not exposing your kids to invisible dust
• Clarity to work with your contractor on safe methods and sequencing
• Momentum because fewer surprises means fewer delays

That peace of mind is hard to put a price on: especially when you’re already juggling budgets, timelines, and the stress of living through a remodel.

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Work With Certified Professionals (And Choose Testing That Supports Real Decisions)

Veteran Home Inspections is certified to conduct Lead-Paint Inspections and Risk Assessments in Texas and offers XRF inspections designed for renovation planning.
Source: Lead Paint Inspections in the Bandera & San Antonio, TX Area

If you’re renovating a pre-1978 home in the San Antonio area, don’t rely on guesswork or minimal testing that leaves you uncertain. Get information you can actually use.

Schedule your lead paint testing here:
Request an Inspection

Or explore our services:
Services • Contact

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Quick Renovation-Safety Takeaway

If your San Antonio home was built before 1978, lead paint is a realistic possibility. Renovation work can turn that paint into dust that affects the whole home: especially children’s spaces. XRF testing gives you fast, non-destructive answers so you can plan the job safely and confidently.

When you’re ready, the inspectors at Veteran Home Inspections can help you identify where lead-based paint is present and what that means for your remodel( before the first piece of trim comes off.)

Lead Paint Hazards and Testing

Are you buying a home built before 1978?  Maybe you live in one currently.  If so, please read on.

Lead was a common additive to paint up until it was banned from use in residential housing.  As a paint additive, it worked great.  Unfortunately, the health effects were ignored, so there is a lot of it still in housing today.  There are a lot of rumors going around about lead paint, so this post will address several of them and also provide you with information on what to do next.

Rumor 1: "My kids don't eat paint chips!"  Paint Chips are only one source of lead poisoning.  The most common source is actually dust from lead paint.  Some of us older folks remember "self-cleaning paint."  This was nothing more than the lead in paint seeping out, and chalking on the surface.  After it rained, the dirt (and lead) would be washed off and the paint would look great.  The same dust is created by all lead paints, and the lead dust accumulates in your house.  The most common surfaces are the floor, window sills, and window wells.  Young kids, especially those crawling or playing on the floor a lot, pick up the dust on their clothes, hands, pacifiers, toys, etc. and put them in their mouths.  As for the paint chips, they are still a hazard.  One of the properties of lead is that it has a sweet taste.  This encourages kids to eat it.

Rumor 2: "If it's been painted over, it's not a risk"  Painting over lead paint is not an accepted method of remediation.  It may help mitigate, but it doesn't eliminate the risk of lead poisoning.  Additionally, the biggest sources of lead dust (window tracks, door jambs, painted floors, and other friction surfaces) can quickly wear down exposing the lead paint again).

Rumor 3: "It only affects kids."  While children under 6 years old are at the greatest risk to lead poisoning, lead will affect all ages.  In adults, lead can cause cardiovascular, neurological, kidney, and reproductive issues.  Lead can also pass from mother to child while pregnant and through breast milk.

Rumor 4: "They pretty much stopped using it around 1950."  I have personally inspected homes built in 1977 that had lead paint in them, some of them massive amounts.  On the flip side, I have inspected homes built in the early 1900's that had no lead paint at all.  Bottom line, the only way to know is to do a full surface-by-surface inspection to see if there is lead paint in the house.  For a report on the prevalence of lead in housing, click here.

Rumor 5: "I'll just use the test kits I can buy at the hardware store"  These tests are not 100%, and they have a standard set at 1.0mg/cm2 (small concentrations are ignored).  Additionally, proper use requires damaging the paint to ensure all layers are tested.The price of these swabs run about $5 each, and you need a new swab for each location.  In a typical 1500 square foot house, a lead inspector will test over 100 locations.

I'm sure by now you realized that not only is lead a hazard to your entire family, but there has to be an easy way to find out your risk.

We are Texas certified lead risk assessors and inspectors.  We can easily check your house for lead paint and help you determine the risk that it has on your family.  We'll also help you build an action plan to mitigate that risk. We use a combination of methods to find and assess lead paint, including an XRF machine that conducts instant non-destructive testing of painted surfaces.  The great thing is that it can see through all the layers of the paint, so even if there was only one layer of lead-based paint covered by several layers of non-lead-based paint, we will know.  Because it's fast and non-destructive, we can test all the painted surfaces in your home in a reasonable amount of time.  An average house of 1500 square feet takes about 60-90 minutes to test.  We can also do this inspection at the same time we do your home inspection.  If we do find lead paint, we can take dust wipe samples to determine if there is lead dust present and the concentrations.  These wipes have to be sent to a lab for analysis, but the turnaround time fairly quick.  Armed with this information, you can make an educated decision on how best to manage the risk to your family.

If you own rental properties that were built before 1978, you should also get them tested for lead paint.  This can help manage your risk as a landlord.

If your child has been found to have an elevated blood level, we can also perform EBL Investigations to help you find the source of the lead poisoning.  Hopefully your local health department will provide this, but if not, we are available to assist.

Are you doing renovations on a home built prior to 1978?  Make sure you know if and where there is lead paint.  We can do an inspection of the area to be renovated to let you know if you need to take lead paint RRP precautions.

What are the different types of inspections:

A Lead Inspection is an inspection to determine and report the presence of lead-based paint.

If lead paint is found, you should do a full Risk Assessment, which determines the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards.

If you are buying a pre-1978 house, you have the right to conduct a lead paint inspection.  Don't waive this right in your contract, and have the house inspected.

To schedule a lead paint inspection or full risk assessment, contact Veteran Home Inspections at 210-202-1974 or schedule online at www.vhillc.com.  Based in Bandera, TX, we cover the San Antonio, TX and Hill Country area.