Renovate Right

Window World of the Ozarks is certified to perform lead renovations. Our installers are trained and operate in compliance with the new EPA rule.  Prior to performing work on your home, one of our sales representatives we will provide you with a lead hazards information pamphlet (en espanol).  This pamphlet provides basic facts about lead and information about lead safety when work is being done in your home, your building, or the childcare facility or school children attend.

The Hazards of Lead

For many years, lead was used in products found in and around our homes, as well as other applications.  This toxic metal may be associated with a range of health issues, including behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and other concerns.  Lead-based paint used in homes was banned by the federal government in 1978, and sooner by some individual states.  However, if you are living in an older home it's important to understand the best way to test for and safely eliminate this potential health hazard.

Exposure to Lead

When absorbed by the body, lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems; it may also cause high blood pressure and hypertension in adults.  One of the most common ways people are exposed to lead is through lead dust, which is virtually invisible to the naked eye.

If you reside in a home built before 1978, own or operate a child care facility built before 1978, or have a child under six who attends a child care facility built before 1978...you'll want to take measures to reduce the risk of exposure.

• Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces

• Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often

• Make sure children eat a healthy, nutritious diet consistent with the USDA's dietary guidelines, which helps protect children from the effects of lead

• Wipe off shoes before entering house

Beginning in April 2010, EPA federal law requires contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes, businesses, and schools to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.  This law will only apply to building which were constructed before 1978.

You may test for lead using an EPA-approved test kit available at hardware stores.  They include detailed instructions for their use.

Proper Lead Testing

For best results, we recommend you hire a Window World certified professional for a thorough assessment of your home.  This certified risk assessor can:

• Determine if your home has lead hazards

• Perform a lead-based paint test

• Identify if lead-based paint is present and what areas are affected

• Direct what actions are needed to address any hazards

If the home tests positive for lead, the window replacement process must follow "Safe Work Practices" under the supervision of an EPA-certified renovator.

Where Can Lead be Found?

• In paint used in homes, apartments and other buildings

• Inside and outside of the house

• Household dust which contains lead from deteriorating lead-based paint

• In soil and paint chips

• Other lead sources include deteriorating lead paint, your tap water, or household items such as lead-glazed pottery and lead crystals

Preparing Your Home for a Lead Renovation

It's important to be certain that all affected work areas are sealed off with plastic sheeting to contain dust.  The contained area will not be available to occupants until the work is complete, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and the containment has been removed.  Discuss the renovation plan with your Window World professional so that you may prepare for what you need:

• Alternative bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen arrangements

• A safe place for pets

• A separate pathway for the contractor to and from the work area; ideally, it should not be through the same entrance your family uses

• A place to store your furniture; items that can't be moved, such as cabinets, should be wrapped in heavy duty plastic

• Shutdown of your home's forced-air heating and air conditioning systems to prevent dust from spreading through vents

• Temporary housing if your project is extensive

What to Expect During a Lead Renovation

To ensure the utmost safety during a lead renovation, your Window World professional will take every precaution, including:

• Covering the floors and any furniture that cannot be moved

• Sealing off doors and vents for heating and cooling system

• Minimizing dust - while dust cannot be eliminated entirely, using water to mist areas before sanding or scraping; scoring paint before separating components, and prying and pulling apart components, and prying and pulling apart components instead of breaking them are techniques that generate less dust

• Cleaning up thoroughly

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Springdale: 4377 N. Thompson, Springdale, AR 72764   Toll Free: 888-800-7020   wwnwa@wwozarks.com
Fort Smith: 1408 Towson Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72901    Toll Free: 888-225-6760   wwrv@wwozarks.com