Health dept found lead

[Brian Zaug]

I have a duplex in NY which was recently inspected by the Health Dept.  Although they didn't find lead in the apartments or in the water, they found lead paint on the rear porch which is closed in with storm windows.  The health dept. sent me a certified letter stating that I need to fix this or they will take legal action.  They also sent me the lead results.    They want me to come in next week and discuss my plan of action to fixing this.  This has me very nervous as I don't want to get in any trouble nor do I want this to break the bank....

The results mention that a few of the locations that tested positive for lead are around the windows and doors in the porch.  These locations, which the state calls "non friction areas" can be scraped, primed and repainted.    The other locations that tested positive are the stairs leading upto the porch and the painted wood on the floor..  Since these areas are considered "friction areas", I can't scrape and repaint over them.  I'll replace the stair treads and repaint the window sills and door trim but how should I go about the floor of the porch?  Could I cover this floor with something?  Indoor/outdoor rug?  LVT?  new thin wood right over it? 

Thanks for any info and/or advice...

[Addison Estes]

Good afternoon!

I don’t know about all states, but in Georgia, the fix is very simple. You have to cover it up. Look at options like Deckover or a Rustoleum product for outdoor applications.

In Georgia, they cans FORCE you to rehab the facility because the conditions are grandfathered in. But you are responsible for the safety of your occupants, in any case.

A good place to start is a restoration company like ServPro. They can advise you on the rules of lead.