Homeowners in Colorado Springs planning to repaint older houses may be unaware that federal regulations can apply before any paint is applied. Front Range Painters, one of several painting companies colorado springs residents rely on, is encouraging owners of homes built before 1978 to understand these rules and what to ask before painting begins.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, homes constructed before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint, as the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint that year. Exposure to lead dust or chips can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women, making safe work practices critical during renovation.
The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires firms paid to perform projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities, and preschools to be EPA-certified. They must also use certified renovators and follow lead-safe work practices. This includes common painting prep such as surface preparation that disturbs existing paint. Contractors must provide occupants with the EPA's "Renovate Right" pamphlet before work begins.
The EPA identifies certain practices as prohibited on these projects, including open-flame burning, using high-speed power sanders or grinders without HEPA exhaust controls, and operating heat guns at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. These measures prevent the release of lead dust and chips into the air.
"When we look at an older home, the first question isn't the color. It's when the house was built," said Danny Manriquez, owner of Front Range Painters. "That one answer changes how the prep gets done, how the site gets set up and how the cleanup gets handled."
The issue is especially relevant for exterior projects, where years of weather exposure can leave older paint peeling or flaking. Before hiring any of the exterior painters colorado springs has to offer, homeowners can ask whether the firm is EPA-certified and how it plans to contain paint chips and dust. The EPA maintains an online search tool that lists certified renovation firms.
The same questions apply indoors, where colorado springs interior painting projects in older homes often involve window trim, doors and stairways. The rule can also apply when original painted cabinets are sanded or stripped during cabinet painting colorado springs projects in pre-1978 kitchens.
"Most people just want the house to look good again, and that's fair," Manriquez said. "But if you've got an older home, spend two minutes asking your painter about lead before anybody starts scraping. A good contractor will have a straight answer."
Front Range Painters is encouraging homeowners with questions about an older home to review the EPA's guidance and to discuss the home's age with any contractor during the estimate stage. This proactive approach can help prevent lead exposure and ensure compliance with federal law.
For homeowners, the implications are clear: hiring an EPA-certified firm is not just a legal requirement but a health necessity. For the painting industry, it underscores the importance of certification and training. As Colorado Springs continues to preserve its older housing stock, awareness of lead-safe practices will be essential for protecting families and workers alike.
