Lead Paint Testing & Removal
Protecting families from lead hazards.
What to expect from our Lead Paint Testing & Removal team
Lead Paint Testing & Removal in SW Florida
Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, but it remains present in millions of American homes – including thousands across Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Fort Myers, and Naples built before that date. When lead paint is intact and in good condition, it poses little risk. However, when it deteriorates, chips, or is disturbed during renovation, remodeling, or restoration work, lead dust and chips create serious health hazards – especially for children under six and pregnant women. WrightWay Emergency Services is EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) Rule certified and provides professional lead paint testing and removal throughout SW Florida.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead poisoning can cause irreversible neurological damage in children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. In adults, lead exposure causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive problems, and cognitive impairment. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, making proper handling during renovation of pre-1978 homes critically important.
Where Is Lead Paint Found?
In SW Florida’s pre-1978 housing stock, lead paint is commonly found on:
- Window frames, sills, and sashes – the most common source of lead dust from friction surfaces
- Door frames and trim – multiple layers of lead paint under newer coats
- Baseboards and crown molding
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Exterior siding, soffits, and fascia
- Porch railings, columns, and steps
- Interior walls and ceilings – particularly in older Sarasota and Bradenton neighborhoods
When Is Lead Paint Testing Required?
Under the EPA RRP Rule, any renovation, repair, or painting project that disturbs more than 6 square feet of painted surface in a pre-1978 home (or 20 square feet on the exterior) must be performed by an EPA-certified renovator using lead-safe work practices – unless the paint has been tested and confirmed lead-free. During restoration projects after fire or water damage, testing is essential before demolition begins.
1. XRF Testing or Paint Chip Analysis
We test suspect painted surfaces using an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer for instant, non-destructive results, or collect paint chip samples for laboratory analysis. Testing identifies which specific surfaces contain lead, allowing targeted removal rather than unnecessary full-house abatement.
2. Lead-Safe Work Area Setup
The work area is isolated using polyethylene sheeting to prevent dust migration. Warning signage is posted, and HEPA-filtered ventilation controls airborne lead dust. All workers are trained and certified in EPA RRP lead-safe work practices.
3. Paint Removal
Lead paint is removed using methods that minimize dust generation – wet scraping, HEPA-sanding, chemical strippers, or in some cases, encapsulation with EPA-approved encapsulant products. We select the method based on the substrate, location, and project requirements. Dry scraping, open-flame burning, and high-heat guns above 1100°F are prohibited.
4. Cleanup & Clearance
All work areas are cleaned using HEPA vacuums and wet mopping. Clearance testing – either dust wipe sampling analyzed by an accredited lab or visual inspection per EPA protocols – confirms the space meets clearance standards before occupants return.
5. Restoration
After lead paint removal, our licensed general contractor team applies new primers and finish paint, installs replacement trim and drywall as needed, and restores the property to a safe, beautiful condition.
Why Choose WrightWay?
- EPA RRP certified firm and certified renovators
- XRF testing capability for immediate on-site results
- Lead-safe work practices meeting all EPA and OSHA requirements
- HEPA dust control and containment protocols
- Licensed general contractor for complete restoration after removal
- Experience with SW Florida pre-1978 housing stock in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice historic districts
Service Area
WrightWay Emergency Services provides lead paint testing and removal throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Nokomis, North Port, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Naples. Protect your family during renovation – call (941) 379-8669 for lead paint testing.
Our Lead Paint Testing & Removal Process
We keep the work moving with a clear response sequence, documented scopes, and one accountable team from the first call through the next phase of recovery.
The first phase is about quickly understanding condition, urgency, and what has to happen first.
Scopes, notes, and photos stay organized so owners, managers, and adjusters stay on the same page.
The plan is structured to reduce handoffs between emergency work, contents support, and rebuild decisions.
Testing
XRF analysis or paint chip lab testing to identify lead-containing surfaces.
Work Area Setup
Containment, signage, HEPA ventilation, and lead-safe protocols.
Paint Removal
Wet scraping, HEPA-sanding, or chemical stripping with dust minimization.
Clearance Testing
Dust wipe sampling confirms the space meets EPA clearance standards.
Restoration
New primer, paint, and any needed trim or drywall replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common timing, documentation, and service questions answered in a clearer format so owners and managers can make confident decisions faster.
Mold can begin to grow on damp surfaces in as little as 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions. Florida’s warm, humid climate accelerates this timeline significantly, which is why rapid water extraction and structural drying are critical after any water event. If you suspect mold growth following water damage, call WrightWay at (941) 379-8669 for a professional assessment.
While not every species of mold is toxic, all mold growth indoors should be taken seriously. Even common molds can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and respiratory irritation, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. WrightWay recommends professional testing and remediation any time visible mold covers an area greater than ten square feet or when musty odors persist.
Mold removal refers simply to eliminating visible mold, while mold remediation is a comprehensive process that includes containment, air filtration, removal of contaminated materials, antimicrobial treatment, and moisture control to prevent recurrence. WrightWay follows IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation, which means we address both the mold itself and the underlying moisture source that allowed it to grow in the first place.
WrightWay coordinates with independent, certified industrial hygienists to conduct air-quality sampling and surface testing that identifies the type and concentration of mold spores present. Independent testing ensures unbiased results that are accepted by insurance companies and regulatory agencies. Based on the lab results, we develop a targeted remediation plan specific to your property.
Small areas of mold on non-porous surfaces, typically less than ten square feet, can sometimes be cleaned with household products. However, larger infestations, mold behind walls, and mold on porous materials like drywall and insulation require professional remediation to ensure complete removal and proper containment. Improper DIY cleanup can actually spread mold spores to unaffected areas of your home, making the problem worse.
Florida’s high humidity, frequent rain, and warm temperatures create an ideal environment for mold growth year-round. Common indoor causes include plumbing leaks, poor ventilation in bathrooms and attics, air conditioning condensation issues, and water intrusion from storms. Maintaining indoor humidity below 60 percent and addressing leaks promptly are the most effective ways to keep mold from taking hold in your Southwest Florida home.
Preventing mold recurrence starts with eliminating the moisture source that caused the original growth. WrightWay identifies and repairs the underlying issue, whether it is a roof leak, plumbing failure, or HVAC deficiency, as part of every remediation project. We also apply antimicrobial treatments to affected surfaces, recommend proper ventilation improvements, and can install dehumidification solutions to keep humidity levels in check long after our work is complete.
Insurance Claims Assistance
WrightWay coordinates directly with your insurance company - Xactimate estimates, adjuster meetings, documentation, and supplemental claims. One less thing to worry about.
- Xactimate estimates in insurance-standard format
- Direct adjuster coordination and scope agreement
- Complete photo and moisture documentation
- Supplemental claims for hidden damage
Stabilize the Loss. Carry the Project Forward.
Tell us what happened and we’ll help you understand the next move, whether you need emergency mitigation, a rebuild plan, or both. If the situation cannot wait, call (941) 379-8669 for immediate dispatch.
- Clear recommendations based on the actual condition of the property
- Documentation and scopes built for adjusters, owners, and property managers
- One accountable team from emergency work through reconstruction when needed
Talk with a live coordinator about the damage, property type, and what we should prepare before arrival.
Share the basics and we’ll take it from there.
We use this information to route the right team, equipment, and response plan before we arrive.
Call (941) 379-8669 and we can help triage the property before you submit the form.
A WrightWay team member will follow up as quickly as possible to confirm the scope and next steps.
Wrightway is the best emergency services provider I have ever worked with! In my 36 years in the property management industry, I have never encountered a team of professionals quite like Wrightway. They are responsive, friendly, knowledgeable, and exceptionally well-equipped to handle a wide range of emergency services. I’ve had the privilege of working with Darren and Theresa, and they consistently go above and beyond to exceed my expectations. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to outstanding service make them an invaluable partner. I highly recommend Wrightway to anyone looking for a dependable, professional, and responsive emergency services provider!
Verify on Google →Wright Way gave me excellent service on the restoration of my entire kitchen and floors. A leaking dishwasher caused irreparable damage to my kitchen cabinets and carpeting. Had to move out for a month while restoration was on going. They explained to me what needed to be done and why. They worked quickly and efficiently. All the workers were professional and respectful to me. The work was well done. I am extremely happy about the work done. I would highly recommend"
Verify on Google →We had a leak at 1:30 AM and called Wright-Way Emergency Services. They arrived within the hour and immediately began vacuuming up the water. They quickly brought in air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry the space. The entire team was attentive, professional, and clearly knew exactly what needed to be done. Darren Boatwright was especially outstanding throughout the entire process. He was extremely diligent, communicative, and proactive in ensuring his team completed everything promptly and thoroughly, including cleaning and preparing our space for patients. Carlos was also amazing and played a huge part in making the process go smoothly. We truly appreciated the entire team's responsiveness, professionalism, and dedication during a stressful situation. I highly recommend Wright-Way Emergency Services for their efficiency, expertise, and exceptional customer service!
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Need Emergency Restoration?
Our team is standing by 24/7 to help stabilize the property, document the loss, and move the job forward fast.
- 24/7 live dispatch and emergency response
- Insurance-ready documentation and coordination
- Mitigation, contents, and rebuild under one roof