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Replacing windows in an older home involves more than choosing the right glass and frame. If the home was built before 1978, removing an existing window can disturb layers of old paint and potentially release lead dust.The federal Environmental Protection Agency‘s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program establishes specific requirements for paid contractors working on pre-1978 homes when their work disturbs painted surfaces. Window replacement is specifically covered. For homeowners, that means the contractor’s lead-safety procedures should be part of the conversation before the first window is removed. Here’s what you need to know.Upgrading windows in a home built before 1978 requires expert care to ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind. Schedule a free in-home consultation with Renewal by Andersen today to learn how our EPA-certified processes keep your project lead-safe from start to finish.
Does EPA Require Lead-Safe Practices for Window Replacement?
Yes. Under the EPA’s RRP Rule, companies performing covered renovation work for compensation in pre-1978 homes generally must be certified and use trained, certified renovators who follow lead-safe work practices.
Window replacement is explicitly included among the activities covered by the rule. The requirements are designed to prevent lead-contaminated dust and debris from spreading through the home.
The rule applies based on the age of the home and whether painted surfaces are disturbed. A homeowner should not assume that newer replacement windows automatically make the project exempt from lead-safety requirements. EPA says the rule generally applies unless the affected components have been determined to be free of lead-based paint.
Why Is Window Replacement a Lead-Paint Concern?
Removing an old window can disturb painted components around the frame, sash and opening. Cutting, scraping, drilling or demolition can create dust and paint chips if lead-based paint is present.
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint because the federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in residential properties that year. EPA warns that renovation activities such as window replacement can create hazardous lead dust and chips.
That does not mean every older home contains lead paint. It does mean contractors need to approach potentially affected painted surfaces appropriately.Related: Replacing Every Window in Your Home? How To Build a Budget Without Overspending
What Does an EPA Lead-Safe Window Replacement Involve?
Lead-safe work practices are designed to contain dust and debris rather than allowing them to spread through the house. Contractors must follow the RRP Rule’s requirements for preparing, performing and cleaning up covered renovation work.
EPA’s lead-safe guidance includes measures such as:
Containing the work area to prevent dust from escaping Using work practices that minimize dust generation Cleaning the work area thoroughly Collecting and containing renovation waste Following required cleaning and verification proceduresCertain high-dust practices are prohibited under the RRP Rule, including open-flame burning or torching and certain forms of uncontrolled power sanding or grinding.
For homeowners, the practical takeaway is simple: lead safety should cover the entire window replacement process, not just the moment the old window comes out.
Does an Older Home Have to Be Tested for Lead Before Replacing Windows?
Not necessarily. The EPA’s RRP Rule does not require contractors to test every pre-1978 home before renovation. Instead, unless there is documentation showing that the affected components are lead-free, the RRP requirements generally apply. A certified renovator can make a lead-free determination using an EPA-recognized test kit or paint-chip sampling, while certified inspectors and risk assessors can use other approved testing methods.
This distinction is useful for homeowners considering replacement windows in a historic or older property. The age of the home triggers the need to address lead safety, but it does not by itself prove that every painted surface contains lead.Don’t let concerns about lead paint delay your home improvement plans and energy-efficiency goals. Connect with the team at Renewal by Andersen to get a free quote and explore lead-safe replacement options customized for your home.
What Should Homeowners Ask Replacement Window Companies?
Before hiring a replacement window company for a pre-1978 home, ask how the company handles the EPA’s RRP requirements.Questions to ask include:
Is the company EPA-certified for covered RRP work? Will a certified renovator be assigned to the project? How will the work area be contained? How will dust and debris be controlled during window removal? What cleanup and verification procedures will be used? Will the company provide the required lead-safety information before work begins?EPA recommends that homeowners hire contractors who are lead-safe certified and trained in lead-safe work practices for renovation projects involving pre-1978 homes.
What Is the Renovate Right Pamphlet?
Before covered renovation work begins, contractors must provide the EPA’s lead-hazard information to owners and occupants as part of the RRP requirements.
The document, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, explains the potential hazards of lead-based paint and ways to protect residents during renovation. EPA’s current lead-safe renovation guidance identifies this pre-renovation education as part of the RRP requirements.
Homeowners should receive and review this information before work starts rather than treating it as paperwork to deal with after installation.Related: Custom vs. Standard Replacement Windows: How Much More Will You Pay?
Does the Small-Job Exemption Apply to Window Replacement?
The RRP Rule has a limited exception for certain minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb no more than 6 square feet of interior painted surface or 20 square feet of exterior painted surface.
However, window replacement is specifically excluded from that minor-repair exemption. EPA states that window replacement is covered regardless of the amount of painted surface disturbed.
That distinction is particularly important when comparing quotes for a single replacement window versus a whole-house project. A smaller project does not automatically eliminate the lead-safety requirements.
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How Does Renewal by Andersen Handle Lead-Safe Window Replacement?
Renewal by Andersen states that its window and door replacement work in pre-1978 homes follows the EPA’s RRP requirements and lead-safe work practices. The company says its procedures include advance distribution of the EPA informational brochure, lead-safe work practices, appropriate cleanup and verification, and required record keeping.
For homeowners replacing windows in an older property, lead-safety procedures are another factor to evaluate alongside window materials, glass packages, installation methods and warranties.
If you’re planning a window replacement in a pre-1978 home, ask the company to explain its EPA RRP certification and lead-safe procedures before scheduling the project.
Protect your home and family with certified lead-safe installation protocols designed specifically for older properties. Contact Renewal by Andersen now to schedule your complimentary consultation and discuss your window replacement project with an expert.
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