Lead paint or mold/mildew are always an important concern for homeowners, especially if the home is aged.

It’s not uncommon for us to find something black in the insulation when we begin removing it for a window replacement, for example, but that’s not usually as scary as you might think. Regardless of whether there is a problem or not, we go to great lengths to ensure that your home is kept clean and safe.

Old Homes May Have Lead Paint or Mold and mildew

If your house was built before 1976 or 1978, we have to assume it has lead paint. The government requires us to take care of that and that’s another part of the interior care we have for your house.

When we install your replacement windows, we’ll put all the proper plastic down, tape off the windows, and use a special vacuum with a HEPA filter while working. That will pick up and filter any possible lead that might be from an occasional chip of paint that might come off.

We go to great lengths to protect your home. We put down full runners, set down cardboard and tarps, and take every precaution. We want to leave your home in pristine condition after the job is finished.

Mildew and Mold Look Similar

The second potential issue for Kansas City homes is mildew or mold. The thought of it creates a panic in customers. Every time we pull out a window or door, there’s going to be something black in the insulation. But 99% of the time, it’s just mildew caused by moisture and rain. Either we, or you, can remove mildew using some spray bleach cleaner. If it’s excessive, we’ll replace the insulation.

Rarely is it ever mold. They can look similar but it’s very rare for us to find mold in local homes. If you’re concerned about it, however, we’re happy to work with you. We’ll pull the exterior siding off the window and let you have a mold removal service come in and swab, or treat it if it’s already been swabbed, then we’ll put the house back together afterwards.

Lead Paint or Mold/Mildew Can Be Handled

If another contractor finds black areas in the insulation around your windows, don’t let them panic you by claiming it’s mold. It is almost never mold. Just mildew.

Everyone gets mildew in their home. Around the shower in the bathroom, along the countertop in the kitchen. It’s common during the rainy season in Kansas City, and it comes right off with regular bleach.

If you’re truly concerned about mold, buy a test kit. These are very inexpensive and available at most any local hardware store. You can even buy lead paint test kits there as well, if you’re so inclined.

We’re happy to do those tests for you if you’d like, but they’re really not necessary for the care and consideration we put forward.

Talk To Our Experts About Your Concerns

Energy Pro Windows and Siding has been replacing windows and siding in the Kansas City area since 2003. We’ve seen our share of lead paint and mildew. Our team has a combined 125 years experience so we know what to look for, and how to work around it.

Mildew is quite common in our environment and it can be treated very easily. Yes, it looks similar to mold and when there’s not much visual difference it’s easy to be scared.

Let us help. If you have any concerns at all about lead paint or mold/mildew, give us a call and we’ll be happy to test it.