Lead Based Paint

[rrenaud]

Has anyone tested the permeability of lead-based paints?
In the US, sale and installation of lead-based paints were banned in the mid 1970's. We encounter old existing lead-based paints on many of our projects, and we have the option to encapsulate them or remove them. Because of the high cost of removal (abatement), owner's typically want to leave them in place and cover them up with new finishes. My concern is that the lead paint could act as a vapor retarder within the exterior wall construction which may affect the outcome of the hygrothermal analysis.
Please get back to me with questions or with any experience you may have had with this.

[Christian Bludau]

Hi,
I asked google for "lead based paints permeability" and got some hits.
Maybe that helps.
Christian