Morgan Ashleigh Builders

Renovate the Home in Lead-Safe Way

2011-01-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Homes that were built prior to 1978 may have the presence of lead. Homeowners thinking about home improvement renovations may want to consider taking extra safety precautions to prevent lead contamination.

Consumption of lead can result in many health problems, affecting the nervous system and kidneys and possibly interfering with fertility and reproduction. High doses of lead can cause mental retardation, behavior problems, brain damage, and even death.

Older homes may contain a good deal of lead. Lead used to be added to paint to make the product last longer and flow easier. Water pipes used to be made from lead, as was the solder used to connect the pipes. Lead may even be in the soil surrounding the home.

Because of the dangers lead presents, many homeowners are interested in retrofitting their homes to remove traces of old lead, or at least prevent future contamination. Homeowners who are just doing minor renovations may actually stir up lead and introduce it into the environment. That is why caution must be taken with older homes.

Whether one is hiring a contractor for renovations or doing the work him- or herself, a lead-safe manner should be followed.

* Cover entryways, venting, ductwork, flooring and other items in the room with an impermeable covering to prevent the release of lead dust outside of the work area.

* Use wet-scraping and wet-sanding methods to minimize the amount of dust generated that could contain lead.

* Make sure tools, personnel and other equipment are cleaned before exiting the room so that dust is not spread.

* Use containers to securely store waste and debris so it can safely be removed from the house.

* Follow applicable laws for the proper disposal of lead-containing materials.

* Use HEPA-equipped vacuums to remove dust in a final clean-up of the work area. Wash down areas with water and an all-purpose cleaner so that settled dust is removed.

* Be sure all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment, such as ventilators, masks, gloves and eyewear for protection.

* Hire a lead professional to do testing in the home to make sure lead is not present. Consumers can buy a do-it-yourself kit to test for lead-based paints in their homes. However, there may be false test results. Therefore, hiring a professional tester is the best option.

* The Environmental Protection Agency requires that firms performing renovation in pre-1978 buildings use certified renovators for lead-safe work. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

What You Should Know About Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint is particularly dangerous because older paint can chip and deteriorate, causing lead dust in the home. Children may eat lead paint chips, and residents may inhale the dust.

Actions should be taken to protect homeowners from lead-based paints in older homes.

* Painted items, such as doors, can be replaced. If a lot of debris will be generated, consult a professional.

* Covering up lead-based paint is a short-term solution. Sealants or gypsum wallboard can cover the paint. However, the old paint may continue to chip. Painting over the old paint may temporarily lock in the lead, but once the new paint deteriorates, lead dust may be released.

* Removal is the best option. Professionals experienced in lead paint removal can do it safely. Homeowners should not try to remove a large area of lead-based paint on their own.

You can take the stress out of any project by calling Morgan Ashleigh Builders. Let us help put he Joy back into your home. Visit our website http://www.morganashleighbuilders.com

FH109792

Water Damage

2010-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

With all the rain our area received in the last few weeks it's no surprise that homeowners are now suffering the effects of water damage to there homes. If your basement flooded or your roof leaked or if any of the many other ways water can enter a home has affected you call Morgan Ashleigh Builders. We can take a water damaged home and make it beautiful again. Call today at 301-863-4848.

New Flooring

2010-09-13T11:18:00.001-07:00

Is your flooring old and worn out? Time to update your existing flooring with some beautiful hardwood or tile flooring. Call Morgan Ashleigh Builders and we can get you started today. 301-863-4848

End of summer

2010-08-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

There is still time to get some last minute projects done before the cold weather sets in. Power washing, deck staining, shingle cleaning, and asphalt driveway seal coating are just some of the services we offer. Give us a call today to get started. 301-863-4848

Now Offering

2010-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Morgan Ashleigh Custom Builder's is now offering:

Power Washing
Shingle Cleaning
Deck Staining
Asphalt Driveway Seal coating

Basement Renovations

2010-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Need some extra living space and more room to move around? It's time to put that unfinished basement to good use. We can help with all your design needs. Call Morgan Ashleigh Custom Builders today to get started. 301-863-4848

Bathroom Remodel

2010-07-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Tired of that outdated bathroom? We can do a complete renovation starting under $6,000. Call today to find out more

Outdoor Cooking

2010-07-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Love to entertain outdoors? Do it in style with a full outdoor kitchen. We can create the outdoor space you've been dreaming of. Call us today!

Sunroom Addition

2010-07-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thinking of adding some square footage to your home? Well, there is still time to add a sun room or a bonus room to your house before the cold weather hits. Morgan Ashleigh Builders can take you through the process step by step and make it look like it was there all along. Call us today to get started.

2010-07-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

We would like to take the time to thank God, our staff, our clients, and all Sub Contractors, vendors, etc. Although times have been difficult over the last 3 years, Morgan Ashleigh Custom Builder's has managed to grow and remain blessed and prosperous.

We have "improved the lifestyle's" of many wonderful people in Southern Maryland, with Additions, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Basement Renovations, and Structural Repairs, etc.

We have recently designed a new Custom Home for a client in Charles County and should begin construction in July.

Our Design/Budget Agreement has proven to be a successful tool as it allows our In-house Design Team to work with you, down to the last detail as well as create a Construction Budget to meet your needs.

We will be posting Before and After photos from all our recent completed projects.

Thanks again,

Morgan Ashleigh Custom Builders
"Improving Lifestyles in Southern Maryland"

Time to think about a new deck

2010-06-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

If you spend time outside with the family and want a great experience call Morgan Ashleigh Builders for the latest in decking technology.

New Blog!

2010-01-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

We just started our blog and we hope you enjoy it.