Lead
Safe
Historic
Windows
Lead-Safe Practices for Historic Windows
A Public Resource for Homeowners and Contractors
Many historic windows contain old layers of lead paint, and it’s common for homeowners to assume that this means replacement is the only safe option. In reality, lead hazards can be controlled, stabilized, and made safe while preserving the original windows.
Heritage Restoration does not seek out standalone “lead-safe only” projects. However, our full restoration work naturally produces lead-safe outcomes because it addresses the underlying causes of lead dust: friction, deterioration, and poor operation.
As part of a larger public effort to help homeowners and property stewards manage lead hazards responsibly, we were commissioned by the City of Newport and the Newport Restoration Foundation to develop a comprehensive, practical guide for lead-safe window remediation.
This guide is available as a public resource for anyone — homeowners, contractors, preservationists, and maintenance staff — who wants to achieve lead-safe conditions without resorting to unnecessary window replacement.
What “Lead-Safe” Means
A window is considered lead-safe when:
Deteriorated paint is stabilized
Abrasion (Friction) surfaces are corrected (no grinding of paint)
The unit operates smoothly without producing dust
Proper containment and cleanup practices have been followed
Importantly, lead-safe does not require removing all paint or replacing historic windows.
It simply requires managing the conditions that create dust.
Why Historic Windows Shouldn’t Be Replaced for Lead Paint Alone
Replacement is often portrayed as the only reliable solution, but this is misleading. In most cases, historic windows can be made lead-safe through straightforward work:
Tightening up operation reduces dust at the source
Stabilizing paint resolves immediate hazards
Durable wood and joinery make historic windows repairable
Storm windows and minor upgrades improve energy performance
Lead safety is about management, not removal of history.
The Lead-Safe Historic Window Remediation Guide
Commissioned by the City of Newport and the Newport Restoration Foundation and authored by Heritage Restoration, this guide outlines clear, achievable methods to remediate lead hazards in historic windows — whether the work is done by a homeowner, general contractor, or preservation professional.
The guide covers:
Identifying hazardous window conditions
Stabilizing loose, peeling, or chipping paint
Reducing friction through simple operational repairs
Safe setup and containment procedures
Cleanup and verification practices
Approaches suitable for buildings under preservation restrictions
Its purpose is simple: give anyone the knowledge to achieve lead-safe status without sacrificing original windows.
How Our Restoration Work Fits In
While we don’t typically offer “lead-safe remediation” as a standalone service, our full restoration process inherently:
Repairs deterioration
Eliminates friction points
Rebuilds failing components
Stabilizes paint and glazing
Improves long-term safety and durability
A restored window is, by its nature, lead-safe and fully functional — but the emphasis is on preservation, not remediation alone.
A Balanced, Preservation-Friendly Approach
Lead safety and historic preservation work together.
With proper guidance and practical steps, any homeowner or contractor can make historic windows lead-safe, extend their service life, and maintain the character of the building.
This page exists to share that knowledge and support safer, more informed decisions about your historic home.