Is peeling paint a problem?

Author: Luigi Hayes II  |  Last update: Sunday, April 20, 2025

Peeling paint has been an issue for almost every business owner sooner or later. For commercial properties that were built before 1978, peeling indoor paint poses an even bigger concern, because of the potential exposure to lead and the likelihood of lead poisoning.

Is it normal for paint to peel?

Peeling paint is most commonly created when water gets under the paint. Therefore, the most common areas for peeling paint to occur are in the wet areas of a house or building e.g. bathroom, laundry or kitchen. However, there may be other issues with the premises such as excess humidity or a leaky roof.

Is peeling paint a health hazard?

Homes or apartments built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Exposure to lead-paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems. Children and pregnant women are at higher risk. If you own rental property, it is your responsibility to repair chipping or peeling lead painted surfaces.

Can you sell a house with peeling paint?

Give it a freshening if the paint looks dull or faded. Paint flaking or peeling can instantly ruin curb appeal and give the impression that the house has not been well maintained. Your home could contain lead-based paint if it was built prior to 1978. It will need to have the paint removed to satisfy your lender.

Should I remove peeling paint?

Yes, it is generally necessary to remove old paint before applying new paint, especially if the old paint is peeling, cracking, or if you're switching paint types (eg, from oil-based to water-based). Here are some reasons why:

How To Fix Peeling Drywall

Can I repaint over peeling paint?

Peeling paint must be removed prior to applying a fresh coat of paint to ensure proper adhesion. For Best Results: Refer to the how-to for guidelines on removing peeling paint. Using a scraper or 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose, cracked, or peeling paint from the damaged area.

Does peeling paint always mean mold?

The number one reason for peeling paint and wallpaper is that the wall is suffering from extreme water damage. And wherever there is standing water, there will be mold. Even when it's in between the walls, mold is a cause for alarm since the microscopic spores can travel through the home's air.

Does peeling paint affect appraisal?

Peeling or Chipping Paint

An FHA-certified appraiser looks for peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint in a property built before 1978. If it's determined that the peeling paint is hazardous, the seller will need to remediate the issue before the loan can be approved.

Is it illegal to paint the outside of your house?

Usually, it's required to have your HOA approve the paint color(s) that you choose for the exterior of your home. They may also want to approve the painting contractors that you work with.

What does peeling paint indicate in real estate?

Though lead-based paint for use in homes was banned in the U.S. in 1978, it is still present in millions of homes. Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good condition. However, deteriorating (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or damaged) lead-based paint is a hazard and needs prompt attention.

Is peeling paint a fire hazard?

Though most people associate peeling paint with lead contamination or moisture issues, it can also be a sign of a potential fire hazard in your home.

Are paint fumes cancerous?

The longer and more frequent the exposure, the higher the risk of developing cancer. If you have a history of prolonged and/or frequent exposure to paint, schedule your preventative health scan today.

Can you paint over peeling lead paint?

The answer is no. If the lead paint you want to encapsulate is peeling or flaking off, encapsulation is not a good remediation technique. That's because the encapsulation paint will flake and peel off the wall along with the lead paint.

How do you fix peeling paint?

  1. Scrape off excess paint. Make sure to remove all the flaky bits. ...
  2. Fill the patches. Use a filler to help patch up. ...
  3. Sand the walls. Choose sandpaper coarse enough to smooth the filler. ...
  4. Paint on primer. Now it was time to paint on some primer, which acts as an undercoat before painting. ...
  5. After a day, paint your walls.

Is peeling paint toxic?

found in old paint. Lead paint, and the dust it turns into, is the most common cause of lead poisoning. Lead dust is especially dangerous for young children. Lead can cause learning and behavior problems.

What is the best sealer for peeling paint?

Zinsser Peel Stop 1-gal. Water Base Clear Interior/Exterior Binding Primer and Sealer (Case of 4) glues down peeling paint and bind chalky surfaces. Designed to seal cracked and checked surfaces for durability, it helps provide a sound surface.

When not to paint outside?

According to The Paint Quarterly Institute, most latex paints shouldn't be applied when the air temperature gets below 35°F to 50°F. There are a few reasons for this: The paint takes longer to dry. Wet paint, as a result, is more vulnerable to collecting dirt, insects and pollen.

Can my Neighbour paint the side of my house?

Legal issues – If the wall is a shared boundary wall, painting it without your neighbor's consent can lead to legal issues. Damage – If the paint causes damage to the wall, you could be liable for repair costs.

Is it safe to live in a house that is being painted?

While you may be able to sleep in your home during the painting process, you should be mindful of your health. If you have any respiratory problems or are allergic to paint fumes, it's advisable to stay away from the painted area.

What does peeling paint indicate?

Moisture. One of the main causes of peeling paint is the presence of moisture or water around the paint. This will usually happen when water gets into the wood behind the paint. This separates it from the wall and seeps through the layer of paint.

What should you not tell an appraiser?

Just keep your communication to the appraiser about the facts of the home and neighborhood, how you priced the house, and any other relevant information you think the appraiser should know. And remember, don't discuss value. Don't pressure the appraiser to 'hit the value' and you'll be fine.

Why does FHA care about peeling paint?

Many people view cracked or peeling paint on or in a home to be a purely cosmetic issue, but that is not always correct. If a home was built prior to 1978, lead contamination could be an issue. FHA home loan rules require the seller to provide full disclosure of any known lead hazard.

Is peeling paint normal?

Different types of paint do not bond well. Applying different paint types together on the same surface can result in paint peeling. Oil-based paints do not adhere to latex-based paints and vice versa. To avoid peeling paint, make sure to always use the same paint type.

How can you tell if there is mold under paint?

1. Bubbling or Peeling Paint. There could be a few reasons for bubbling or peeling paint, but one of the most common is mold growing underneath it. You will likely see this in areas with a lot of moisture, like in the bathroom or the kitchen above the stove.

What to do if paint is peeling off the wall?

It's strongly recommended to engage a professional contractor who is experienced in handling it safely.
  1. Step 1: Prepare the work area. ...
  2. Step 2: Remove the peeling paint. ...
  3. Step 3: Repair any holes or cracks. ...
  4. Step 4: Sand the surface. ...
  5. Step 5: Clean the wall. ...
  6. Step 6: Prime the wall. ...
  7. Step 7: Paint the area.

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