Assuming you can encapsulate it you have a few options.
Covering lead paint with vinyl siding.
If you re just worried about looks the simplest and least expensive solution is to fasten 1 4 furring strips vertically over the existing siding and into the studs and attach the new siding to those with 1 1 4 in.
Vinyl siding is highly flexible and therefore tends to bend and warp.
As the other answer stated make sure not to disturb the old paint as you do.
If you find out that the restoration of the existing siding is not a good option than adding a new layer of siding could work quite well.
In some places you have to remove lead paint before re siding.
Encapsulation is less expensive than lead paint removal and it s actually safer since it doesn t release lead dust or debris into the air.
The danger for lead paint with children is that it has a sweet taste which makes them want to chew on sills and eat paint chips.
No matter which product you choose vinylsafe paint colors give you a wide range of color options for your vinyl exterior.
The lead paint can be covered up in a safe and legal manner you should contact your local agency that deals with these issues.
But that doesn t mean that rrp rules don t apply to siding jobs where lead based paint does exist.
Full scale removal isn t always necessary.
If the lead paint is covered with new coats of lead free paint and it isn t peeling then you should be pretty safe from your new baby being exposed.
Yes you can paint over lead based paint but not with just any type of paint.
Make sure all the seams are dust tight before you side the building you should staple warning tape about every 2 feet on the old.
Simply select from this vinylsafe paint color palette and apply using sherwin williams emerald duration resilience superpaint latex paints or snapdry door trim paint.
There are also environmental concerns regarding vinyl siding because it releases a toxic gas called dioxin when it burns.
The epa hud regulations state that enclosure covering with siding is an accepted lead paint abatement method.
Control joints wood paneling and aluminum and vinyl siding the covering of the surface by a breathable wrap such as tyvek should be required to prevent lead containing dust particles from migrating.
That s because homeowners are far more likely to be exposed to the hazards associated with lead dust inside the home than outside it.
Rules call for laying down plastic sheeting at least 10 feet from the wall to collect dust and paint chips.
Vinyl siding is only one of the re siding options.
Painting over lead based paint also known as encapsulation is an effective lead paint remediation technique.