XRF Lead Paint Inspection — Cleveland
Skip the 2-year re-cert cycle. One combined risk assessment + XRF inspection. 20 years of compliance.
For pre-1978 rental properties — Cleveland requires the combined lead risk assessment and XRF inspection for the 20-year exemption. Our flat $950 rate includes both, performed by an Ohio State Licensed Lead Risk Assessor and filed directly with the city.
What an XRF Lead Paint Inspection Actually Does
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is the same technology used by the EPA, HUD, and federal lead-abatement programs. A handheld analyzer reads the exact concentration of lead in every painted surface — instantly, non-destructively, layer-by-layer down to the substrate.
Tests the paint itself
Dust-wipe testing measures loose lead on a surface at a single moment. XRF reads the lead content of the paint film — including every old layer underneath fresh paint. It's the definitive answer to "is there lead in this building?"
Non-destructive & instant
No scraping, no cutting, no paint chips mailed to a lab. Readings appear on the analyzer in seconds. Tenants stay in place. Finishes stay intact.
The path to a 20-year exemption
A passing comprehensive XRF inspection documents the absence of lead-based paint at the source — qualifying the property owner for an exemption from biennial Ohio Lead-Safe re-certification for up to 20 years.
City filing handled for you
We don't hand you a PDF and walk away. We file the certification and exemption documentation directly with the city — the same way we handle 2-year clearances.
XRF vs. Standard Dust-Wipe Clearance
Both are valid. They solve different problems. Here's how to think about it.
| Factor | 2-Year Dust-Wipe Clearance | XRF Lead Inspection (Ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Certification length | 2 years — renew every cycle | Up to 20 years |
| What it measures | Loose lead dust on surfaces today | Lead content in every paint layer |
| On-site method | Dust-wipe sampling sent to lab | Real-time XRF analyzer readings |
| Disruption to tenants | Minimal | Minimal — non-destructive |
| Long-term compliance cost | Recurring every 2 years | One inspection covers the cycle |
| Best fit | Routine biennial compliance | Owners who want long-term exemption |
Why Property Owners Choose Us for XRF
Most lead inspectors in Northeast Ohio still rely on paper checklists, mail-in samples, and weeks of back-and-forth with the city. Our technology-driven workflow is faster, more accurate, and produces a defensible record.
Ohio State Licensed Lead Risk Assessor
Inspection performed personally by a licensed assessor — not subcontracted. License LA10160.
CertiVue™ digital documentation
Every XRF reading, every photo, every component is logged in real time into our proprietary platform. The report is 98% complete when we leave the property.
Faster turnaround than legacy inspectors
Paper-and-mail inspectors typically deliver reports in 2–4 weeks. Our digital workflow delivers in days, with direct city filing.
All-inclusive flat pricing
$950 covers the lead risk assessment plus the on-site XRF inspection, any lab fees, the full written report, and direct submission to the city. No surprise add-ons — and the combined package is exactly what Cleveland requires for the 20-year exemption.
Multi-unit & portfolio discounts
Multi-family, multi-property, and portfolio owners get volume pricing on request. Tell us your scope when you submit the form.
Transparent Flat Pricing
XRF Lead Paint Inspection
Single-family home — all-inclusive
- Lead risk assessment (required by Cleveland for the 20-year exemption)
- On-site XRF inspection by Ohio Licensed Risk Assessor
- All lab fees included (if any required)
- Comprehensive written report
- Direct filing of certification with the city
- Qualifies for 20-year re-certification exemption (when passing)
Cleveland requires both a passing risk assessment and a passing XRF inspection for the 20-year exemption. Our flat rate includes both, so your package is complete in one visit.
Multi-unit property?
Volume discounts available for duplexes, multi-family buildings, and portfolios. Note your scope in the request form for a same-day quote.
XRF Inspections Are Scheduled Manually
Because XRF inspections take longer than a standard 2-year clearance and require pre-visit coordination on access and scope, we schedule them by phone. Fill out our short request form and Mike will personally call you within one business day to confirm timing.
Request XRF InspectionFrequently Asked Questions
What is an XRF lead paint inspection?
XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) is a non-destructive testing method that uses a handheld analyzer to read the exact lead concentration in painted surfaces in real time. Unlike dust-wipe sampling, XRF measures lead in the paint itself — every coat, down to the substrate — without scraping, cutting, or sending chips to a lab.
How does an XRF inspection give me a 20-year certification exemption?
Under Ohio's Lead Safe program, a standard pass-only dust-wipe Lead-Safe Certification expires every 2 years. Cleveland requires a combined lead risk assessment and XRF lead paint inspection — both passing — to grant the 20-year exemption from biennial re-certification. Our $950 flat rate includes the risk assessment and the XRF inspection together, so the package meets Cleveland's requirement in one visit.
How much does XRF lead testing cost in Cleveland?
Our flat rate is $950 for a single-family home. That includes the on-site XRF inspection, any associated lab fees, the full written report, and direct filing of the certification with the city. Multi-unit properties receive volume discounts on request.
Why book XRF through the manual scheduling form instead of the online calendar?
XRF inspections cover every painted component in the property and take significantly longer than a standard 2-year dust-wipe clearance. They also require pre-inspection coordination on access, occupancy, and scope. We schedule them by phone after a short request form so we can confirm the right time block and prep instructions.
Is XRF more accurate than dust-wipe testing?
They measure different things. Dust-wipe testing detects current loose lead dust on surfaces — a snapshot of cleanliness. XRF measures the actual lead content of the paint film itself, including layers buried under newer paint. For long-term clearance, XRF is the more definitive method — and the only path to the 20-year exemption.
Ready for 20 Years of Compliance?
Skip the 2-year cycle. One inspection, one report, one filing. Done.