Asbestos Artex removal
Testing, encapsulation and removal of asbestos Artex on ceilings and walls in homes and businesses across London and the South East.
Artex is the textured coating found on many older ceilings and walls, and some of it contains asbestos.
- Over 12 years’ experience
- Fully insured
- HSE compliant
- Environment Agency registered waste carrier
- Same or next day service
What Artex is
Artex is a trade name now used for any hard textured finish on a ceiling or wall, often called a textured ceiling and sometimes referred to as a popcorn ceiling. It was white when applied, and most of it has since been painted.
Identifying asbestos in Artex
- Asbestos in Artex cannot be identified by eye, whatever the pattern.
- Only a lab test can confirm it. We take a small sample and send it to the lab. See asbestos testing.
- Asbestos was banned in 1999. A coating applied before 2000 could contain it.
- Do not scrape off a test patch to check. That disturbs the coating before anyone knows what is in it.
Sound, undisturbed Artex is extremely low risk. Sanding, scraping or drilling releases fibres into the air.
Worth knowing
If the material has already been disturbed
Already drilled, sanded or broken it? Stop work and keep everyone else out of the area. Do not sweep up the dust or debris, and do not try to repair or remove the damaged material.
Call 07708 761540 for advice on the next step.
Removal, encapsulation and covering
If the right option is unclear, asbestos testing comes first, and the decision follows once the result is known.
Left in place
A sound ceiling that is not due to be drilled or sanded is not an emergency. Leaving it in place is often the lowest-cost option.
Skimming or boarding
A plasterer can skim the coating or fix plasterboard over it, provided nothing is sanded or scraped first. The coating remains underneath.
Encapsulation
A worn but intact ceiling can be sealed in place. See encapsulation and sealing.
Removal
Removal suits rewiring, new light fittings, extensions and full room refurbishment.
Asbestos panels
Cement panels on a garage, shed, porch or older extension are a separate job, covered under asbestos panels and cladding.
We give the same free advice and no-obligation quote for panels, and can often quote straight away by phone or on site.
How Artex removal works
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01
Send a photo
Send a photo and your postcode on WhatsApp, or call 07708 761540.
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02
Get a free quote
Every quote is free and without obligation, and can often be given over the phone or on site.
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03
Pick a day
Booked to a day that suits you.
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04
Removal and disposal
The material is taken to an approved waste transfer site, and you receive the consignment note.
What moves the price of Artex removal
- The area involved. A patch above a door is a different job from every ceiling in the house.
- Whether the walls are coated as well as the ceilings.
- Height and access. Stairwells and high ceilings take longer.
- Condition. Flaking coating, or coating painted over many times, takes more care.
- Making good is not included. Skimming and decorating are a separate trade.
Artex questions
Should I leave, skim or remove an Artex ceiling?
It depends on the work planned. A sound ceiling that will not be drilled or sanded can be left. Skimming or boarding suits a purely cosmetic concern. Removal suits rewiring, new light fittings or stripping the room back.
Can I plaster over Artex?
Yes, if it is sound and nothing is sanded or scraped first. Skimming and boarding both leave the coating in place, which is relevant to any later drilling or light fitting through that ceiling.
How can I tell if my Artex has asbestos?
Only a lab test can confirm it. We take a small sample and send it to the lab before anything is disturbed. See asbestos testing for how it works.
Why not use a DIY remover gel or a steamer?
They soften the coating, but it still has to be scraped off, which disturbs it. Have it tested before you start, and never scrape or sand it dry, as that releases fibres into the air.
What does Artex removal cost?
The price depends on the area, whether walls are included as well as ceilings, the height and the condition of the coating. We can often quote on the phone.
Testing, sealing and outdoor panels
An asbestos ceiling: a customer review
Rated 5 out of 5
Ross came and sorted my asbestos ceiling out in just a few hours after I called. A wonderful company, highly professional, cleared everything away and left it tidy. Helpful, friendly and great service.
Free, no-obligation quotes
Send a photo of the ceiling on WhatsApp, or call, for free advice and a no-obligation quote.