The Safest Way To Remove Asbestos Artex & Textured Coatings

Asbestos Artex Removal Barnard Castle

Asbestos Artex & Asbestos Textured Coating Removal in Barnard Castle

Removal Of Horrid & Dangerous Asbestos Wall Coatings

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Asbestos Artex Removal in Barnard Castle

Asbestos Artex Removal Barnard Castle

While the risks of asbestos in Artex are gradually becoming common knowledge, many people are still unaware of the dangers. At Asbestos SOS, it's our mission to raise public awareness of the harmful particles present in asbestos and to provide a first-class asbestos artex removal service in Barnard Castle that will eradicate the risk.

We offer sound and sensible advice on textured coating, Artex removal and all other aspects of asbestos management, so be sure to contact Asbestos SOS when you need advice on this matter.

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Do I Need To Remove Artex From My Barnard Castle Home?

While leaving an Artex wall or ceiling undisturbed generally poses minimal risk, it may be necessary to remove it under certain circumstances:

Do I Need To Remove Artex From My Home

Immediate Removal Scenarios

  • Damage - Cracks, flaking, or water damage in the Artex can release asbestos fibres into the air. This poses a health risk and requires immediate professional removal by a licensed contractor.
  • Planned renovations - If you plan any remodelling, drilling, sanding, or scraping near the Artex, safe removal is crucial to prevent fibre release.
  • Selling your home - Although not mandatory, disclosing asbestos-containing Artex can deter potential buyers. Removing it improves value and removes any potential liability.

Scenarios where removal might be considered

  • Poor condition - Even without visible damage, older Artex may be brittle and more prone to future release. Removal offers long-term peace of mind.
  • Health concerns - Residents with compromised respiratory systems or concerns about potential exposure might opt for removal for added safety.
  • Peace of mind - Some simply prefer the assurance of complete asbestos removal, regardless of current condition.

Important points to remember

  • Testing - Always get the Artex tested for asbestos before taking any action. DIY removal is never recommended for asbestos-containing materials.
  • Professional help - Choose a licensed and certified asbestos removal contractor to ensure safe and proper handling.
  • Containment protocols - Strict procedures are essential to prevent fibre release during removal.

Remember, leaving undisturbed Artex in good condition generally poses minimal risk. However, the scenarios mentioned above highlight situations where removal becomes necessary or advisable.

Read more on “how long does asbestos stay airborne”.

Always prioritise your health and safety, and consult with a professional asbestos removal company like Asbestos SOS in Barnard Castle if you have any concerns about Artex in your home.

Changing Fashions

Changing Fashions

At Asbestos SOS, we understand that Artex ceiling removal has become enormously popular as fashions and trends change. Textured Artex coatings are regarded as outdated, and millions of homeowners now want a clean, smooth surface that shows off the modern decor.

Now they're no longer a high-fashion feature, many consumers are choosing to remove the original Artex ceiling.

This creates a problem: Artex removal is a time-consuming and messy business, and there's a chance that the textured coatings contain asbestos. You and your family could be exposed to significant health risks for the sake of updating aesthetics!

Why Was Artex So Popular?

In the 1960s and 1970s, houses were built quickly to cope with the rising population. At the time, there weren't enough plasterers to keep up with the work, and textured wall coatings and ceiling coverings were ideal as they required very little skill: a comb could be used to create a repeating pattern that looked attractive but didn't take long to finish.

The stippled effect that we're all familiar with was even quicker, as it could be made by simply pulling the float downwards.

Why Was Asbestos Used In Artex Ceilings?

Asbestos was added to Artex for several reasons, all stemming from its unique properties at the time:

Strength and reinforcement

Asbestos fibres are incredibly strong and resistant to breakage, making them ideal for reinforcing the weak plaster base of Artex. This added durability allowed for thicker textures and better crack resistance.

De-watering and curing

Asbestos acts as a wick, helping to pull moisture out of the wet Artex mixture. This sped up the drying and curing process, making it easier and faster to apply.

Fire resistance

Asbestos naturally has strong fire-retardant properties. Adding it to Artex increased the overall fire resistance of ceilings and walls, enhancing safety.

Sound absorption

The fibrous nature of asbestos also offered some sound-absorbing qualities, improving acoustics in rooms with textured Artex ceilings.

Cost-effective

At the time, asbestos was a relatively cheap and readily available material. Using it in Artex helped keep production costs down, making it an attractive option for both manufacturers and homeowners.

It's important to remember that these benefits were considered valuable in the past, before the devastating health and safety risks of asbestos were fully understood. Today, asbestos is banned in most countries due to its link to severe respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The use of asbestos in Artex stopped in the UK in 1999, and any Artex installed before that should be treated as potentially containing asbestos and handled with caution.

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How Do I Know If Asbestos Is Present?

If your Barnard Castle home or business was built between 1984 and 2000, it is less likely to contain asbestos, although it can't be ruled out entirely. The more recently your home was built, the lower the chances of asbestos being present.

However, if there is any uncertainty, it's advisable to book an asbestos survey.

If the property was built or refurbished prior to 1984, then it's safe to assume that asbestos will be present, including in the decorative coating on walls and ceiling coverings.

And if the building work took place before 1976 (when certain companies started removing asbestos from their textured coating products), there's a 99.9% chance that your Artex will contain asbestos.

How Do I Know If Asbestos Is Present
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How Do You Remove Artex

How Do You Remove Artex?

There are several methods of removing Artex, although we need to take into account the presence of asbestos when deciding on the removal process.

Here are some of the methods we use:

Wet Removal

  • X-Tex - This water-based system is applied to surfaces like paint, soaking into the Artex to soften it. The softened material can then be scraped off without releasing dust. This exposes the old plasterboard, allowing you to cover it with fresh skim plaster. It's considered a safe and effective method for asbestos-containing Artex.
  • Chemical Removal - Strippers like Zinsser can loosen the textured coating, but they raise concerns about harmful fumes and potential asbestos release. They're generally not recommended for asbestos-containing materials.
  • Steam Stripping - Steam softens the material, allowing it to be scraped off safely. However, proper containment and ventilation are crucial to prevent asbestos release. A wallpaper steamer can be used for this job.

Dry Removal

  • Scrape and Sand - This involves scraping off the dry material followed by sanding the surface. While potentially quicker, it can release millions of dust particles and is risky for asbestos-containing Artex.
  • Encapsulation - Instead of removal, asbestos-containing Artex can be encapsulated with a special sealant to prevent fibre release. This is only advised for areas likely to remain undisturbed, and it requires professional sealing procedures.

Other Options

  • Overboarding - A new layer of plasterboard is installed directly over the existing Artex, effectively burying it. This technique removes any concerns about asbestos but slightly reduces ceiling height and requires additional finishing work.
  • Leaving Undisturbed - If the Artex is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, leaving it untouched may be an option. However, proper asbestos testing and disclosure are crucial if selling the property.

Why Choose Asbestos SOS

Our dedicated team advanced techniques and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility ensure that with us you're not just removing asbestos but also securing a safer healthier future for your space.

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How Much Does Asbestos Artex Removal Cost In Barnard Castle?

The cost of removing asbestos Artex ceilings in Barnard Castle can vary depending on several factors, but here's a general artex removal cost guide:

Average costs:

  • Ceiling £15 - £50 per square metre.
  • Whole property £800 - £1,000 for labour costs, plus hazardous waste disposal and other costs.

Factors affecting cost:

  • Size of the area - Larger areas naturally cost more.
  • Removal method - Chemical, steam, scrape and sand, or plastering overall have varying costs.
  • Condition of Artex - Damaged or thick Artex takes longer to remove, increasing costs.
  • Location - Prices may differ slightly in different regions (40% or more in the London area).
  • Disposal fees - Asbestos waste disposal comes with additional costs; this is classed as hazardous waste and must be disposed of at a local recycling and waste facility.

Additional costs to consider:

  • Asbestos survey - £200 on average to identify asbestos presence.
  • Scaffolding may be needed for high ceilings, adding to the cost.
  • Electrical and plumbing work - If removal affects these, expect additional costs.

Complete removal involves taking away all the Artex and original plasterboard, which is a very intensive and messy task. Also, the old Artex may be thicker than other ceilings, depending on the plasterer who applied it, and this will extend the working time and increase labour costs.

How Much Does Asbestos Artex Removal Cost
Can I Remove An Artex Ceiling Myself

Can I Remove An Artex Ceiling Myself?

The laws surrounding asbestos removal are complex, with different regulations for each type of asbestos-containing material.

However, the overall idea is that nobody should ever attempt asbestos Artex removal without proper training and certainly not without suitable PPE. As the law stands, the 'duty holder' can face an unlimited fine (usually around £20,000) and up to six months imprisonment if they breach the laws on asbestos removal.

While these laws are aimed mostly at property owners and landlords, they still apply to homeowners, and you can face serious consequences if you don't comply with the guidelines. The only way to safely remove Artex that contains asbestos is to hire a professional asbestos Artex removal company, like Asbestos SOS.

Can You Sell A House With Asbestos Artex?

There are no UK laws preventing the sale of a house with old Artex or any other materials that may contain asbestos. However, it is in your best interests to disclose this information from the outset.

While this might seem contradictory, as it may deter potential buyers and lower the sale price, those who are genuinely interested will appreciate your transparency. This also prevents any possible issues with litigation in the future. Also, by arranging for an asbestos survey, you can assess the risk involved and reassure any interested parties.

Artex removal may be your best option, in some cases, as it eliminates the problem entirely. However, it doesn't address the issue of asbestos in other parts of the property.

Can I Use A Home Testing Kit?

These are easily available and much cheaper than a professional survey, but they are neither accurate nor reliable, on the whole.

For safety reasons, it's better to opt for a full and thorough asbestos survey, as this will determine the presence of any asbestos and its current condition. If it's undamaged and there's no danger of asbestos fibres being released, then you'll be advised on how to manage the situation.

However, you may be advised to have the Artex removed, in which case, Asbestos SOS will be there to handle things for you professionally and efficiently.

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Asbestos Fibres: The Hidden Killer

Although asbestos has some useful qualities, the risk far outweighs any benefits it might offer.

The problem is that this natural material releases microscopic fibres that can enter the lungs and cause several different diseases, many of which can (and do) prove fatal.

When left alone, most asbestos products are safe enough. However, the trouble starts when the materials are damaged, and the fibres are allowed to float freely. Also, some forms of asbestos can deteriorate over time and will need attention to eliminate the risk.

Artex (and other textured coatings) is slightly different from other types of asbestos materials in that the asbestos is mixed into the plaster skim in powder form. When redecorating, the majority of consumers simply paint over the surface, leaving the plaster intact.

On the whole, the hazardous asbestos within Artex is generally safe, unless the plaster is damaged or disturbed. This usually happens when homeowners decide to remove the textured ceiling or sand it down. Both of these tasks risk releasing harmful asbestos fibres into the air, increasing the chances of potentially fatal health conditions.

That's why it is crucial that you stop and consider the possibility that asbestos may be present in your textured coatings before beginning any renovations, especially those involving Artex removal.

Asbestos Fibres The Hidden Killer
Asbestos SOS Asbestos Artex Removal Service

Asbestos SOS Asbestos Artex Removal Service In Barnard Castle

If you want a complete and comprehensive asbestos management service, you need to contact Asbestos SOS.

Our expertise in this area sets us apart from the rest: this is not a job that can be left to amateurs or inexperienced contractors!

It's never worth risking your own health or that of those you care about. Let Asbestos SOS take the danger out of the situation using our skill and experience to create a safe, asbestos-free environment for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, Artex coatings applied before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos. Identification requires a professional asbestos survey, as it's not possible to confirm the presence of asbestos in Artex by visual inspection alone.
Not necessarily. In the UK, the use of asbestos in Artex was phased out in the 1980s. However, it's advisable to assume that Artex applied before the mid-1980s contains asbestos, unless tests confirm otherwise.
The time required to remove asbestos Artex in the UK depends on the room size and coating extent. Generally, it can take anywhere from a day to several days for a typical room.
Painting over asbestos Artex is a temporary measure known as 'encapsulation' and is permissible in the UK. It involves applying a special sealant or paint to cover and secure the asbestos fibres, but it does not remove the asbestos risk entirely.
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