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 Thornley 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.
While leaving an Artex wall or ceiling undisturbed generally poses minimal risk, it may be necessary to remove it under certain circumstances:
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 Thornley if you have any concerns about Artex in your home.
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.
Asbestos was added to Artex for several reasons, all stemming from its unique properties at the time:
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.
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.
Asbestos naturally has strong fire-retardant properties. Adding it to Artex increased the overall fire resistance of ceilings and walls, enhancing safety.
The fibrous nature of asbestos also offered some sound-absorbing qualities, improving acoustics in rooms with textured Artex ceilings.
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.
If your Thornley 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.