Artex Asbestos explained
Textured decorative coatings were hugely popular in UK homes from the 1960s to the 1980s. Many contain chrysotile (white asbestos) at low levels. Left alone and painted they are low risk, but sanding, scraping or drilling them can release fibres.
We start with a test. If asbestos is present, you can choose to leave it, overboard it with new plasterboard, or have it removed using a steam or gel stripping method that keeps the coating wet throughout. Removal is normally non-licensed work and we notify HSE where required.
Guide price: Test from £95 · removal per room from £600. Fixed written quote before any work.
When you need it
- You want smooth ceilings during a refurb
- You plan to fit downlights or new wiring through the ceiling
- Ceilings are cracked, damaged or water-stained
- You are knocking through or removing walls
- You are buying a home with textured ceilings
What you get
- Sample testing and certificate
- Wet removal or overboarding
- Sheeting and dust controls
- Waste disposal with consignment note
- Clean-down at the end
How it works
- TestSample analysed by a UKAS-accredited lab.
- OptionsLeave, overboard, encapsulate or remove.
- WorkWet removal with sheeting and controls, or overboarding.
- FinishRoom cleaned and ready to plaster and decorate.
Domestic, commercial and industrial artex asbestos
Domestic
Homes: living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and stairwells in 1960s-80s houses.
Commercial
Landlords and HMOs: room-by-room programmes between tenancies.
Industrial
Commercial: offices, pubs and hotels with textured ceilings and walls.
Typical artex asbestos jobs
- Living room ceiling test
- Bedroom ceiling removal
- Hallway and landing ceiling
- Stairwell ceiling
- Textured wall removal
- Overboarding a ceiling
- Downlight installation area
- Whole-house Artex removal
- HMO room programme
- Pub or hotel ceiling
Standards and law we work to: HSG210 Asbestos Essentials; Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Artex Asbestos near me
We are a North West company and only work here, so "near me" really does mean near you. Choose your county to see the towns and villages we cover.
Artex Asbestos questions
Does all Artex contain asbestos?
No. Many textured ceilings contain none. The only way to know is a lab test.
Can I just plaster over it?
Skimming or overboarding without sanding is often the simplest option and leaves the material sealed in place.
Is it safe to live with?
If it is intact and painted, the risk is low. Avoid sanding, scraping or drilling it.
How long does removal take?
A single room is usually one to two days.