Asbestos Ceiling Artex Removal Service

Textured coatings, also known as decorative coatings or Artex, are used to create textured patterns or designs on walls and ceilings. They were popular in the UK and other countries from the 1950s to the 1980s, and were made using a mixture of gypsum plaster and asbestos fibres.

Older Artex, often contained a type of asbestos called Chrysotile. The amount of asbestos in Artex was relatively low, at around 1-2% but some products contained as much as 4%. Artex stopped using asbestos in its products in the mid 1980s, although other brands continued after this date and many shops would have older Artex stock still on sale.

Why artex ceilings were used

Textured coatings with asbestos were often used to cover imperfections or damage to walls and ceilings and were applied to make patterns and textures, mainly swirls, stippling, and popcorn finishes. They were also used to create decorative effects like borders or used on focal points in a room.

Why asbestos in artex ceilings was banned

Asbestos, was banned in 1999 after it became evident it was causing serious health issues, but it is still prevalent in many UK homes today. If undisturbed and sealed, it is unlikely to cause a problem, but when disturbed and asbestos fibres become airborne and inhaled, they can cause irreversible problems. These include lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, all of which are life-threatening.

Due to the health risks related to asbestos exposure, many countries banned using asbestos in textured coatings in the 1980s. These days, textured coatings are less widely used, and made with safer materials such as acrylic or water-based compounds, which do not contain asbestos or other harmful substances.

Expert Artex Ceiling & Wall Removal

Asbestos textured coating removal requires safely removing coatings that contain asbestos. Removing asbestos textured coating from a room should be done by competent professionals trained in asbestos removal and following the correct HSE safety procedures. The removal process typically involves wetting the walls or ceiling, carefully removing the coating from the surface, and then disposing of it securely in a hazardous waste facility.