What to do with Artex?

​Artex in your house? Let's clarify what artex really is.

It was a huge trend amongst DIY fans to use artex on walls and ceiling and even flooring in the 70's. In the early years artex was available as a mix added asbestos fibre. In that time people didn't know enough about the downside of asbestos. These DIY enthusiasts loved to use this type of decorative texture coating and they were willing to find the reason to make themselves look like a hero of the homes.

They didn't hesitate to get up get ready and mix the artex poulder with water without using any PPE or even face covering to protect themselves. These men used artex coating for covering cracks, holes and even cover whole plasterboards. Asbestos is only harmful when it's in a dust form because inhaling or swallowing this toxic silicate fibre lead to a devastating result in a long run. It happens only when asbestos material become friable (easily crumbling even by touch) or it is disturbed due to renovation or demolition. While asbestos intact and bonded well in other materials, there is no harm to your health.

​How can artex damaging your health?

Only old artex ceiling and wall can cause devastating health damage which contain chrysotile asbestos. But usually the danger occurs when someone tries to work on this surface coating due to refurbishment work or even try to remove it for a reason and thi sway more likely createing harmful dust where asbestos fibre release in the atmosphere. Not using PPE (personal protective equipment) and RPE (respiratory protective equipment).
The most damaging activity when someone use power tools to sand of the wall coating so asbestos content would literally filled the premises. For instance, artex ceiling removal has to done without power tools plus you have to use wetting agent like X-Tex. But if you are heavily against of using chemical you can use wallpaper steamer to loosen up and dump the textured paint. These are all working along the latest asbestos regulations. The followed artex removal techniques keep the plasterboard intact, and you can easily plaster over the board again.
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But, Can you plaster over artex? - Actually this is the most affordable solution for a problem and you can do it. Plastering over artex is basically hide the problem. It work when you need a temporary solution, although when it comes to sell the property you need to let the next owner know about asbestos presence in the property.  

What is the approximate percentage of asbestos in textured coating (artex)?

Asbestos containing artex has quite low, 1-4% of white asbestos fibre content. Althogh it seems low it still considered a hazardous substance due to its friability. 

​How do I know if there is any asbestos in my artexed ceiling?

It is pretty difficult to identify the fact. To be hones it is impossible to judge by the look. For a sure answer you need an asbestos surveyor who takes samples from the textured ceiling. The ususal turnaround is 24 hours and you've got your result. The cost of a domestic asbestos survey on the artex approximately 160-200£ - depends on the company.

​When do I need to remove artex from my home?

I'd like to get to the answer by boiling down the question to the basics. You need to ask for asbestos removal service if:

• you need to renovate and it would disturb the textured finish
• before demolition
• and before any intrusive building work that would resulting dust from the textured coating (asbestos artex)

​Can I remove artex myself?

Even though you can do endless research about the topic and buy the safest equipment and gear for the job of textured coating asbestos removal and figuring out the way of how to dispose the collected asbestos waste from the property you would be just exhausted in the end. Plus it would take a lot of time from you.
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But most importantly you are risking your health. If something goes wrong during the process than you end up with a risk of developing cancer in your lung or other organ because of that silly decision you made. Is it worth it? Artex Removal is a non licensed work but we recommend ask for a licensed contractor due to their higher level of safety and efficiency.
A licensed contractor will provide asbestos certificate after any kind of asbestos removal work. The certificate is an evidence of complete asbestos removal and safety disposal. Keep the certificate and better to make a digital copy of it.

​Does the licensed asbestos contractor cost more than a non licensed contractor?

It should not cost more, although some work are more risky than others and the more hazardous work can be carried out only with licensed contractor.

How much does artex removal cost?

On the UK average is around 20£ / square metre and this service also includes disposal.

Is artex the same as asbestos sprayed insulation?

Asbestos sprayed insulation is completely different from the artex's decorative finish. The sprayed insulation is a loose fill mixed with a binding agent and has a really high, over 80% loose asbestos mineral component. So much more toxic and very easily disturbed even by the wind. The texture looks so much stronger.  

Do's and Dont's with artex by the law?

It is not illegal to have asbestos in your home, yet don't even need to remove it unless it's damaged or presents a risk of asbestos exposure. If you aware the presence of asbestos in your home you need to keep in mind and let the new owner know about it once you decide to sell the property.