Artex is a trading name for textured decorative wall coatings and is mostly found on walls and ceilings. It also might have multiple patterned effects that include swirls, stippling, patterns or smooth surfaces. Artex or textured coating became popular in the 1960s and is mostly found in UK properties built in the 1970s and 80s.
It is said that 50% of households have asbestos in artex and have asbestos-containing wall coverings within them. Artex was known to be historically manufactured to improve the mix and prevent cracking during drying. Though textured wall coatings are not popular today, the older ceilings may still have asbestos fibres that can risk your health. In this guide, you will learn some important things about asbestos removal in artex.
Is Artex Dangerous for Your Health?
When it is undisturbed and in good condition, Artex does not pose any risk to your health. But when it is dried, scraped or broken, harmful asbestos fibres that are within the artex can easily be released into the surrounding atmosphere. This is why as homeowners, you must check to ensure that the artex on the ceilings has the product before you look to remove or scrape it.
How Can You Tell If Your Artex Has Asbestos?
If you want to confirm if your artex has asbestos, it is important that you undergo an asbestos test. Experts recommend that two samples are taken as a precaution, as the uneven application can produce negative results. After that, the sample is taken to an independent lab for testing.
But it is also important to understand that not all textured coating or artex has asbestos present. Before you test for asbestos in artex, it is important that you do not drill, sand the artex ceiling or scrape before you can say that there is no asbestos present over there.
How is the Asbestos in Artex Disturbed?
Asbestos in your artex is disturbed when an activity can damage the material carried out. If work such as hammering or drilling is carried out, it is recommended not to scrape or sand a stippled coating to ‘skim’ over it with plaster.
This is only unless you carry out the activity following relevant guidelines. This will ensure that the asbestos fibres do not become airborne. Artex may also be disturbed if there is any floor damage, like a water leak in the roof or loft area. There are chances that these can make your ceiling unstable.
How Do You Get Rid of Artex Ceilings?
Though removing asbestos-containing artex is thought to be a non-licensed work, you must take steps to either lessen the spread or completely prevent asbestos. Specific regulations also state that the work must only be carried out by experts using proper control measures.
Final Words
If you feel that there is Asbestos in Artex, it is important that you opt for proper asbestos removal. The best asbestos removal service can help remove asbestos from your artex in a way that does not pose any threat to your health or that of others.
Source: https://www.bluea.co.uk/important-things-to-know-about-asbestos-artex-ceiling-removal/