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Artex and textured ceilings in Redditch homes
Many homes decorated before 2000 have textured ceilings. Some of those coatings contained asbestos. Do not sand, scrape or drill them. Send a photo and we pass your enquiry to a contractor who can advise on testing and the safest way forward.
Is my Artex dangerous
The quantity of asbestos in decorative coatings was generally small, and many textured finishes contain none. But the fibres can be released when the coating is sanded, scraped, steamed or disturbed during renovation. A coating that is sound and left alone is normally low risk.
The common mistake is treating a textured ceiling as ordinary plaster and starting to strip it. Dust from this kind of DIY can spread through the house and settle on furniture and floors. If you have done that, stop, keep people out of the room, and ask for advice.
Testing first, then decide
A small sample goes to a laboratory. If the result is negative, you can proceed as normal. If it is positive, the contractor advises whether to leave it, seal it with a suitable coating, board over it or remove it. The right choice depends on the condition of the ceiling, your renovation plans and your budget.
Making good afterwards
Removal leaves a bare surface that usually needs re-skimming and decorating. Ask for that to be quoted as a separate item so you can compare it with the cost of overboarding, which can be cheaper where the existing ceiling is stable and the room height allows it.
Who does the work, and what the law expects
Halden Asbestos Removal is an introduction service. We pass your photos and details to an independent contractor, who provides the quote, carries out the work and holds the insurance and any licences required. Most asbestos cement work is non-licensed, but it is still regulated: workers need training, the right equipment and a lawful route for the waste. Some non-licensed work must also be notified to the enforcing authority, and other materials such as insulation board or lagging can need a licensed contractor. The contractor will tell you which applies to your job.
What to send us
- Two or three clear photos of the roof, ceiling or material
- The rough size and what it is attached to
- The age of the building if you know it
- Access: gates, steps, side passages and where a skip could go
- Whether the building is occupied or in use
Prices on this site are guides only. Only the contractor's written quote counts.
How it works.
- 1
Do not disturb
Leave the ceiling alone and keep sanding and scraping off the to-do list.
- 2
Test
A sample is analysed by a laboratory.
- 3
Decide
Leave, seal, overboard or remove based on the result.
- 4
Make good
Skim, plaster and decorate if wanted.
What affects the price.
- Number and size of rooms
- Condition of the coating
- Test result
- Removal, sealing or overboarding
- Re-plastering and decorating
Good to know.
Is all Artex asbestos?
No. Many textured coatings contain none, but some produced before 2000 did. Only a laboratory test can confirm.
Can I paint over it?
If it is sound, painting is generally low risk when done gently with no sanding. Test first if you are unsure.
Can I overboard instead of removing?
Often yes, if the structure and room height allow. It leaves the coating undisturbed and can be cheaper.
Should we move out during removal?
The contractor will tell you which rooms must be sealed and whether you need to leave.
Do you do the work yourselves?
No. We are an introduction service. We pass your photos and details to an independent local contractor, who provides the quote, does the work and issues the waste paperwork.
Is the quote really free?
Yes. Sending your details costs nothing and carries no obligation. The contractor's written quote is what counts, and you can say no.
What should I send?
Two or three clear photos, the rough size of the roof or area, the age of the building if you know it, and a postcode. A phone photo is fine.
Where we cover.
Redditch, its neighbourhoods and the towns and villages around it.
Send a photo and get a written quote.
A local contractor reviews your photos and details, then replies with a written quote. Free to ask, no obligation.
Prefer to talk?
01527 000 000