Asbestos in Artex: A Guide to Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings
For over 30 years, Reddish Vale has been safely removing asbestos ceilings across the country, including Asbestos in Artex/Popcorn Ceilings.
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Popcorn ceilings in homes built pre-2000 may have a level of asbestos content. Our guide covers what Artex is and how best to handle asbestos in Artex.
What is Asbestos in Artex?
You may have visited buildings (or indeed your own domestic or commercial premises) which has a sprayed, textured, or decorative ceiling. Commonly referred to as ‘Popcorn Ceilings’ (because of this distinctive texture), the design feature was first popularised during the 1960s and remained a prominent feature of many British homes until the late 1990s. The designs were created using a product known as Artex (similar to asbestos in plaster), which is actually a brand name. However, over the years, the brand name and the product have become conjoined.
How Dangerous Are Asbestos in Artex Ceilings?
During the time popcorn ceilings were the height of fashion, the use of asbestos-containing building materials was still legal in the UK and Artex (along with other products used to create the textured coating) contained white asbestos, also known as chrysotile asbestos.
The dangers of asbestos exposure are well-documented and there are many laws in place to help prevent exposure to asbestos fibres. These fibres are often released when the asbestos-containing material (ACM) is damaged or broken, for example, during renovations. When these ACMs are damaged, the fibres can be inhaled or ingested by those on-site and long-term exposure can lead to cancers and other serious health conditions, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural thickening, etc.
Asbestos Ceiling Removal
If your property has Asbestos in Artex or a popcorn ceiling, your first thought may be to scrape off the textured coating to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.
However, as we covered, the breaking or damaging of asbestos-containing materials can put you at a much higher risk of exposure. Instead, asbestos removal experts use a number of techniques to safely remove asbestos ceilings.
If the coating has been placed on a solid surface, such as concrete, a water-based treatment can be used to soften the product first before scraping it off. If the coating is on a softer surface, such as plasterboard, it is often the case that the whole board would be removed instead. The route taken to safely remove asbestos-containing Artex from your property will vary depending on the surface and quality.
Asbestos Ceiling Removal Cost
The cost of asbestos removal will always vary depending on the project’s specific requirements. The quantity of Asbestos in Artex in your home will naturally influence the cost of removals with other factors, such as the surface it is on and ease of access also being contributing factors.
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate for Asbestos in Artex removal is to contact us directly. Our licensed asbestos removal experts can discuss the details of your project with you before offering a quote for the asbestos removal works.
Asbestos Removal Across the UK
With offices in Lancashire, Yorkshire, the Midlands and Greater Manchester, our teams are able to help you with your asbestos removal works no matter where you are in the country. With over 30 years of industry experience and multiple accreditations from governing bodies, Reddish Vale are licensed asbestos removal consultants that can offer you the ultimate peace of mind. Email us or call us directly using the links below to find out more about our asbestos removal services.
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