By D&M Asbestos Removal · Reviewed
Does Artex always contain asbestos?
No. Artex is a brand name often used to describe textured decorative coatings. Some older coatings contain asbestos, but the pattern or appearance cannot tell you whether yours does. Before work that could disturb a suspect coating, obtain suitable asbestos information. Targeted sampling can answer a question about a particular material; it does not replace a survey covering a wider refurbishment.
Why the surface underneath matters
Textured coating may be applied to plasterboard, lath and plaster or other surfaces. Removing the coating alone and removing the coating with its backing are different jobs. Tell us whether you want a whole ceiling or wall removed, or have another requirement. Existing damage, repairs, fittings and access can affect both the assessment and the scope.
Leaving a coating in place
If a material is in good condition and will not be disturbed, managing it in place may be appropriate. That needs to account for future work, such as lighting, wiring or alterations. Keeping a record of known asbestos helps anyone working on the property plan appropriately. Do not assume that painting over a surface removes the asbestos.
Covering or overboarding
Covering a coating leaves it in the building. Fixings and surface preparation can disturb the existing material, so this is not automatically a disturbance-free option. Suitability depends on the condition and construction. Discuss the work with the person responsible for the asbestos assessment and the contractor doing the covering. D&M’s removal quotation does not automatically include overboarding, plastering or decorating.
Removal of the coating and backing
D&M takes enquiries for textured coatings on ceilings and walls, always removing the underlying plasterboard or other substrate along with the coating. We need the room sizes, surfaces, any sampling results and the intended extent of removal. The method and controls depend on the material and the job. Do not start scraping, sanding or steaming a suspect coating while waiting for an assessment.
Preparing rooms and coordinating trades
Tell us about fitted furniture, carpets, lighting, loft access and whether anyone will remain in the property. We will agree access and preparation requirements for the work. Any electrical isolation, reboarding, plastering and decoration must have clear responsibility and timing. Book follow-on work around the agreed handover rather than assuming removal includes reinstatement.
What happens after removal?
Our removal paperwork includes the waste consignment note and D&M’s Certificate of Cleanliness (Non-Licensable Works). It records completion, cleaning checks and visual inspection for the agreed area, rather than independent four-stage clearance. If you would like independent third-party reassurance air testing, mention it when enquiring so arrangements and cost can be confirmed.
Getting an appropriate quotation
Photograph the surfaces and access from a safe position without disturbing them. Send approximate dimensions, tell us which rooms are affected, and attach the relevant report if available. Where the material or proposed work needs a different specialist, we explain the next step before agreeing a scope.
Further guidance
HSE asbestos guidance provides further information. This article is a starting point for planning; your property and proposed work need their own assessment.
