Artex Ceilings and Asbestos: Understanding the Risks and Solutions
Important Safety Notice
Artex and other textured coatings applied before 2000 may contain asbestos. Never sand, scrape, or drill into these materials without proper testing and safety precautions. This guide provides information only—professional assessment should be sought before disturbing any suspected asbestos-containing materials.
Introduction: The Hidden Risk in Decorative Ceilings
Artex and similar textured coatings were immensely popular in UK homes from the 1960s through to the 1990s, appreciated for their ability to add decorative patterns to ceilings and walls while covering imperfections in the underlying plasterwork. These products are so common that millions of UK properties still have these distinctive textured finishes in place today.
However, many homeowners are unaware that Artex and similar textured coatings manufactured before the mid-1980s commonly contained asbestos fibers—added to strengthen the product and improve its fire resistance. This presents a potential health risk that needs to be understood and properly managed.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Artex, its asbestos content, associated risks, and your options for safe management or removal.
What is Artex and When Does it Contain Asbestos?
Artex is a brand name that has become synonymous with textured coatings applied to ceilings and walls. While other manufacturers produced similar products, "Artex" has become the generic term for these distinctive textured finishes.
Artex and Asbestos: The Timeline
Early Use (1960s-1970s)
- Asbestos content: Up to 5% chrysotile (white) asbestos
- Primary use: Domestic and commercial ceilings
- Popular patterns: Stippled, swirled, and peaked finishes
- Risk level: Moderate when disturbed
Later Period (1980s)
- Asbestos content: Gradually reduced until mid-1980s
- Regulation impact: Asbestos content started being phased out
- Market transition: Manufacturers began switching to asbestos-free formulations
- Date certainty: No precise cutoff date for all products
Modern Products (Post-1990s)
- Asbestos content: None
- Regulations: Asbestos prohibited in all building materials
- Modern alternatives: Based on non-hazardous materials
- Risk level: No asbestos risk
The Critical Date
Pre-2000 Rule: For safety, it's generally recommended to assume that any textured coating applied before 2000 may contain asbestos, even though many products from the mid-1980s onward were asbestos-free. This cautious approach accounts for older products that may have remained in use after manufacturing changes.
Identifying Potential Asbestos-Containing Artex
Visual identification alone cannot confirm whether Artex contains asbestos, but these factors can help assess the likelihood:
Age of Application
- High risk: 1960s-1970s applications
- Medium risk: Early-mid 1980s applications
- Low risk: Post-1985 applications
- No risk: Post-2000 applications
Common Patterns
- Stippled (small peaks/dots)
- Swirled (circular patterns)
- Scrolled (C and S shapes)
- Broken leather effect
- Fan patterns
Locations in Properties
- Ceilings (most common)
- Ceiling coving and roses
- Wall finishes (less common)
- Feature walls
- Over artex boards
Testing is the Only Certainty
The only definitive way to determine whether a textured coating contains asbestos is through professional testing. This involves taking a small sample and having it analyzed in a laboratory. Visual inspection alone cannot confirm asbestos content.
Understanding the Health Risks
Asbestos in Artex textured coatings generally presents a relatively low risk when left undisturbed and in good condition. The asbestos fibers are bound within the material, which limits their release into the air. However, the risk increases significantly when the material is disturbed through:
High-Risk Activities
- Sanding: Creates fine dust containing asbestos fibers
- Drilling: Releases fibers into the air
- Scraping: When removing the coating
- Water damage: Can weaken the binding matrix
- Aging/Deterioration: Material becomes more friable over time
Health Conditions
- Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen
- Lung cancer: Especially in combination with smoking
- Pleural thickening: Thickening of the lung lining
The risk from Artex is generally considered lower than from other asbestos materials because:
- It contains a relatively low percentage of asbestos (typically 1-5%)
- It uses chrysotile (white) asbestos, which is considered less hazardous than other types
- The fibers are tightly bound in the material when in good condition
However, any level of asbestos exposure carries some risk, and the health effects may take 20-40 years to develop. This is why proper management is essential.
Management and Removal Options
If you have identified or suspect Artex or other textured coatings in your property contain asbestos, you have several management options:
1. Leave in Place (Encapsulation)
When Appropriate:
- The material is in good condition
- The material is unlikely to be disturbed
- No renovation work is planned
Implementation:
- Paint over with special sealing paint (encapsulation)
- Regular monitoring for any damage or deterioration
- Document the presence of asbestos for future reference
- Inform any contractors who may work in the area
Cost: £ (Low cost option, mainly the price of specialist paint)
2. Cover Over (Enclosure)
When Appropriate:
- The ceiling needs a new look but removal isn't necessary
- You want to eliminate any potential risk without removal
- The structure can support additional materials
Implementation Options:
- Plasterboard over the existing ceiling
- Install a suspended ceiling beneath it
- Use specialist ceiling cladding systems
Cost: ££ (Medium cost, requires materials and labor but avoids removal costs)
3. Professional Removal
When Necessary:
- The material is damaged or deteriorating
- You plan to renovate the area
- You want to completely eliminate the risk
Implementation:
- Hiring an HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractor is safest
- Some textured coating removal may be done as non-licensed work, but strict controls are required
- Professional removal includes proper waste disposal and clearance certification
Cost: £££ (Higher cost option, but provides complete removal and peace of mind)
DIY Removal Warning
While non-licensed contractors can legally remove some textured coatings containing asbestos under specific conditions, DIY removal by homeowners is strongly discouraged. Without proper training, equipment, and containment measures, you risk exposing yourself and others to dangerous asbestos fibers.
Professional Assessment Services
Asbestos Solutions AZ offers comprehensive services for properties with textured coatings, including testing, risk assessment, and advice on the most appropriate management strategy. Our qualified surveyors can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Learn more about our testing services →Legal Requirements and Regulations
The legal requirements for managing asbestos in textured coatings vary depending on the property type:
For Homeowners
- No legal requirement to identify or remove asbestos in your own home
- Responsible for safe disposal of asbestos waste (cannot be placed in regular household waste)
- Must inform any tradespeople about known or suspected asbestos
For Landlords and Property Managers
- Duty to manage asbestos in common areas of domestic premises
- Should provide information about known asbestos to tenants and maintenance workers
- Recommended to conduct asbestos surveys and maintain records
For Commercial Properties and Landlords
- Legal duty to identify asbestos-containing materials under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Must maintain an asbestos register and management plan
- Required to assess the risk and implement appropriate management strategies
- Must provide information to anyone who might disturb the materials
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Artex and other textured coatings containing asbestos represent a common challenge for UK property owners. While they generally present a low risk when in good condition and left undisturbed, any renovation work or deterioration can create potential health hazards.
The key points to remember are:
- Textured coatings applied before 2000 may contain asbestos
- Professional testing is the only way to confirm asbestos content
- Undisturbed, intact materials present minimal risk
- Several management options exist, from encapsulation to professional removal
- Never sand, drill, or scrape suspected asbestos materials without proper precautions
By understanding the risks and options available, you can make an informed decision about how to safely manage textured coatings in your property. When in doubt, seek professional advice from asbestos specialists who can provide tailored guidance for your specific situation.
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