How To Remove Artex With Asbestos In Sussex

Artex is a popular textured wall and ceiling covering that was commonly used in the UK from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. However, many of these textured wall coatings contain asbestos fibers, which can pose a significant health risk if disturbed.

If your home or property in Sussex contains textured wall or ceiling coatings that you suspect may contain asbestos, it's important to take action right away. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about asbestos and textured wall coatings, and provide you with the information you need to safely remove them from your home.

What is Artex?

Artex is a textured wall and ceiling covering that was popular in the UK in the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. It was a quick and easy way to add a decorative finish to walls and ceilings, covering cracks and imperfections and giving them a textured appearance.

Artex comes in a range of patterns and textures, from swirls and stippling to more intricate designs. It was also available in a range of colors and could be painted over to match any decor.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was often used in construction materials because of its strength, durability, and heat resistance. It was commonly used in the UK in the 20th century in a variety of building materials, including textured wall coatings like Artex.

Asbestos fibers are incredibly small and can easily become airborne if disturbed. If these fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As such, it's essential to take precautions when removing any material that contains asbestos fibers.

Does textured wall coating contain asbestos?

Many textured wall coatings, including Artex, contain asbestos fibers. If your home or property was built or renovated between the mid-1960s and mid-1980s and has textured wall or ceiling coatings, there is a high likelihood that they contain asbestos.

It's important to note that not all Artex contains asbestos. However, it can be difficult to tell whether or not a particular coating contains asbestos just by looking at it. The only way to be sure is to have the material tested by an accredited asbestos surveyor.

How to remove textured wall coating containing asbestos

Removing textured wall or ceiling coatings that contain asbestos is a hazardous task that should not be taken lightly. It requires specific equipment, training, and protective gear to ensure that the fibers do not become airborne during removal.

It's essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. They have the necessary training, equipment, and protective gear to safely remove textured wall coatings containing asbestos from your home or property.

Here are the steps involved in removing textured wall coating containing asbestos:

1. Identify the presence of asbestos

The first step to removing textured wall coatings containing asbestos is to have the material tested by an accredited asbestos surveyor. They will take a sample of the material and test it in a lab to determine if it contains asbestos fibers.

2. Prepare the area

Once you have confirmed the presence of asbestos, it's essential to prepare the area. This involves sealing off the area and using plastic sheeting to prevent fibers from spreading to other areas of your home or property. It's also crucial to have proper ventilation in the area.

3. Wear protective gear

Removing textured wall coatings containing asbestos requires specific protective gear, including respirators, coveralls, gloves, and boots. It's essential to wear this gear to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.

4. Wet the area

Wetting the area before and during removal helps to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. It's important to use a gentle mist to avoid damaging the coating and creating more fibers.

5. Remove the coating

Removing textured wall coatings containing asbestos involves using specialized tools to cut and scrape the coating from the wall or ceiling. The aim is to remove the entire coating intact and with the least amount of disturbance possible.

6. Clean up

Once the coating has been removed, it's essential to dispose of it properly to avoid any health risks. This involves using sealed bags and following the appropriate disposal procedures.

7. Clear the area

After the removal process, the area needs to be cleared of all debris and cleaned thoroughly. This involves using specialized equipment to ensure that any remaining fibers are removed.

The benefits of using a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex

Hiring a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex has several benefits, including:

• Safety: Asbestos removal companies have the necessary training, equipment, and protective gear to remove textured wall coatings containing asbestos safely.
• Compliance: Licensed asbestos removal companies comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, ensuring that the removal process is carried out correctly.
• Expertise: Removing textured wall coatings containing asbestos requires specific skills and expertise. Asbestos removal companies have the necessary training and experience to carry out the work correctly.
• Proper disposal: Asbestos removal companies follow the appropriate disposal procedures to ensure that all materials are disposed of safely and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Conclusion

If your home or property in Sussex contains textured wall or ceiling coatings that you suspect may contain asbestos, don't delay taking action. Contact a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to arrange for testing and safe removal.

Removing textured wall or ceiling coatings containing asbestos is a hazardous task that should only be carried out by a licensed professional. By working with Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, you can ensure that the removal is carried out correctly, safely, and in compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.

Contact us today on 01273 978238 or at [email protected] to find out more about our asbestos removal services in Sussex and the South East of England. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to find out more about us and our services.