How To Test Artex In Ceiling For Asbestos In Devon

Are you worried about the presence of asbestos in your building's textured ceiling coating material, known as Artex? Do you live in Devon or the South West of England? Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you test your ceiling for asbestos safely, efficiently and affordably.

About Artex

Artex is a well-known brand name for a textured coating material used to decorate and finish ceilings, walls and floors. It has been used in building construction since the 1930s, and was particularly popular during the 1970s and 1980s in the UK. Its textured finish is achieved by mixing plaster, gypsum or cement with water and then being applied to the surface. Artex can be painted over once dry and is often used to cover up imperfections or to add a decorative element to a ceiling.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that has been extensively used in the past in building construction because of its desirable physical properties, such as its strength, durability and heat resistance. Asbestos fibres are thin and needle-like, often too small to be seen with the naked eye. When inhaled, these fibres can cause severe and potentially fatal lung diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

In the 1990s, asbestos was banned in the UK due to its health hazards, but it is still found in many older buildings, particularly those constructed before 2000. So, it's essential to be vigilant about the presence of asbestos in your building when considering renovation, refurbishment or demolition work.

Testing for Asbestos in Artex Ceilings

Asbestos in Artex ceilings is still a widespread problem in older buildings in Devon and the South West of England. So, how do you test Artex in ceilings for asbestos?

Firstly, it's important to know that Artex contains asbestos, which means that it is hazardous when disturbed. Asbestos fibres can be released into the air if the Artex is damaged, broken, drilled or sanded, making it dangerous for DIY renovation work. Therefore, you must take precautions when handling suspected asbestos-containing material, such as wearing protective clothing, a respirator mask and ensuring good ventilation.

Secondly, you will need to take a sample of the Artex material to be tested for asbestos. It's essential to take the sample correctly to avoid contaminating yourself, others or the surrounding environment with asbestos fibres. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we recommend that you hire a professional asbestos testing company to collect samples on your behalf. We have the necessary equipment, knowledge and experience to safely take samples and analyse them in our accredited laboratories.

Thirdly, our accredited laboratories will use a polarised light microscope (PLM) to determine whether your Artex ceiling contains asbestos fibres. This is the most accurate method for detecting asbestos, and it is legally required to be conducted by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited laboratories.

What To Do Next

If your Artex ceiling contains asbestos, you must take action to remove it safely and efficiently. Asbestos fibres are a hazardous waste material that must be disposed of appropriately by licensed contractors. Attempting to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself or through unlicensed operators can lead to severe fines or imprisonment.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide a full range of asbestos removal services to help you deal with asbestos in your building safely and affordably. We offer free advice and no-obligation quotations to help you determine the best course of action for your situation.

Contact Us

If you suspect that your Artex ceiling contains asbestos, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. We're available on 01962 458066 to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free consultation.

Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and how we can help keep you, your family and your colleagues safe from asbestos hazards.