Why textured ceilings can contain asbestos
Asbestos was added to some textured decorative coatings to strengthen them. The Health and Safety Executive lists these coatings among the places asbestos can be found in buildings. It wasn't in every textured ceiling, and plenty contain none, but the only way to know is to test a sample.
Asbestos is mainly a risk when it's disturbed. A coating in good condition that's left alone releases very little. Sanding, scraping, drilling and dry removal are what create dust.
Signs it's worth testing
- The coating is old. Homes built or refurbished before 2000 are the ones to check.
- You're planning work on it. Smoothing, rewiring, new light fittings or knocking through all disturb the ceiling.
- It's damaged. Cracked, flaking or water-damaged coating is more likely to release dust.
How testing works
A small sample of the coating is taken and sent to a laboratory. Use an accredited lab, and don't take the sample yourself unless you're following proper guidance. Disturbing the ceiling to get a sample is exactly what you're trying to avoid.
If the test is negative
The ceiling can be treated like any other textured ceiling. It can be skimmed over to a smooth finish, or overboarded if it's cracked or uneven. See our Artex ceiling smoothing service.
If the test finds asbestos
You still have options:
- Leave it alone. If it's sound and you're not planning work, it can stay. Don't sand or scrape it.
- Cover it. Overboarding the ceiling fixes new plasterboard over the old ceiling, so the coating stays in place, sealed behind the board.
- Have it removed. Removal must follow HSE rules, and it should be done by people trained for asbestos work.
What the HSE rules say about removal
The HSE's guidance on non-licensed work with asbestos covers textured decorative coatings. In summary:
- Removing small areas to fit things like smoke alarms or light fittings, using methods that keep dust down, can be non-licensed work.
- Drilling textured coatings to fit fixtures can be non-licensed work.
- Large-scale removal using steaming or gelling methods is notifiable non-licensed work. It has to be notified to the enforcing authority, with health records and medical checks for the workers.
- All of it needs a risk assessment and proper controls.
In short, stripping a whole ceiling isn't a DIY job.
What not to do
- Don't sand, scrape or wire-brush a textured ceiling you haven't had tested.
- Don't drill into it, or take down light fittings, without checking first.
- Don't sweep up or vacuum debris from a damaged coating with a household vacuum.
Frequently asked questions
Does all Artex contain asbestos?
No. Some textured coatings do and many don't. Only a laboratory test can tell.
Can I plaster over Artex that contains asbestos?
Covering it is one of the main options. Overboarding is the most common way, because it seals the coating behind new board without disturbing it.
Is it safe to live with an asbestos textured ceiling?
The risk comes from disturbing it. A sound coating left alone is generally considered low risk. Keep it in good condition and test it before any work.
Who can remove an asbestos textured coating?
Large-scale removal is notifiable work under HSE rules, so it should be done by people trained and equipped for asbestos work.
Ready to lose the texture?
Once you know what's in your ceiling, we can smooth it by skimming or overboarding. Send us a photo of the ceiling and tell us whether it's been tested. We'll come back to you with a free quote.
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