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Here’s why you should hire a specialist to carry out Artex removal

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Here’s why you should hire a specialist to carry out Artex removal

Buildings constructed around the end of the 20th century may require Artex removal ahead of maintenance or renovation works to safeguard tradespeople and building occupants from hazardous asbestos fibres.

In this blog post, we will discuss what Artex is, the dangers, and how to tell if Artex walls and ceilings in your property contain asbestos fibres. 

What is Artex?

Artex is a textured plaster that was popular in interior design between the 1950s and the 1980s. It was commonly used to create decorative appearances on ceilings and walls. As opposed to smooth plaster, Artex was created to allow the decorator to produce texture and pattern in their designs. Stipples, swirls, fans, and shells were popular designs, as was an all-over ‘bobbly’ finish. 

The risk of Artex asbestos exposure 

Textured coatings like Artex did used to contain asbestos, which was used as a binding agent. 

If the Artex is in good condition and is left alone, it poses no threat to human health. The asbestos in Artex only becomes a threat when damaged or disturbed. If you are considering renovating or conducting DIY and have Artex ceilings or walls, it is recommended that you seek professional assistance. 

How do I know if the Artex in my property contains asbestos?

Not all Artex plaster will contain asbestos. The UK government banned asbestos in wall and ceiling coverings in 1999, meaning any Artex applied after the millennium should be asbestos-free. However, if your building was built or refurbished before 1999 and contains Artex, it will most likely contain asbestos fibres.  

Having the Artex on your property examined by an accredited analytical company is the only way to be 100% certain that it is asbestos-free.

If you have Artex in your building and are planning to carry out any construction or maintenance work, you should first have an asbestos survey carried out. 

Room covered in plastic sheet after Artex removal.

Do you need a licensed contractor to remove Artex?

Due to the health risks associated with asbestos removal, this procedure must be carried out by an experienced professional. 

Although there is no need for an HSE licence to remove asbestos Artex, it is still the property owner or manager’s legal responsibility to ensure the removal is carried out appropriately and under government rules and regulations. 

Hiring an HSE-licensed contractor will provide you with peace of mind that any ACMs are safely and effectively removed from your property. Using a licensed contractor is always a safer alternative, even if the work doesn’t require specific licensing. 

How Henderson Environmental can help

Henderson Environmental is fully licensed by HSE. We are CHAS accredited and members of ARCA (The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association).

If you require assistance with the removal of Artex on ceilings or walls, contact our removal specialists today.

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Lena Jopling, Hutchinson Environmental Solutions, Northumberland

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Hendersons stripped the asbestos ceiling panels from our garage and removed the panels from site. I was very happy with the professional and efficient way in which the work was carried out. The team were very friendly and polite and they left the garage and surrounding area clean and tidy. The work area was tested by an independent company and found to be clean and free of asbestos fibres.

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Tony Turnbull, Tynemouth

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We were delighted by the professional approach and customer service that Henderson provided. From the onset, they demonstrated a highly structured and well-planned approach. This was also seen in how they approached the work on-site, as staff were professional, and friendly but also very concerned to do the right job. An excellent service at a reasonable price.

Peter Upton, Hexham

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I received excellent service from everyone at Henderson as all team members are friendly, helpful, and professional. I would recommend Henderson Environmental to anyone with an asbestos issue and on the strength of the great job that they did, if I ever need soundproofing I would go straight to them.

G Parker, Newcastle Upon Tyne

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Ian and his team provided us with an excellent service at a competitive price compared to others. The team were fantastic, arriving on time and working continuously to get the job done. Once completed they showed me the area they had cleared and it had been done to a very high standard, all materials were taken away and the area was thoroughly cleaned. I would highly recommend to all.

Sam Benfield, Newcastle Upon Tyne

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When I was first told I had asbestos I was concerned mostly about what it meant to remove it and how destructive the process would be. I needn’t have worried as the team were in and out really quickly, working professionally, and that took all of the stress out of the situation. Thanks for a fantastic job guys!

Adrian Young, Whitley Bay

"Limited Disturbance"

We owe a huge thanks to Ian and the team for making the asbestos removal go so easily and to plan. The impact to tenants has been as minimal as possible and the asbestos skip was removed immediately. The job couldn’t have gone better and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

Neil Joslin, The Gateshead Housing Company

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I needed a job done quickly and the team came out to give me a quote the following day ad provided the estimate a day later. The work was completed within the estimated time frame and given that it involved removing a ceiling and taking the wall back to brick, we expected a mess but all of the waste was removed and not even a spec of dust was left behind. It’s rare these days to find a company that surpasses expectations and these guys do just that.

Christina Porter, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne

"Safe and Collaborative Team"

The Henderson team were very easy to talk to and it was simple to schedule the removal to suit our calendar. The team on-site worked with our roofers to make sure the building was watertight by the end of the day. All in all Ian and the company were great to work with.

Hamilton Building and Joinery Services

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