Artex and other textured decorative coatings applied before 1985 frequently contained chrysotile asbestos. While intact coatings present a low risk, any sanding, scraping or renovation work can release hazardous fibres — making professional testing and safe removal essential before any works begin.
Artex was the most widely-used branded textured ceiling coating in the UK, though many similar products were sold under different names. These coatings were applied by mixing a powder with water and texturing by hand to create decorative patterns on ceilings and walls.
Until the mid-1980s, many of these products contained chrysotile (white) asbestos at concentrations of up to 4% as a strengthening and binding agent. The use of asbestos in textured coatings ceased in the UK in 1985 — but buildings constructed or refurbished before this date may still have asbestos-containing coatings in place today.
When intact and undisturbed, textured coatings are generally classified as low risk. The risk increases significantly during renovation — sanding, scraping, drilling or removing a ceiling can release fibres that are invisible to the naked eye. Always test before disturbing.
⚠ Never sand or scrape a suspected Artex ceiling
Dry sanding releases asbestos fibres in concentrated form. Stop work immediately if you discover textured coating and haven't confirmed whether it contains asbestos.
Pre-1985 Coatings
Most likely to contain chrysotile asbestos. Testing is essential before any work that could disturb the surface — sanding, scraping, drilling, over-skimming or removal.
High Risk — Test Before Disturbance1985–2000 Coatings
Lower likelihood but not zero — some products used during this period may still have contained asbestos. Testing before disturbance is still strongly recommended.
Medium Risk — Testing RecommendedPost-2000 Coatings
Highly unlikely to contain asbestos. If the property age or coating history is uncertain, testing remains advisable before any renovation works begin.
Low Risk — Test if UncertainIntact, undisturbed coatings with low fibre release potential may be managed in place. The risk increases significantly when any of the following apply — at which point professional removal is required before other works proceed.
Re-plastering, installing spotlights, fitting new ceilings or loft conversions in pre-2000 homes all risk disturbing asbestos textured coatings. Always test before starting.
Office fit-outs, retail refurbishments and commercial redevelopments in pre-1990 buildings must include assessment of textured ceiling coatings before any ceiling works.
Schools built before 1985 commonly have asbestos textured ceilings. We regularly work to school timetables, removing coatings during holiday periods to minimise disruption.
Every textured coating removal follows a fully documented process in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and all relevant HSE guidance — from initial sampling through to final sign-off.
Regulatory Compliance
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)
Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) requirements
HSG264 — Asbestos: The Survey Guide
HSG248 — Asbestos: The Analysts' Guide
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
Sampling & Laboratory Testing
We take representative samples of the coating and send them to a trusted UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. Written results confirm asbestos presence, type and concentration before any decision on removal is made.
Risk Assessment & Method Statement
We assess the extent of asbestos-containing coatings, their condition and the scope of works, and produce a full method statement and risk assessment prior to mobilisation.
HSE Notification
Where required for notifiable non-licensed work, we submit the relevant notification to the HSE before works begin. All paperwork is provided to you in advance.
Area Preparation & Enclosure
The affected area is sealed and prepared to prevent fibre spread. Operatives wear appropriate RPE and PPE throughout — typically half-mask or powered hood depending on the scope of work.
Controlled Removal Using Wet Methods
The coating is removed using wetting techniques and specialised tools to minimise fibre release. HEPA-filtered H-type vacuum equipment is used throughout and all waste is packaged on site.
Clearance & Documentation
Following thorough decontamination, the area is self-certified or — where additional assurance is required — an independent visual inspection and air test can be arranged. You receive a completion certificate, waste consignment notes and all supporting documentation.
We've removed asbestos textured coatings from hundreds of properties since 2005 — from single domestic rooms to large-scale school ceiling replacement programmes. Our directly employed teams deliver the same rigorous standard on every job, with full documentation as standard.
4.9 out of 5 — 359 Google reviews
HSE Licensed Since 2005
Full HSE licence for all categories of asbestos work. 20+ years of continuous licensing without interruption.
Directly Employed Teams
No subcontractors — every operative is directly employed, trained and works to the same documented standards on every job.
Sampling & Testing Arranged
We arrange sampling and send to a trusted UKAS-accredited laboratory — so testing and removal can be handled through one contractor, keeping your project on programme.
Minimal Disruption
We work around occupants — evenings, weekends or holiday periods for schools and commercial properties. Single rooms completed in a day in most cases.
Full Documentation as Standard
Clearance certificate, waste consignment notes and a completion report on every job. Optional independent air clearance test available for additional peace of mind.
4.9 stars from 359 verified Google reviews
We have used AIB for nearly 15 years for all asbestos removal requirements on our projects and they have always been faultless. Would highly recommend.
AIB removed Artex from our entire ground floor before we had the ceilings re-plastered. Professional, tidy and all the paperwork was exactly what we needed. Would use again without hesitation.
Used AIB for a large school ceiling programme over the summer holidays. On time, on budget, zero disruption to the start of term. Excellent communication throughout and clearance documentation received promptly.
359 verified Google reviews
Any question about Artex or textured coatings in your property? Call our team — free advice, no obligation.
📞 01782 613773The only way to confirm is through laboratory analysis of a sample taken from the coating. AIB Solutions can arrange sampling and send to a trusted UKAS-accredited laboratory — results are provided in writing. Do not sand or scrape the coating before testing.
In some circumstances, yes — covering the existing ceiling with new plasterboard can be a cost-effective alternative where the coating is in good condition and the boarding work does not disturb it. We can advise on the best approach for your specific situation.
No — removal of asbestos-containing textured coatings is generally classified as notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) under CAR 2012. However, it must only be carried out by a trained, competent contractor. AIB Solutions are fully licensed and hold all relevant training and insurance.
A single domestic room is typically completed within a day. Larger commercial jobs or multi-room projects are planned and programmed as part of our quotation process — we provide clear timescales before any work begins.
Yes — occupants should vacate the immediate work area during removal. For domestic properties we advise keeping the rest of the house accessible where possible. We work around your schedule and can carry out works at evenings or weekends to minimise disruption.
You receive a completion certificate, waste consignment notes and a written completion report as standard. An optional independent clearance air test can also be arranged for additional peace of mind — useful for property sales or landlord compliance.
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HSE-licensed removal of asbestos textured coatings for domestic, commercial and education properties. Free survey, fixed-price quote, same-day response, full documentation.
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