Back in the day artex asbestos was a common interior design feature in many UK homes. It was mainly used to hide imperfections like small cracks and bumps on walls or ceilings. But over time, the health risks associated with it came to light, and its use was phased out. Many homes from that era, however, still have artex asbestos. It’s something to be cautious of when renovating or retrofitting your home. So we’re sharing how to identifying it and what to do if you find it.
Asbestos and artex asbestos
Although asbestos and artex asbestos are closely related, they aren’t exactly the same thing.
Asbestos used to be used for insulation and fireproofing and artex asbestos, was specifically used for wall and ceiling finishes.
Artex itself is not asbestos, but the formula often included asbestos fibres to enhance its durability and fire resistance.
If you’re dealing with artex in your home and you think it might contain asbestos, it’s crucial to have it tested by a certified asbestos surveyor before carrying out any renovations or removals. They can confirm the presence of asbestos and advise on how to proceed safely.
How to identify artex asbestos
Before you get stuck with any home improvements, it’s vital to know whether artex asbestos is present in your property. One way of knowing is that the material was particularly popular in the UK from the 1950s to the 1980s. So, if your house is from that era be aware because this material could be present.
You should not try to remove it yourself as disturbing it could release harmful fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can lead to lung conditions like asbestosis, and even certain types of cancer. The removal of artex asbestos is not a DIY job and it should be handled by licensed professionals.
What does artex look like?
The patterns might vary from stippled to more complex swirls and peaks. Below we’ve added some pictures of what artex asbestos can look like:
However, you can’t just rely on looking at it to identify it. So, make sure get expert advice before doing any type of renovation to your house.
Artex removal cost
The cost of removing artex asbestos varies depending on several factors like the size of the area, location, and the contractor you choose. It’s worth getting multiple quotes and make sure to choose a licensed professional.
Can you sell a house with asbestos artex?
Perhaps you want to hold off on having any renovations done and maybe you’re even thinking about selling your house.
You can sell a house with artex asbestos, however, you must disclose this to potential buyers. Sellers are obligated to disclose any material facts about a property, and the presence of asbestos would qualify. Failing to disclose could lead to legal implications down the line, including potentially being sued for misrepresentation.
While disclosing it may introduce some challenges to selling your home, failing to disclose it can lead to even bigger problems. So be straightforward from the get-go and while you might reduice your pool of potential buyers willing to take it on, it allows those interested to make fully informed decisions.
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Last Updated: November 7th, 2023
