Asbestos in Artex Ceilings: Testing, Risks & Removal UK
Worried Your Artex Ceiling Contains Asbestos?
Artex and other textured coatings are common in UK homes, flats and commercial buildings. They were widely used on ceilings and walls to create swirl, stipple, fan, bark, broken leather and other decorative textured finishes.
In older properties, some textured coatings may contain asbestos. This does not automatically mean the ceiling is dangerous, but it does mean you should be careful before sanding, scraping, drilling, cutting, overboarding, removing or disturbing it.
If your property was built or refurbished before the year 2000 and you are planning work to a textured ceiling or wall, it is sensible to arrange professional asbestos advice before work starts.
Asbestos Surveying and Monitoring Ltd provides asbestos sampling, asbestos surveys, asbestos removal and asbestos air monitoringacross the UK.
For advice, call 0330 433 9680 or contact ASM online.
Quick Answer: Does Artex Contain Asbestos?
Some older Artex and textured coatings can contain asbestos, especially in properties built or refurbished before asbestos was banned in the UK.
You cannot confirm whether Artex contains asbestos by looking at it. The only reliable way to know is to have a sample taken and analysed by a competent asbestos laboratory.
If the textured coating is in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk is usually much lower than if it is sanded, drilled, scraped, broken, removed or damaged.
The HSE provides Asbestos Essentials guidance for work involving asbestos-containing materials, including task sheets relevant to textured coatings, drilling and scraping works.
What Is Artex?
Artex is a brand name that became widely used to describe textured decorative coatings on ceilings and walls. Many people now use “Artex” as a general term for textured coatings, even where the product may have been made by another manufacturer.
Textured coatings were commonly used to:
Hide uneven ceilings
Create decorative patterns
Cover minor surface imperfections
Provide a durable finish
Modernise older rooms
Reduce the need for perfectly flat plastering
Common textured coating patterns include:
Swirl pattern
Stipple pattern
Fan pattern
Bark effect
Broken leather effect
Circle pattern
Comb pattern
Heavy textured finish
Not every textured coating contains asbestos. However, because some older coatings did, it should be tested before intrusive work.
Why Was Asbestos Used in Artex and Textured Coatings?
Asbestos was used in many older building products because it was strong, heat resistant and durable. In textured coatings, asbestos could help strengthen the material and improve performance.
The asbestos type most commonly associated with textured coatings is chrysotile, also known as white asbestos. However, you should not rely on appearance, age or pattern to decide whether a coating contains asbestos.
If a textured coating contains asbestos, the asbestos content can vary across the same ceiling or property. This is one reason why proper sampling and assessment are important before works begin.
Where Is Asbestos Artex Commonly Found?
Asbestos-containing textured coatings may be found in:
Living room ceilings
Bedroom ceilings
Hallways
Stairwells
Landings
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Utility rooms
Garage ceilings
Older extensions
Communal corridors
Flat stairwells
Commercial premises
Offices
Shops
Schools
Public buildings
Housing association properties
Landlord-managed properties
Textured coatings can also be found on walls, not just ceilings.
For examples of asbestos-containing materials in homes and buildings, see our existing guide: What Does Asbestos Look Like? UK Photo Gallery.
Can You Tell If Artex Contains Asbestos by Looking?
No. You cannot reliably tell if Artex contains asbestos just by looking at it.
The following do not confirm whether asbestos is present:
The pattern of the coating
The colour of the ceiling
The age of the decoration
Whether it looks like plaster
Whether it looks modern
Whether another room tested negative
Whether a builder thinks it is safe
Whether a previous owner said it was fine
The only reliable way to confirm asbestos is through proper sampling and laboratory analysis.
ASM provides professional asbestos sample testing across the UK. If you are looking for pricing, view the Asbestos Sample Cost UK page.
When Is Asbestos Artex Dangerous?
Asbestos-containing Artex is usually most dangerous when fibres are released into the air and inhaled.
Textured coatings are often considered lower risk than materials such as pipe lagging, sprayed coatings or asbestos insulation board because the asbestos fibres are usually bound within the coating. However, risk can increase if the coating is disturbed.
Higher-risk activities include:
Sanding Artex
Scraping Artex
Drilling into textured ceilings
Cutting ceiling areas
Removing textured coatings
Breaking damaged ceiling boards
Pulling down ceilings
Installing downlights
Rewiring through ceilings
Plumbing works above ceilings
Removing ceiling panels
Heavy impact damage
Water damage and ceiling collapse
Uncontrolled DIY removal
If you accidentally disturb suspected asbestos, stop work and read our guide: What Happens If You Accidentally Disturb Asbestos?
Should I Test Artex Before Renovation?
Yes, if the property was built or refurbished before 2000 and the works may disturb the textured coating.
You should arrange testing before:
Sanding ceilings
Scraping textured coatings
Installing spotlights or downlights
Removing ceilings
Overboarding ceilings where drilling is required
Replastering works that involve disturbance
Electrical rewiring
Plumbing works through ceilings
Loft access works
Bathroom or kitchen refurbishment
Structural alterations
Demolition or soft strip works
Insurance repair works after leaks or ceiling damage
For simple checks of one material, an asbestos sample test may be enough.
For wider renovation, intrusive works or multiple areas, a Refurbishment Asbestos Survey may be required.
HSE guidance explains that asbestos surveys are used to locate asbestos-containing materials and that refurbishment or demolition surveys are needed before intrusive works. See HSE arrange an asbestos survey.
Do I Need a Full Asbestos Survey or Just an Artex Sample?
The right option depends on what you are planning to do.
An asbestos sample may be suitable if:
You only need one ceiling checked
You only need one wall coating checked
No wider intrusive work is planned
The material is accessible
You need confirmation before deciding what to do next
For this, see Asbestos Sample UK.
A refurbishment asbestos survey may be needed if:
You are renovating a room
You are removing ceilings or walls
You are rewiring
You are fitting a new kitchen or bathroom
You are carrying out structural alterations
Multiple materials may be disturbed
Hidden areas will be opened
Contractors need asbestos information before work starts
For this, see Refurbishment Asbestos Survey UK.
A demolition asbestos survey may be needed if:
A building is being demolished
Part of a building is being demolished
A major strip-out is planned
Ceilings, walls, floors and services will be removed extensively
For this, see Demolition Asbestos Survey UK.
How Is Artex Tested for Asbestos?
Artex testing normally involves taking a small controlled sample of the textured coating and sending it to a UKAS accredited asbestos laboratory for analysis.
The process usually includes:
Reviewing the material and location
Controlling the sample area
Taking a small representative sample
Sealing the sampled area
Labelling and recording the sample
Sending the sample for laboratory analysis
Reporting whether asbestos was detected
Advising on next steps
Do not scrape or break off Artex yourself unless you are competent to do so safely. Poor sampling can disturb fibres and contaminate the area.
ASM can arrange professional sampling and testing. For pricing, see Asbestos Sample Cost UK.
How Much Does Artex Asbestos Testing Cost?
The cost depends on whether you need professional attendance, the number of samples, location, access and turnaround time.
Typical cost factors include:
Number of ceilings or rooms
Whether walls are also coated
Whether the property is occupied
Urgency of results
Travel location
Whether a full survey is needed
Whether the sample is part of a wider refurbishment survey
For single-material checks, see Asbestos Sample Cost UK.
For wider property checks, see Asbestos Survey Cost UK.
Does Asbestos Artex Need to Be Removed?
Not always.
If asbestos-containing textured coating is in good condition, sealed, painted, unlikely to be disturbed and not affected by planned works, it may be possible to manage it in place.
Removal may be needed where:
The coating is damaged
The ceiling is deteriorating
Water damage has occurred
The coating will be disturbed by works
Ceilings are being removed
Sanding or scraping is planned
Downlights or services are being installed
A refurbishment project requires removal
The client wants the asbestos risk removed
The material cannot be safely managed in place
For commercial buildings, landlord-managed properties and communal areas, asbestos left in place should be recorded and managed properly.
See Asbestos Management Plan UK.
Can You Plaster Over Asbestos Artex?
In some cases, textured coatings may be encapsulated, skimmed or overboarded rather than removed. This depends on the condition of the coating, the proposed work, the substrate, whether the coating is firmly adhered, and whether the work itself will disturb asbestos.
Important points:
Do not sand the Artex first unless asbestos has been ruled out.
Do not scrape high spots without proper assessment.
Do not drill or mechanically fix through suspected asbestos without controls.
Do not assume overboarding is risk-free if fixings will penetrate the coating.
Do not hide asbestos without recording it where a duty to manage applies.
A competent contractor or asbestos professional should advise on the safest option.
Can You Remove Asbestos Artex Yourself?
DIY removal of asbestos-containing textured coating is not recommended.
Even where some textured coating work may be non-licensed, it still requires proper training, risk assessment, controls, PPE/RPE, controlled wetting, waste handling, cleaning, decontamination and disposal.
Uncontrolled DIY removal can spread contamination through the property, especially if the coating is sanded, scraped dry, drilled, broken up or vacuumed with a domestic vacuum.
The HSE’s Asbestos Essentials guidance includes task sheets for asbestos work, including textured coating tasks.
For removal advice and pricing, see Asbestos Removal UKand Asbestos Removal Cost UK.
How Much Does Asbestos Artex Removal Cost?
Asbestos Artex or textured coating removal costs vary depending on:
Ceiling area
Number of rooms
Condition of the coating
Access
Whether the property is occupied
Whether the coating is on ceilings, walls or both
Whether the work is removal, encapsulation or overboarding
Whether air monitoring is required
Waste quantity
Required timescale
For detailed removal pricing, see Asbestos Removal Cost UK.
As a guide, textured coating removal is usually priced after reviewing photos, room sizes and sample results. ASM can provide a fixed quotation once the scope is clear.
Request an Artex Removal Quote
What Should You Do If You Drilled Into Artex?
If you drilled into suspected asbestos Artex:
Stop work immediately.
Do not drill any further holes.
Keep people out of the area.
Do not sweep or vacuum the dust.
Close doors if safe to do so.
Avoid spreading dust to other rooms.
Take photos from a safe distance.
Contact an asbestos professional.
Arrange sampling, reassurance advice or cleaning if required.
Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner, as this can spread fine dust and fibres.
Read more: What Happens If You Accidentally Disturb Asbestos?
Asbestos Artex in Rental Properties and Flats
Landlords, managing agents and freeholders should be especially careful where textured coatings are present in communal areas or managed properties.
Possible locations include:
Communal stairwells
Corridors
Landings
Meter cupboards
Service risers
Plant areas
Shared garages
Bin stores
Communal lounges
Older apartment blocks
The duty to manage asbestos applies to non-domestic premises and can apply to the common parts of domestic premises. HSE guidance explains that dutyholders should find asbestos, assess the risk, prepare a plan and act on it.
See HSE duty to manage asbestos.
For landlord support, see Asbestos Surveys for Landlords.
For management plans, see Asbestos Management Plan UK.
Asbestos Artex Before Buying or Selling a House
If a homebuyer survey flags possible asbestos textured coating, it does not automatically mean the property is unsafe or that the ceiling must be removed. It means the material should be assessed properly before any intrusive work.
You may want testing before purchase if:
The surveyor has flagged textured ceilings
Renovation is planned after completion
Ceilings are damaged
There has been a leak or collapse
You want cost certainty before negotiating
You need reassurance before instructing tradespeople
A single sample may be enough in some cases, but a wider survey may be better where multiple areas or future refurbishment works are planned.
For homeowners wanting more background, see Does My House Have Asbestos?
Asbestos Artex in Commercial Buildings
Textured coatings may also be present in offices, shops, schools, healthcare premises, public buildings, hospitality venues and industrial buildings.
Commercial dutyholders should ensure asbestos-containing materials are properly recorded, assessed and managed. If work is planned, the correct survey type should be completed before refurbishment or demolition starts.
ASM supports commercial clients with:
Why Choose ASM for Artex Asbestos Testing and Advice?
Asbestos Surveying and Monitoring Ltd provides UK-wide asbestos surveying, sampling, testing, removal advice and air monitoring support.
Clients choose ASM because we provide:
UKAS accredited asbestos inspection services
UKAS accredited asbestos testing support
UKAS accredited air monitoring and 4 stage clearance support
Clear fixed-price quotations
Professional asbestos sampling
Management, refurbishment, demolition and re-inspection surveys
Domestic, commercial and industrial asbestos support
Practical guidance before renovation or removal
Asbestos management plans and asbestos register support
UK-wide coverage
To speak with the team, call 0330 433 9680 or contact ASM online.
Related ASM Services
Related ASM Guides
Relevant HSE Guidance
FAQs: Asbestos in Artex Ceilings
Does Artex contain asbestos?
Some older Artex and textured coatings can contain asbestos, particularly in properties built or refurbished before the year 2000. Not all Artex contains asbestos, so testing is needed to confirm.
Can you tell if Artex has asbestos by looking?
No. You cannot confirm asbestos by looking at the pattern, colour or texture. A sample must be analysed by a competent asbestos laboratory.
Is asbestos Artex dangerous?
Asbestos Artex is usually lower risk if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. Risk increases if it is sanded, scraped, drilled, cut, damaged, removed or disturbed during works.
Should I test Artex before drilling?
Yes, if the property was built or refurbished before 2000 and the coating has not already been tested. Drilling can disturb asbestos fibres if the coating contains asbestos.
Should I test Artex before plastering?
Yes, if the work may disturb the textured coating. Skimming or overboarding may still involve scraping, sanding, drilling or fixing through the material, so asbestos should be considered before work starts.
Can asbestos Artex be left in place?
Yes, it may be possible to leave asbestos-containing textured coating in place if it is in good condition, unlikely to be disturbed and properly managed. Removal is not always required.
Can you plaster over asbestos Artex?
Sometimes, but it depends on the condition of the coating, the proposed work and whether the work will disturb the material. Do not sand or scrape suspected asbestos Artex before assessment.
How is Artex tested for asbestos?
A small controlled sample is taken from the textured coating and analysed by a competent asbestos laboratory. The result confirms whether asbestos was detected.
How much does Artex asbestos testing cost?
Costs depend on the number of samples, location, urgency and whether professional attendance is needed. See ASM’s Asbestos Sample Cost UK guide.
How much does asbestos Artex removal cost?
Costs depend on ceiling area, number of rooms, condition, access, method, waste and whether additional controls or air monitoring are needed. ASM can provide a fixed quote after reviewing photos, measurements and sample results.
What should I do if I accidentally drilled into Artex?
Stop work, keep people away, do not sweep or vacuum the dust, avoid further disturbance and contact an asbestos professional for advice.
Do landlords need to manage asbestos Artex?
Landlords, freeholders and managing agents may need to manage asbestos in communal areas or non-domestic premises. The duty to manage can apply to shared parts of domestic buildings, such as stairwells, corridors and service areas.
Worried About Asbestos in Artex?
Do not guess, scrape or sand it.
ASM can help with professional asbestos sampling, UKAS accredited asbestos surveys, asbestos removal advice and air monitoring support across the UK.
