How To Test If Artex Contains Asbestos In Hampshire

Asbestos is a potentially deadly mineral that was widely used in construction until the late 1990s. It was mainly used due to its unique properties such as heat resistance, strength, and insulating capabilities. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used in numerous construction materials including flooring, insulation, cement, pipes, and one common material in Hampshire, Artex.

Artex is a coating that was commonly used in the 70s, 80s, and 90s in the UK as a textured finish for ceilings and walls. In many homes constructed during this time period, Artex is still present on the ceiling, even if it has been painted over. This textured material can be difficult to remove and if you are planning on conducting renovation work, it is important to identify if the Artex contains asbestos.

In Hampshire, it is essential to conduct an asbestos test to determine if Artex contains asbestos. This is not something to be taken lightly as asbestos exposure can cause serious harm to your health. In this article, we will put forth the necessary steps you need to consider before conducting a test to detect asbestos in Artex in Hampshire.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used throughout the 20th century due to its insulating capabilities and resistance to heat, chemicals and electricity. Asbestos is a fibrous material that is found underground and is mined from open-air quarries. The mineral was commonly used in construction in the UK until the late 1990s, where it was banned following clear evidence of harm to health from inhaling the asbestos fibres.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres that can cause serious harm to health if inhaled. Inhaled fibers can cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, with symptoms appearing decades after exposure.

What is Artex?

Artex is a popular textured coating which was widely used in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s as a decorative finish applied to walls and ceilings. Artex was used as an alternative to plaster, particularly for walls and ceilings where a decorative finish was required. Artex comes in a range of designs and textures and was often painted over after application to produce a white or coloured finish.

Artex was made using gypsum or various other materials to create smaller textured particles. Materials that could have been used include wood chips and vermiculite. The manufacturer once confirmed that it did contain chrysotile asbestos until 1984, however, this does not guarantee that all Artex made before 1984 necessarily contains asbestos. It is important that you do not assume that every piece of textured Artex you come across contains asbestos.

To determine if your Artex contains asbestos, it is essential to conduct an asbestos test.

Asbestos Testing

If your house was constructed before the year 2000, it may still contain Artex with asbestos. To ensure safety during renovation or demolition work, asbestos testing is essential. If the Artex is found to contain asbestos, it will need to be removed by a licensed asbestos removal company.

It's crucial that you avoid sample collection and testing of asbestos yourself. Due to health hazards, the handling of asbestos can only be done by a licensed and accredited asbestos analyst.

It is important to note that asbestos is only dangerous if it is disturbed, so if your Artex is still intact, undisturbed, and in good condition, the asbestos fibers are not as dangerous. However, it is still a good idea to test the Artex to ensure that it is not disturbed in the future.

In Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire provides comprehensive asbestos testing services. Our fully trained and licensed asbestos analysts will take samples of the textured finish, and confirm whether or not it contains asbestos.

We always follow strict procedures when taking samples, to ensure the samples are taken safely, and without damaging the surrounding surfaces. Our asbestos testing services are available to domestic and commercial clients throughout Hampshire and the South East.

How Does Asbestos Testing Work?

When contracting a professional asbestos testing company, the first step is to get in touch and request a survey. Once you have contacted Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we will come and assess your property and advise on the most appropriate action to take. If we deem it necessary to test the Artex for asbestos, we will take samples of the textured finish and send them to a professional laboratory for examination.

The lab will examine the samples under a microscope and assess the entire sample material for the presence of asbestos. If asbestos fibers are present, a report will be sent back to our licensed analysts, who will notify you immediately following the results.

Our asbestos testing services are thorough and precise, ensuring the safety of your property and the health of your family.

What Happens if Artex Contains Asbestos?

If the laboratory results confirm that the Artex contains asbestos, it is vital to engage a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire to remove the Artex safely. It is never a good idea to attempt to remove it yourself, as this could cause the dangerous asbestos fibers to spread throughout your property.

The Artex should be removed carefully and in accordance with licensing regulations. Following the Artex's safe removal, we will dispose of the waste fibres safely, leaving your property safe and free from any hazardous debris.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Artex is a commonly used textured material on walls and ceilings in various Hampshire properties. If you are planning renovation work, it is essential to determine whether the Artex contains asbestos. Asbestos is a potentially deadily material that can cause serious harm to your health.

The only way to test for asbestos in Artex is through a professional asbestos testing service. There are no definitive visual cues that the Artex may contain asbestos, so it is important to engage an accredited and licensed asbestos testing service like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

If asbestos is detected in the Artex, it is vital to follow strict guidelines when removing it, making sure you engage a licensed removal company to keep you and your family safe from the dangerous fibers.

If you are living in Hampshire or the South East and concerned about the possible presence of asbestos in your property, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our website - affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk - is also available for more information.