Testing Artex for Asbestos

[SWH]

Friend in Exeter has an Artex encrusted house he's in the process of redecorating (and has just realised what it is he's scraping off....). Aside from the potential risks etc.... can anyone recommend a local company/individual to do an asbestos test for him?

I've not seen it, of course it maybe a harmless recent-ish polycell covering over some cracked plaster, although I have a feeling it's a fine 1970's effort.... whether that contains anything actually harmful I don't know. I thought it probably did contain asbestos, but not the kill you in 30yrs time flavour... thinking and knowing are not the same of course, hence asking for a test from someone who actually knows their stuff (and can test it!)

[ss64ii]

My work use Southern Insulations but they're based in Hampshire. May travel though?
http://www.southerninsulationltd.co.uk/

[Mandat]

I've used Sandberg in the past for testing suspected Asbestos samples.

Give them a try: http://www.sandberg.co.uk

[YarisSi]

I used www.kershaw-grp.co.uk and they were excellent (except for not coming on a Friday due to the decontamination something or other not working when they tested it before coming and so came the following Monday). They were also 25% cheaper than the at 3 other companies I got a quote from. The other trades where also very happy working with them and the work they did.

Testing is a standard amount of £120 and I think you can do it for £30 if you find a lab. All they did is get a wet wipe and carefully pull a bit off and then double bag the sample and wipe in ziplock bags. It is also worth asking neighbours if it was something in their house when it was built and how they dealt with it.

[SWH]

Thanks chaps, details passed on

[Road2Ruin]

SWH said:

Friend in Exeter has an Artex encrusted house he's in the process of redecorating (and has just realised what it is he's scraping off....). Aside from the potential risks etc.... can anyone recommend a local company/individual to do an asbestos test for him?

I've not seen it, of course it maybe a harmless recent-ish polycell covering over some cracked plaster, although I have a feeling it's a fine 1970's effort.... whether that contains anything actually harmful I don't know. I thought it probably did contain asbestos, but not the kill you in 30yrs time flavour... thinking and knowing are not the same of course, hence asking for a test from someone who actually knows their stuff (and can test it!)

From my experience, unless you have no choice, don't even go to the effort of trying to remove it just get a platerer to skim over it. A lot less time, effort and mess in the long run.

[mike325112]

Road2Ruin said:

From my experience, unless you have no choice, don't even go to the effort of trying to remove it just get a platerer to skim over it. A lot less time, effort and mess in the long run.

Im an asbestos surveyor in a former life - do this is far far easier.

[SWH]

Thanks - yep, that's what I suggested. Turns out what he's actually scraping off the walls is wallpaper covered in many layers of gloss paint... nice.

There is Artex on the ceiling, and he's rightly getting a plasterer to cover it over. Best left undisturbed was the advice I was given years ago, still sounds right now - no need to hack it all out anyway.

Now... I wonder how old the gloss paint is...?!

[VxDuncan]

SWH said:

Thanks - yep, that's what I suggested. Turns out what he's actually scraping off the walls is wallpaper covered in many layers of gloss paint... nice.

There is Artex on the ceiling, and he's rightly getting a plasterer to cover it over. Best left undisturbed was the advice I was given years ago, still sounds right now - no need to hack it all out anyway.

Now... I wonder how old the gloss paint is...?!

You can get a artex removal gel called x-tex. Actually works very well, though need a fair covering of it. Apparently it seals any fibres stopping the dust. Not that I'd trust it too much. Also taking off any artex usually means you'll end up reskimming as the base plaster was usually a mess and hence the artex covering! Might as well skip a stage and just replaster.

If any doubt treat as asbesto - and if creating dust in an old house don't skimp on a cheap mask - by a p3 rated respirator for about £15. Will help to protect your lungs if there are some stray fibres around.

[SWH]

VxDuncan said:

Good advice

Thanks, yep - advised a decent mask regardless.

That gel stuff sounds a good idea, although I think I'd leave it to someone who deals with the stuff everyday, or in fact, simply paster over it

[Road2Ruin]

SWH said:

Thanks, yep - advised a decent mask regardless.

That gel stuff sounds a good idea, although I think I'd leave it to someone who deals with the stuff everyday, or in fact, simply paster over it

I have used the Gel myself but it is very expensive and really only useful in small areas as you have to apply it and leave it for a long time before you scrape off. It makes it go like some kind of paste.