Why Artex worries people
Textured coatings were popular from the 1960s through the 1980s, and some brands used a small amount of white asbestos for strength. Left intact and painted over, the risk is generally low. The risk comes when the coating is sanded, scraped, drilled or broken up, for example when someone wants to skim over it or replace the ceiling.
What a test tells you
A small sample from the ceiling is analysed by a laboratory. A negative result means that sample did not contain asbestos and you can plan the job accordingly. A positive result tells you to avoid disturbing it and to talk to a contractor about sealing, overboarding or removal.
What not to do
Do not dry-sand, scrape with a wallpaper steamer, or knock holes in the ceiling before you have a result. Cover and leave the ceiling alone until you know. If a piece has already fallen, keep people and pets away and ask for advice.
Who does the work, and what the law expects
Kilnbrook Asbestos Surveys is an introduction service. We pass your details to an independent contractor, who provides the quote, takes the samples or carries out the survey, and holds the insurance and any competence they need. Samples are analysed by a laboratory and the result is issued in writing. Taking samples or surveying a building is work with real exposure risk, so it should be done by trained people with dust controls, and the sample should be bagged, sealed and labelled correctly.
What to send us
- Two or three clear photos of the material and where it is
- The room, roof or area, and roughly how much of it
- The age of the building if you know it
- What work is planned, and when, if any
- Whether the building is occupied or in use
Prices on this site are guides only. Only the contractor's written quote counts.
How it works.
- 1
Send details and photos
Say what the material is, where it is and the age of the building. Clear photos help.
- 2
Contractor replies
An independent local contractor reviews your enquiry and confirms in writing what they can sample and what it would involve.
- 3
Sample taken
A small sample is taken with controls to limit dust, sealed and labelled.
- 4
Laboratory result
The sample is analysed and you receive a written result you can show to builders.
What affects the price.
- Number of rooms or ceilings to be sampled
- Ceiling height and access
- Whether the room can be left empty
- Result turnaround wanted
- Whether other materials in the same room also need testing
Good to know.
Is all Artex asbestos?
No. Many textured coatings contain none. Only a laboratory test can say for a specific ceiling.
Can I paint over it?
Painting over an intact coating without sanding is generally the lower-disturbance route. Test first if you are unsure.
Can I skim over Artex?
Skimming usually needs preparation that disturbs the surface. Get a test result before you decide.
How many samples do I need?
One per distinct ceiling or coating type is typical. A contractor will advise from your photos.
Do you do the testing yourselves?
No. We are an introduction service. We pass your details and photos to an independent local contractor, who provides the quote, takes the samples and arranges the laboratory analysis.
What should I send?
Two or three clear photos, what the material is and where it is, the age of the building if you know it, and a postcode. A phone photo is fine.
Can I take a sample myself?
It is not recommended. Cutting, scraping or drilling can release fibres. Leave the material alone and have a trained person take the sample.
Where we cover.
Stoke-on-Trent, its neighbourhoods and the towns and villages around it.
Tell us what needs testing.
A local contractor reviews your details and photos, then replies with a written quote for sampling or a survey. Free to ask, no obligation.
Prefer to talk?
01782 000 000