How to Remove an Artex Ceiling
In this article, I will tell you how to remove an Artex ceiling yourself as well as what you will need and how to dispose of the Artex once you have removed it.
Artex ceilings were made using asbestos up until 1984. Asbestos fibres were used as a binding strengthening material within textured ceiling coatings.
It was never normally used in quantities greater than 3%. This is very low in any case, but always a good idea to try and keep any dust out of your lungs.
Equipment for removing an Artex Ceiling
To remove an Artex Ceiling you will need the following equipment, I have listed them in order of importance.
- Asbestos Rated Dust Mask
- Rubbish bags (always double bag)
- Goggles
- Gloves
Removing an Artex Ceiling is a job you can do yourself. To remove your Artex ceiling safely you will need the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE).
Dust masks must be equipped with HESPA P3 filtered cartridges, or an N-100, P-100 or R-100 NIOSH rating. These cartridges are specific for filtering out asbestos fibres. The dust mask below is rated for Asbestos removal as it has HESPA P3 filters.
- Metal fumes and dust
- Silica dust, asbestos, concrete, wood dust, cement and plasterboard
- Coal dust
- Fiberglass
- Powdered flour, wheat and feed treatment
- Powders and viruses
The mask I have chosen to use previously to remove asbestos is listed above. It is HESPA P3 rated so suitable for the removal of asbestos. The silicone style of the facemask creates a tight seal around the contours of your face, so you feel safe and secure while wearing it.
The filters are easy to replace and cheap to buy. Once, I have removed the Artex ceiling I would dispose of the old filters as they may now contain asbestos fibres. If you wash your mask out with warm water and change the filters you will still be able to use it on future projects. I still have mine in the van.
Method for Removing an Artex Ceiling
Removing an Artex ceiling is not always easy, so get a specialist product to help get the job done.
Simply paint over the Artex walls and ceilings then scrape off when softened. This process is called a working wet system and means that the Artex is kept wet at all times.
This results is no asbestos fibres becoming airborne and eliminates the risk of breathing in hazardous microfibres.
Removal is made easier with a long-handled blade scraper which helps to lift it from the surface rather than spreading it around the wall, which usually happens when using a standard steel scraper.
Make sure you set up a dust sheet and have some rubbish bags handy to collect the old Artex.
How to dispose of Artex
Once you have removed your Artex ceiling you can dispose of it at your Local Council Recycling Centre. The Artex ceiling must be double-bagged and tied securely around the top.
Asbestos should never be put in your bin for collection
This is a statement from my local council about their asbestos policy:
“Before taking asbestos to a recycling centre you need to make sure it is wrapped properly:
- It must be wrapped in heavy-duty polythene sheets
- Smaller pieces of asbestos should be double-bagged and securely sealed
Recycling centres provide asbestos wrapping materials free of charge (in limited quantities) for householders. You will need to collect them from the recycling centre.”
By Law, All Local Council Recycling Centres have to accept Asbestos-containing products so that they can be disposed of safely. But it is better to give them a call beforehand to explain what you are intending on doing.
If you are lucky, they may even send out some purple rubbish sacks to put the old Artex ceiling in. If not, I have attached a link to some rubble sacks.
If you have any more top tips about Artex Removal let us know in the comments.
