Removing asbestos artex garage ceiling?

Question

Hi, I'm in the process of buying a new house and the survey stated that the artex ceilings in the house and garage may contain asbestos. I'm not too worried about the house ceilings as we plan to leave them undisturbed, but the survey reccommended re-covering the garage roof and adding roof void ventilation at the same time which would disturb the material. My builder said said it would be best to make sure it was actually asbestos first. If I find out that it is, any idea of a ball park figure of how much a licensed contractor would charge to remove it? (standard sized garage?)

Answer 1

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, it can be costly to remove and has to be taken away in sealed bags or in a lockable container. Asbestos is a big killer. You will be able to find out all the info you need online, but put simply.....

The dust is the harmful aspect of the material, asbestos is a natural mineral that is/was mined in some countries and was imported here for 20-30 years, it has good insulating and fire proofing qualities. It is no longer used due to it;s deadly dust.

Your ceilings are most likely Artex or stipple finish, and are automatically deemed to be asbestos containing. This is an industry standard assumption. (Expect the worst)! The stuff can be removed using a wet stripping machine, similar to a wallpape steamer

There are companies who can test your artex for around £50 they will take a sample away and give you the result a week later.

The garage roof is a little difficult. You can do the work yourself! Take the sheets to your local council who will have a facility to contain the waste in a steel lockable bin, but arrange it with them first.

It is a good idea to gain some knowledge of the properties of the material. If carefully removed by hand and by not breaking or damaging it.

Never drill/saw/break-up/or dump asbestos.

The smaller the particles of asbestos dust, the more of a hazard it becomes, as the small particles go down into the lungs further.

So if you were to attempt to remove it yourself, keep the sheets whole, try to remove the nails/fixings gently so as not to damage the material, or just saw the heads off fixings! Don't saw the asbestos at all! Hose the stuff down constantly with water, so as not to let dust get airbourne. Carry the pieces off carefully and place them, don't drop them. Bag up any small pieces carefully , label the bags HAZARDOUS do not open-ASBESTOS, the proper red bags are availible from some supliers. Seal all the bags.
Work, wearing disposable overalls.

Do the job on a rainy day rather than a hot dry day!

I would not attempt any work which involves cutting into asbestos roofsheet to alter it, at all, in order to add ventilation! This is not a good working practice. Replace the old roof with tin, plastics or something similar.

Do some research before touching the substance and consider saving yourself money. A contractor may charge you £500 plus, for three hours work.

Answer 2

it can be costly to remove and has to be taken away in sealed bags or in a lockable container. Asbestos is a big killer. You will be able to find out all the info you need online,