How to Repair an Artex Ceiling
Water stains, bubbles, cracks and peeling paint are just a few of the issues you’ll be left with after water damage affects your Artex ceiling. However, there is one problem that is far more concerning. For older properties, there is a high risk of exposure to asbestos. This makes it vitally important that you get a professional assessment and that the repairs are completed by certified contractors.
Water damage to a ceiling most commonly occurs due to a leak or burst pipe in between the upper and lower floors. This can leave holes, cracks, bulges and stains in your ceiling which may require extensive repairs. For circumstances such as these, you could claim the expense of the damages through your buildings insurance. It would be in your best interest to contact a professional property claims management company. Professionals like IC Assist will verify the presence of asbestos and ensure the work is completed safely by certified contractors.
What is Artex?
Popularised in the 1970s, Artex is a textured decorative coating that is applied to walls and ceilings. Originally, this material was manufactured with white asbestos to provide strength, heat resistance and sound absorption. Unfortunately, asbestos can cause major health issues, even with minimal exposure. Whilst the substance stopped being used within Artex production in 1984, it wasn’t officially banned until the year 1999. Therefore, there are plenty of properties that were built or refurbished prior to 2000 that pose the risk of containing asbestos today.
In an untampered state, asbestos isn’t particularly harmful. The real concern appears when the material is in powder form. This can occur when drilling or cutting holes in the ceiling to repair an escape of water. This puts you, as well as plumbers or contractors at risk of inhalation of harmful asbestos fibres. Any damaged Artex ceiling should therefore be tested for the presence of asbestos before any remedial work is carried out.
Although less popular, Artex is still used within homes today. The production method was altered to remove harmful asbestos fibres and continued to be applied on ceilings and walls in homes across the country. Therefore, unless you or the previous owner can provide evidence that the material was applied after its official ban, it is important to have the substance tested before replacing the damaged ceiling or making repairs.
Assessing the Danger of a Damaged Artex Ceiling
After significant water damage occurs within your home, your first action should be to shut off the water supply in your home. This will not only stop the leak and limit the extent of the damage to your property. But more importantly, it could prevent the ceiling from collapsing and potentially contaminating your home.
Before informing your insurance company, you could contact a property claims manager such as IC Assist. This could save you plenty of hassle dealing with the insurance company. Their claims management service is completely free of charge. They will handle your insurance claim, ensure you receive the full amount required to fix your home and then oversee the professional work of their contractors.
IC Assist follows a comprehensive procedure when inspecting a property. This extends to any property with damaged Artex ceilings in need of repair. IC Assist’s property claims manager will assess the full extent of the damage and arrange for samples of the Artex ceiling to be tested for the presence of asbestos. They know exactly what to look out for and will be able to tell you whether the current condition of your home is dangerous.
Repairing an Artex Ceiling
Based on their assessment, your claims manager will recommend the required work to restore your home. If asbestos is found within the Artex, the entire ceiling should be carefully removed. This work is completed by an HSE licensed company to ensure your safety. Extensive efforts are taken to protect your home by sealing the area and testing the air after efficient removal of the asbestos.
IC Assist is consistently successful in acquiring settlements that cover the costs of a full ceiling replacement, including any necessary re-decoration required to ceilings and walls. As well as the safe removal and disposal of all hazardous materials. With the cost of the ceiling replacement covered in your insurance claim, their team of professional contractors can provide a ceiling finish that is to your specification. This opens the opportunity for a new design choice within your home.
Replacing your Artex Ceiling
After dealing with the unfortunate circumstances surrounding your escape of water, the least that IC Assist can do is to arrange for a replacement ceiling that meets your requirements. This can include replacing the Artex texture with a safe and modern alternative i.e. a smooth plaster ceiling. Whichever your preference, IC Assist’s plasterers and decorators can create a professional finish for your home.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve suffered from an escape of water and have experienced damage to your Artex ceiling, it is vital that you follow the appropriate steps. Making repairs to an Artex ceiling or hiring contractors who aren’t equipped to keep you and your home safe can have detrimental consequences to your health. IC Assist provide a professional property claims management service, with 10 years of experience in managing Artex ceiling repair claims. Not only will they handle your claim for free, but they will also ensure your home is restored safely with a premium quality finish.
Shirley Mist has been involved in fashion and design for many years. She has also written extensively for many online publications. She currently writes for The Tribune World and is a valued member of our team.