Asbestos testing in artexing

alisont

Hi

I live with my parents and we have had a quote for a full rewire of the 3 bed semi we live in.

This in itself will be a major event to deal with as we plan to stay in the house whilst it is rewired. It needs doing and before we can re decorate/carpet the house and have a new shower we need to start with the major rewire.

As all rooms apart from mine are artexed - late 70's/early 80's we think we need to get the asbestos tested for asbestos.

Does anyone know if the testing kits you can buy online and send off for testing are ok? All seem about £30. Or would we be beter getting a local firm in to test?

I'm really hoping it does not contain asbestos as I just don't want to think of costs/hassle involved if it all needs removing - can't see we could consider that with all the mess and dust.

Any info will be great thanks.

keystone

If you think it contains asbestos and it is securely fixed to the ceiling get it skimmed. Simpler and cheaper. Always expect a bit of mess from your spread though.

Cheers

alisont

Thanks, will have to get it tested but if its a full rewire they will need to remove some of it so would need to remove it?

Not sure what test to order!

keystone

If its ceilings only then that is no emcumberance to the sparks.

You mean the walls are artexed too?

Lets come at the problem from another direction. Why do you think you need a full rewire?

Cheers

muckybutt

Providing the sparkys arent gonna bash holes in the ceiling or install downlighters then its not of great risk as the asbestos is effectively sealed within the artex.

Acm's can be managed and maintained very easily and at little cost, as has been said in post #2 reskimming the ceiling will effectively seal the acm's into place, alternatively a few coats of good quality emulsion will do the job just as effectively.

As a general rule artex is a low classification of acm, the more dangerous types of asbestos are found in pipe lagging and insulation materials etc.

alisont

Cheers for the info - yes walls are artexed too.

We have had a quote for a rewire as the house was built in late 50's - the sparky said he could just sort the lighting as it's not earthed but as we want a new shower and lots of new sockets and some in different settings he did feel a full rewire would be a good route to take.

We basically have put off any jobs for years and now decided it needs sorting - in the order of rewire/new shower/fully decorating/new carpets/new sofas etc...

Parents have always liked artexing so we would look to keep it and get it painted once the main work is completed.

The sparkys quote asks for an artexing survey to be completed.

We like the sparky and the quote seems fair (£4K for 3 bed semi/garage/outside lighting and a new power shower fitting)

This guy is approved by the council and works for them at times and is also on the age concern approved list of electricians and has ful insurance/a CRB check and references.

Think I shall have a few grey hairs by the time we get this work done:rotfl:

muckybutt

£4K ??? I would get a few more quotes as that seems very expensive for a rewire.

If you are going for a full rewire and the tests return + for asbestos then chances are you would have to move out whilst work is carried out for h&s reasons, the whole house would need to be sealed for asbestos cutting / removal to take place. This of course would have to be done by a licenced contractor not the sparky unless he is licenced for asbestos removal.