Asbestos??

so08dnd

A survey on a property we are about to purchase has identified that there may be traces of asbestos in the ceiling finishings. I just wondered if anyone is aware of how much it would cost for a specialist to assess this? And also how much to remove it?

Thanks

Vincent.waldorf

probably a couple of thousand. may be embedded into the paint. If it was on a garage roof probably easier to remove as you can hose it down to make sure there is no dust... its not worth your health to do it yourself.

jimbog

It says 'may' be traces - pay a plasterer to skim over it - a lot less fuss and expense and a smooth finish too

phill99

vincent.waldorf wrote: »

probably a couple of thousand. may be embedded into the paint. If it was on a garage roof probably easier to remove as you can hose it down to make sure there is no dust... its not worth your health to do it yourself.

Don't you just love this forum. People can comment on subjects which they know nothing about and then pick figures out of thin air to give credence to their non-knowledge.

Asbestos was used in Artex up unill the early 1990s. It is in a very low concentration and is relatively harmless. Get it skimmed over or over boarded. Much more cost effective than having it removed.

vax2002

Assume nothing with asbestos, day 1 lesson 1 of Asbestos awareness training. Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most common in artex finishes however until tested assume any type can be present and indeed have been found to be so .
Request a analysis on the suspected area and a report, then negotiate for its removal or at a last resort encapsulation, or skimming over as its know.

celiacelia226

Not renovated the house, do not understand the "asbestos" What is the problem?

girl_withno_name

celiacelia226 wrote: »

Not renovated the house, do not understand the "asbestos" What is the problem?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos
The house we're in the process of purchasing has Artex ceilings in every room (and hallway, landing...) so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

princeofpounds

Differing views on this one!

It's very common for surveys to say that there is asbestos in things like artex finishes. The surveyor says it because they can't test inside the paint and they need to be on the safe side. Sometimes there is asbestos present, sometimes there isn't - based on the age of the finish and other info the surveyor might have a more precise idea, talk to them.

Generally speaking asbestos is not dangerous unless inhaled. So in the opinion of many if it is in the ceiling finish and staying in the ceiling finish then you can indeed just plaster it smooth and move on with your life. Just remember that it is there should you ever have more substantial work done.

As a result of this vendors might not be willing to discount by the full value of the (possible!) asbestos removal. That's the issue you will face.

James_N

so08dnd wrote: »

A survey on a property we are about to purchase has identified that there may be traces of asbestos in the ceiling finishings. I just wondered if anyone is aware of how much it would cost for a specialist to assess this? And also how much to remove it?

Thanks

Because asbestos in commercial buildings is tightly regulated, the biggest source of problems from now on is likely to be domestic asbestos. This is because homeowners are unregulated, and are likely to work with asbestos unknowingly and without any protection - typically in renovation or alteration.
My employer has a building where the ceilings are substantially asbestos. The "solution" - and one that is approved, is to do nothing about the asbestos apart from monitor it. It is cheaper, and safer, to leave it alone. The building continues in daily use. Demolition or alteration exceeds reasonable return.
And this should be your own attitude to finding a possible small amount in a textured coating. Leave it or cover it. Then it will be entirely safe.

jetblack61

We are in the same position as the OP - our survey said there may be asbestos present in the artex in the ceilings and so we want to have it tested so we know what we're dealing with.

We've had some quotes for having it tested and it's around £70-80 for the site visit and then anywhere between £12 and £25 per sample they take for testing. As for how many samples they take - I've had mixed responses on this...some say one from each type of artex, some say one from each room that it is suspected. The house we're buying has had an extension, so it has also been suggested taking a sample from the 'new' and a sample from the 'old' part of the house. Ultimately I think until it is inspected, they won't be able to tell you for definite how many sample they'll take, and therefore what exactly the total cost will be.

Presumably if you skim over the ceilings for the smooth finish - what happens if you want to say, put up new light fittings and that involves drilling into the ceiling? Presumably this is an issue if asbestos is present in the original ceiling?

vax2002

The attitude must be : To have any suspected asbestos tested then a decision made upon testing results.
Anyone advising what type of asbestos is present and how to deal with it would have their certificate of asbestos awareness revoked and be sent for re-training, making assumption is taught as the wrong way.
Chances are it is low level Chrysotile, but it needs to be tested, other types of more dangerous asbestos have been found even in artex chucked in as fillers, this stuff was mind and often piled together, there is no safe assumption, testing is the assumption.
Insist it is tested and before making an offer remedial action is taken.