Covering asbestos Artex

Rachel1640

Hi, we have a few asbestos Artex ceilings that are cracking and flaking in places. I had a sample tested and it came back positive for Chrysotile asbestos. It would cost too much to remove so ideally I'd like it encapsulated especially as it's cracking. It looks like the 2 options are plastering over the artex or plasterboard and then skim. Skimming straight over would be the cheapest, I'm just concerned about the Artex not being able to hold it and then the ceiling collapsing leaving asbestos everywhere which I wouldn't be able to afford to cleanup. Overboard is the other option but our house is very old so I feel like the plasterer could make a mess trying to find the joists and drilling into the Artex isn't ideal. I'd appreciate any advice and whether anyone else has plastered or overboarded theirs and is happy with it.

FreeBear

If you already have cracks in the ceiling that are showing through the Artex, they will reappear again after skimming. If the Artex is pealing off in places, there is a very good chance that any new plaster will fall off at some point.

Your only two viable options for a long term repair is to either a) strip the entire ceiling back to bare joists and put up a new ceiling, or b) overboard and skim.

Option a would be extremely messy, and as you have a positive test for asbestos, correspondingly expensive. So option b is looking like the only viable alternative.

stevread

we covered our artex with plastic ceiling panels. so much less mess than replastering and easy to fit with bonding sealant and a few tacks. Can be cut to size with a hand saw. Plenty of videos on how to fit on you-tube.

Rachel1640

FreeBear said:

If you already have cracks in the ceiling that are showing through the Artex, they will reappear again after skimming. If the Artex is pealing off in places, there is a very good chance that any new plaster will fall off at some point.

Your only two viable options for a long term repair is to either a) strip the entire ceiling back to bare joists and put up a new ceiling, or b) overboard and skim.

Option a would be extremely messy, and as you have a positive test for asbestos, correspondingly expensive. So option b is looking like the only viable alternative.

How can you overboard without disturbing the asbestos to find the joists? The Artex was flaking in one place along the border after a leak but I put tape over it, I'm concerned about the plasterer just removing the tape, pulling the flaking Artex with it.

Davesnave

I think you have to remember that the amount of asbestos in the textured coating is small and the quantity released by drilling to find joists will be tiny, especially if you/the trades person hire a suitable vacuum to use while doing it..