Asbestos ceiling crumbling - need advice.

3 years ago

Hi, the Artex ceiling in my bedroom has been crumbling/flaking over the past few months since a leak. I've had the Artex tested and it contains Chrysotile. Is this something I could fix myself? I can't afford to get the whole ceiling removed and am not sure whether a contractor would do this size of an area. I also have cracks around a few rooms in my house, all which contain the same Artex, would covering these with filler be effective? I'm just concerned about the fibres being release, especially as it's the room I sleep in, would appreciate an advice.

Featured Answer

Kevin

3 years ago

I would strongly suggest contacting a contractor immediately in order to determine the best approach to take with this. Do not try to make any repairs yourself as this will likely release more asbestos fibres into the atmosphere. I recently had all of the asbestos ceilings removed from my house and the contractors sealed each individual room and wore hazmat suits for the entire time in order to protect themselves - this is what is required to carry out work safely.

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Comments (9)

Sonia
3 years ago
I agree with Kevin, this is something that must be done for your health and any others in the house. It only needs a few fibres to be breathed in to cause long term lung problems in the future. Now you say you had a leak, so could you make a claim for the work via your insurance? I’m not sure if it’s covered, but worth a phone call to them.
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HU-103073716
Original Author
3 years ago
The leak happened a few months ago and it's only just started flaking in the past few weeks, so I wouldn't be able to claim insurance. I've sent an email to a licensed company however am not sure whether they can come for a few weeks because they are a few hours away. Is it safe to sleep in this room?
PRO
i-architect
3 years ago
Get a good independent asbestos surveyor to check it and give you advice. Then do what they advise. Asbestos is not something to be played around with.
PRO
The Ebury Collection Lifestyle Interiors
3 years ago
Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable. I.e. when the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand, releasing fibres into the air so you should definitely get a professional to assess it properly before doing any DIY on the area. Or at least in the interim give an Asbestos roof repair kit supplier a call and ask them what they recommend. Not sure if you can share links on here but there's a site called gooforit.co.uk perhaps call them and tell them the situation - stay safe! X
Rowland
3 years ago
hi ,

I think you need to get it fixed . if it contains chrysotile, whilst it is dangerous it is not the worse form or asbestos . you need to have it either removed or encapsulated to seal it from being a danger. Artex contains small traces of the product, but as you only need one fibre to enter your lungs to cause problems it is not something to take lightly.

looking at the photo it seems that it is paint flaking and not the artex, but difficult to determine. if you paint over the area using a brush or roller with a suitable ppe, so suit mask and double bag and throw all on completion this will give you some protection in the short term.

if it was a leak and you had insurance cover at the time of the leak , it is not too late to claim on the insurance. it may be the way to go as you have a limited budget.

Best

Rowland
Red T
3 years ago
@Kevin, may I ask what it cost and contractors used? we are in a similar position of having to decide whether to skim over or remove all ceilings in a 4 bed house. I would prefer the latter but petrified at the thought of the cost, especially living in the south east of England
Kevin
3 years ago
Removal and disposal cost just under €10,000 for all rooms in a 3 bed house. It then cost approx €4,500 to have new plasterboard ceilings fitted afterwards. This work was done in Ireland so not sure if this helps may give you a ballpark figure!
Red T
3 years ago
@Kevin it does; thank you so very much for the detail

Asbestos ceiling crumbling - need advice.

Kevin

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Sonia

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Asbestos ceiling crumbling - need advice.

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