Artex and other textured ceiling coatings are common in properties across Scotland, particularly in homes, flats, schools and public buildings built or refurbished during the twentieth century.
Many people only begin asking questions about Artex when planning renovation work, removing ceilings, buying a property or carrying out repairs.
Some textured coatings applied before asbestos was banned in the UK may contain small amounts of asbestos fibres. While textured coatings are often considered lower risk when left undisturbed and in good condition, problems can arise when ceilings are drilled, scraped, sanded, removed or damaged during refurbishment works.
If you are unsure whether a textured coating contains asbestos, an asbestos survey or sample test may be recommended before intrusive work begins.
Artex is a decorative textured coating commonly applied to ceilings and sometimes walls.
It became especially popular in UK properties from the 1960s through to the 1980s and was widely used to create textured finishes and hide imperfections in plasterwork.
Common textured patterns included:
Although “Artex” is a brand name, the term is now often used generally to describe textured ceiling coatings.
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Some textured coatings historically contained small amounts of asbestos, usually white asbestos (chrysotile).
At the time, asbestos was widely used throughout the UK construction industry because it was:
In textured coatings, asbestos fibres helped strengthen the material and improve durability.
Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used across UK buildings for decades before the health risks became fully understood and tighter regulations were introduced.
Textured coatings applied before the asbestos ban in the UK may contain asbestos.
Asbestos use gradually reduced during the 1980s and asbestos-containing textured coatings were largely phased out before the final UK asbestos ban in 1999.
However, the age of a property alone cannot confirm whether a ceiling contains asbestos.
Properties commonly affected may include:
It is not normally possible to identify asbestos in textured coatings just by looking at them.
A ceiling may appear completely normal while still containing asbestos fibres within the coating.
The only reliable way to confirm whether a textured coating contains asbestos is through: asbestos sampling, laboratory testing ot an asbestos survey.
If renovation or intrusive work is planned, a survey may help identify whether asbestos-containing materials are present before work begins.
Textured coatings containing asbestos are often considered lower risk when left undisturbed and in good condition.
Problems can arise when ceilings are drilled, sanded, scraped, cut, broken or removed during refurbishment works.
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release fibres into the air. HSE guidance explains that asbestos fibres can become hazardous when inhaled. Repeated or prolonged exposure is associated with serious health conditions including: mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.
The level of risk depends on factors including:
① The condition of the material
② The type of work being carried out
③ Whether fibres are released into the air
④ Duration of exposure
If you suspect a textured coating may contain asbestos:
If work is planned, an asbestos survey may help determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present.
Many homeowners first discover potential asbestos issues when:
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Learn when a refurbishment asbestos survey may be needed before intrusive works begin.
If asbestos-containing textured coating is identified, the next step depends on:
⚠️ the condition of the material
⚠️ whether work is planned
⚠️ the location of the coating
⚠️ the level of disturbance expectedThe appropriate approach depends on the specific project and survey findings.
Possible outcomes may include:
If the coating is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it may sometimes be left in place and monitored.
In some situations, the surface may be sealed or overboarded to prevent disturbance.
If refurbishment or demolition work is planned, removal may sometimes be recommended before contractors begin intrusive works.
If a textured coating may contain asbestos and removal work is planned, a refurbishment asbestos survey may be needed before work starts.
This is particularly important for:
Survey information helps contractors understand whether asbestos-containing materials may be present before intrusive work begins.
Textured coatings remain common in Scottish properties built or refurbished during the twentieth century.
Older properties across areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness and the Highlands may still contain textured coatings applied decades ago.
Where refurbishment work is planned, asbestos risk should be considered before intrusive work begins.
In some cases, textured coatings containing asbestos may be painted or sealed if they are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed.
However, every property and project is different.
If intrusive work is planned, professional advice should be obtained before proceeding.
Attempting to remove textured coatings without proper information can create unnecessary asbestos exposure risks.
If asbestos-containing materials are present, removal work should be properly assessed and planned before work begins.
If you are unsure whether a textured coating contains asbestos, an asbestos survey or sample test may help clarify the situation before renovation work starts.
If you are concerned about textured coatings or Artex ceilings in a property in Scotland, you can request a quote from a qualified asbestos surveyor covering your area.
We can help with enquiries across:
No. Some textured coatings applied before asbestos bans may contain asbestos, while others may not. Testing is usually required to confirm.
Textured coatings containing asbestos are generally considered lower risk when undisturbed and in good condition. Risks increase if materials are drilled, sanded, scraped or removed.
No. Asbestos cannot usually be identified visually within textured coatings. Laboratory testing is normally required.
If intrusive work or ceiling removal is planned, a refurbishment asbestos survey may be recommended before work begins.
Some older textured coatings contained white asbestos (chrysotile).
Yes. Older properties across Scotland may still contain textured coatings applied before asbestos bans were introduced.
