Artex removal from wattle and daub

[tobydog]

We are about to start decorating one of our bedrooms, however, we have to face the dreaded Artex on the internal wall. This wall used to be an external wall before the house was extended many moons ago. Looking at the tiny door added at the time, I would guess maybe 200 years ago if not more.

The wall is timber framed with the original external wall wattle and daub infill. Thankfully, on the landing side, the previous owners just used what looks to be trade emulsion but, on the bedroom side, lovely rough finish Artex.

Whilst skimming the wall might be an option, I would much prefer trying to remove it without damaging the original infill. I am conscious of the asbestos risk given that this horror was probably added in the 80's and no doubt now protected since the house was listed in the 90's. I am working on the basis that Artex does not fall under the 'like for like' replacement rules.

I have come across a product called Ex-Tex. It's water based and goes onto the wall as a paste. After an hour or so the Artex can be scapped off like soggy wall paper. At least that's what the video shows. Has anyone used this product with success, particularly on wattle and daub? I'm willing to spend £28 on a 2.5l tub just to try it out in one corner. The wall concerned is not very large.

Thanks

 

[Flyfisher]

You're right to be wary of the asbestos risk of old artex, but from what I've read there's no need to panic. As long as the asbestos fibres remain bound within the artex material then there is no danger and even a good coating of paint will help to keep it safe. Obviously, drilling or other types of disturbance must be done with great care but should be safe enough if the material is kept wet. I wouldn't recommend the use of a vacuum cleaner as the filters are too coarse to prevent asbestos fibres being blown around the house (unless you happen to have a 'Type H' rated unit with the appropriate HEPA filters).

There is lots of information about all types of asbestos here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/ and about artex specifically here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/coatings.htm

The 'paste' method that you describe for artex removal sounds fairly safe to me given that the material would remain soggy and therefore unlikely (I'd have thought) to release asbestos fibres, however I notice in that link about 'textured coatings' that the large scale use of 'gelling methods' would be a notifiable exercise . . . with all the admin, controls and costs that would be likely to incur. Hmm. Perhaps it all depends on the definition of 'large scale'?

Safety aside, the aesthetics are a completely different matter and you have my profound sympathy about the dreadful stuff and I'd also be looking at ways of removal or covering.

 

[tobydog]

Thanks FF for your response. The good thing about this is that it's definitely small scale and only involves one wall. Although it doesn't have to be a breathable wall, I would like to get it back to the point where it can be lime washed or chalk painted.

I am really hoping that the studs will be exposed as they are on the landing but I also need to prepare myself for the worst and that the wall was covered for a reason, particularly as it's the only wall in the house with artex. Given that it's the original 400 year old outside wall, there is a fair chance that it perished, however, the studs and wattle and daub extend partially into the roof space and that's in fairly good condition. On the landing, the wattle and daub was lime washed directly with no render and we can still see the straw through it. I'm hoping the bedroom side still has its render intact or I could be left with a wall of dust once/if the artex comes off.

These houses always keep you thinking.

 

[formerly known as]

you will probably find that the wattle and daub is 'rendered' with clay/straw daub rather than it being a case of 'unrendered' wattle and daub. The timber frame in our place has a daub externally, with a 2/3mm thick haired lime plaster coat internally.

The asbestos removal outfits tend to coat everything in diluted pva before removal to cut down on dusting.

I attended some asbestos awareness training last year and it was drilled in that anything containing asbestos - no matter what sort of asbestos it is - is a threat, so exercise caution.

 

[tobydog]

Thanks for the additional feedback. On closer inspection of the landing last night, what I thought were many layers of lime wash, might now turn out to be artex that has been put on as a thin smooth coat to consolidate the crumbling wattle and daub with a white emulsion type paint on top. The wattle and daub looks to have a thin render around the edges where it is still intact but the middle sections are blown, probably hence the reason I can see straw through the coating. This current coating, whatever it now might be, looks so well bonded and is going anywhere. It's doing its job and looks convincing so I'll leave it be. The bedroom side, on the other hand, will not get off so lightly.

 

[Zebra]

You may be able to chip off a small piece and send it away for asbestos testing, for not too much money. It might be worth it for peace of mind.

 

[tobydog]

I've found a company called Bradley Environmental who will test up to two samples for £39.95. There's a cost scale for more samples. They can also send a home assessment kit for two samples for £50. The extra expense looks to be the safety gear they provide but, to be honest, I would rather they did it. The response with results normally takes just 24 hours.

 

[Flyfisher]

It's probably just cynicism, but I'd be as wary of asbestos consultants as I would be damp consultants.

Here's some interesting reading: http://www.asbestoswatchdog.co.uk/about-us

And specifically about removing Artex and similar products from the mandatory licencing regulations:
http://www.asbestoswatchdog.co.uk/news/older-articles/05-01-2006/Artex-A-Triumpth-For-Common-Sense


Some background to that website: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1531446/Christopher-Bookers-Notebook.html

 

[tobydog]

Thanks FF. Very interesting read and helpful for others too.

I have to be honest a say that I hadn't considered asbestos removal in the same way I think of damp consultants. Not something I've had to think about until now. I am well aware of damp consultants for all the wrong reasons.

Bradley Environmental look to be an established company that also trains others in the removal of asbestos. They do admit the following:

"Asbestos textured coatings were used to produce decorative finishes on ceilings and walls. In the past, they have had various trade names such as 'Artex'. You do not need a licence to work on these materials, but work with any type of asbestos should only be considered following a suitable risk assessment and adequate asbestos training."

Still looking for business!