ASG - Asbestos Help & Guidance Services

1. Popcorn Ceiling

Popcorn ceilings (also called textured or stippled ceilings) were common in homes from the 1950s to 1980s.

Fact: Popcorn ceilings installed before 1999 could contain up to 5% chrysotile asbestos.

Watch out for:

• Crumbly texture or flaking patches
• White or off-white appearance
• Difficulty cleaning without dust release

2. Asbestos Ceiling

Flat ceiling boards made from asbestos cement were used for fire resistance and insulation—especially in kitchens, hallways, and loft spaces.

Telltale signs:

• Smooth, greyish-white boards
• Installed in suspended grid systems
• Often painted over

 If drilled or broken, they may release hazardous fibres. Do not disturb without professional advice.

3. Artex Removal

Artex was a fashionable wall and ceiling coating in the 70s–90s, but it often contained asbestos to improve flexibility and adhesion.

Safe removal must include:

• Wetting to suppress dust
• Use of disposable overalls & masks
• Controlled waste bagging

Tip: You don’t need a license to remove small amounts of Artex—but you must follow HSE guidance on non-licensed work.

4. Asbestos in Artex

Not all Artex contains asbestos—but much of it applied before the late 1980s does. Lab testing is the only way to be sure.

Where it’s commonly found:

• Swirled or stippled ceiling textures
• Bathroom and kitchen ceilings
• Under layers of paint or plaster skim

5. Asbestos Ceiling Tiles

Usually found in older suspended ceilings, especially in:

• Hallways, offices, and schools
• Prefab homes or ex-council flats
• Decorative panels from the 60s–80s 

Fact: Even small ceiling tiles can contain bonded asbestos.

6. Artex Ceiling Removal

Removing Artex-covered ceilings can disturb asbestos fibres if not done carefully.

Safety essentials:

• Dampen before scraping
• Isolate the room
• Seal and label waste
• Wear an FFP3-rated mask 

Never dry-scrape or sand Artex!

7. Remove Artex Ceiling

If you’re planning to redecorate or plaster over Artex:

• Always test first
• Use a professional for safe removal
• Avoid damaging the surface during inspection

If asbestos is present, use wet removal only. Dry removal is illegal.

8. Garage or Shed Roof Panels

Garage and shed roofs are one of the most common household sources of asbestos—typically in corrugated cement sheets.

Signs you might have one:

• Rippled, grey panels
• Mossy or cracked surface
• Installed before 1999 

These are generally low-risk when intact, but very dangerous when broken.

9. Floor Tiles & Adhesives

9×9 inch floor tiles were common in the 60s–80s—and often came with bitumen adhesive that also contains asbestos.

Risk factors:

• Loose or lifting tiles
• Evidence of sanding or heat damage
• Black adhesive underneath

10. Pipe Lagging & Boiler Insulation

Old heating systems may still have:

• White fibrous wrap (pipe lagging)
• Insulated boiler compartments
• Sprayed coatings in basements or lofts 

These materials are high-risk and must only be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor.

What the Law Says

You’re not legally required to remove asbestos from your home, but under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012:

• Any non-licensed asbestos work (like Artex or cement sheets) must still be carried out safely
• Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) must be reported to the HSE
• Licensed work (pipe lagging, insulation boards) must be done by HSE-licensed professionals

What You Should Do

1. Do not touch or disturb suspected asbestos
2. Book an asbestos survey to confirm
3. Follow the right removal process (licensed or non-licensed)
4. Dispose of waste through licensed facilities