Safe Artex & Asbestos Removal
Across Southampton, Berkshire and Surrey & Beyond
UKATA certified specialists in textured coating identification and removal.

You can't tell just by looking. Asbestos fibres are microscopic and mixed directly into the plaster-like coating. The only way to be certain is to have a small sample taken and analysed in a lab. If your house in Hampshire was built or renovated between the 1960s and the late 1990s, it is sensible to treat any textured coating as a potential risk until you know otherwise. We provide a quick and simple asbestos testing service across Totton to give you the answers you need before you start any building work.

As long as the coating is in good condition and hasn't been disturbed, it isn't a direct health risk. The danger comes when you decide to sand it down, scrape it off, or drill into it to install new lighting. These actions release the trapped asbestos fibres into the air, where they can be inhaled. If you’re planning on modernising your home and want those dated patterns gone, professional removal is the most reliable way to keep your living space clean and hazard-free.

Many people choose to "skim" over Artex to create a smooth, modern finish. While this is often a safe management solution (known as encapsulation), it doesn't get rid of the asbestos; it just hides it. If you decide to go this route, you must remember the asbestos is still there for any future renovations. However, if the Artex is peeling or damaged, or if you want the peace of mind that comes with a totally asbestos-free home, full removal is usually the better option.

When Stay Safe Environmental takes on a job in Totton, we follow a strict safety protocol. Our UKATA certified team uses specialist methods to keep dust to an absolute minimum. We typically use "wet" removal techniques, which involve soaking the material to prevent fibres from becoming airborne. The work area is sealed off with heavy-duty plastic sheeting, and we use high-grade respiratory protection and disposable overalls. Once the coating is gone, we thoroughly clean the area using HEPA-filtered vacuums to make sure no trace of the material remains.

Removing asbestos coatings is a job that requires specific training and equipment. Even though Artex is often classified as non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW), it still falls under strict HSE regulations. Our team is fully trained and holds the necessary medical and face-fit certificates to handle these materials legally. Choosing a local specialist like Stay Safe Environmental means you aren't just getting a builder; you’re getting a qualified expert who knows exactly how to protect your property and the local New Forest environment.

One of the biggest risks with DIY asbestos removal is how the waste is handled. You cannot simply put Artex debris in a standard skip or your domestic bin. We are fully licensed waste carriers. Every bit of asbestos we remove from your home is double-bagged, sealed, and transported to a dedicated hazardous waste site. Once the job is finished, we provide you with a waste consignment note. This is an important legal document that proves you’ve disposed of the material responsibly and can be vital when it comes to selling your property in the future.