Medway · England
Artex Removal in Chatham
Artex removal in Chatham: textured coating testing and removal. Tell us what you’ve found and we will explain your options.
- Coatings already disturbed
- Damaged or cracked coatings
- Ceilings due to be knocked through or removed
Artex removal near Chatham
Artex removal near Chatham
HSE’s code of practice says work on textured coatings will not normally be licensable. Bigger jobs using steam or gel must be notified before they start. Common materials are textured walls, Artex ceilings and stipple finishes, and people usually contact us about ceilings before downlights go in and ceilings before skimming.
Landlords and homeowners in areas like Chatham often want smooth ceilings when they refurbish, so testing comes first. Nothing is removed until it’s been identified, as the right approach depends on the material.
Responsibilities for owners
Contractors working for you need asbestos information before they start. HSE regularly reminds owners and trades of it.
If your business premises in Chatham were built before 2000, you are likely to need an asbestos register and a management plan, and contractors must be told what’s there.
Textured ceilings in Chatham
Chatham is about 29 miles east of London, in Medway. Properties in Chatham range from older houses to newer estates and commercial buildings, and anything from before 2000 may contain asbestos. We cover 68 places in Medway, from the larger towns to small villages. Our nearest city page is Canterbury, about 24 miles away.
For a school such as Wayfield Primary School, the duty holder’s records should show any coatings, before decorators start. If your home is one of the older properties in Chatham, near Christ the King or elsewhere, textured ceilings may date from an earlier renovation. Parts of the Kent Downs National Landscape are within about 8 miles of Chatham, and older rural homes there often have textured ceilings from past renovations.
We cover Artex jobs across the ME5, ME4, ME7 and ME1 postcode area. Whether your property is on Luton High Street, Market Place and High Street or a nearby road, the process is the same. Chatham is on the A2 and A229, so it’s easy for us to reach. We also carry out Artex jobs in Luton (1 mile north), Hale (1 mile north-east), Darland (1 mile east), Capstone (1 mile east) and Walderslade (1 mile south). Larger places within reach include Rochester (3 miles north-west), Rainham (3 miles east), Strood (3 miles north-west), Park Wood (3 miles east), Twydall (3 miles north-east) and Hoo St Werburgh (5 miles north). Being one of Medway’s larger places, Chatham has buildings from every era.
A little further out are Medway Maritime Hospital (1.7 miles north) and Six Poor Travellers House (2.5 miles north-west). Green spaces nearby include Blue Bell Hill and Burham Down.
- Schools near Chatham include Walderslade Girls' School (less than half a mile south-west) and Walderslade Girls' School (less than half a mile south-west)
- Nearby, you’ll find The Huntsman pub (0.9 miles north-west)
- Other local spots include Chatham Free Library (1.6 miles north) and City of Rochester-upon-Medway (2.9 miles north-west)
What happens
If we’re taking the boards down instead, they’re removed whole where possible and bagged or wrapped. If anything unexpected turns up, we stop and talk to you.
- Tell us which rooms and surfaces
- We sample each coating
- If it contains asbestos, we agree the method and quote
- We seal off the room and remove the coating wet
- The room is cleaned and you get the paperwork
Getting ready
- Let us know where we can park
- Tell neighbours if the work is close to their property
- Clear the way to the work area
Get a quote
Unsure whether you need a test, a survey or removal? Use our quote form or call 07833 053 749, and we will advise.
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Why people call us in Chatham
Most problems come during renovation: sanding, dry scraping or drilling.
You cannot tell by looking, but these are common reasons people contact us:
- Coatings in the way of electrical work
- Coatings already disturbed
- Rented homes refurbished between tenants
- Loft conversions
For rented flats close to Chatham station, textured ceilings can be tested between tenancies.
What to look for in a quote
- VAT, clearly stated
- The method and controls
- The scope of the job, in writing
- That licensed work will be done by an HSE-licensed contractor
Should you do it yourself?
With a professional job, you get a record: a record that buyers, insurers and builders may want to see.
DIY sampling means disturbing the material yourself. HSE advises that samples are best taken by a competent person.
Materials we deal with
Artex ceilings
Swirl, stipple and other patterns on ceilings are the most common textured coatings.
Textured walls
Walls can have textured coatings too.
Your options compared
A low price may mean shortcuts. Ask about the method and the waste. Doing several things in one visit can help, for example testing several materials, or removing a garage roof and a flue at the same time.
Why choose us
- Waste taken to a permitted site with a consignment note
- We identify first and remove only what needs removing
- Samples analysed by an accredited laboratory
- Across London and the South East
See how we quote or published price ranges.
Looking after things afterwards
If you’ve covered a coating rather than removed it, record where it is.
Going forward:
- Book your plasterer after removal
- Give us room sizes
- Plan where you will stay or work while rooms are closed off
- Keep pets away
What to avoid
Test before the builders arrive.
Do not drill or cut into textured ceilings until you know what they contain.
Common questions in Chatham
How far is Chatham from London?
Chatham is about 29 miles from central London, well within our area.
Is the Artex in my Chatham home asbestos?
Some may, but many coatings don’t contain asbestos. Only a test will tell you.
Can you help with a shop or office?
We do, alongside homes. Non-domestic premises have a duty holder who should hold an asbestos register.
Is damaged asbestos an emergency?
First, keep everyone away and don’t clean it up. Then contact us for advice.
Do you work in Chatham?
Yes, we do: Chatham is within the area we cover in Medway. Share the postcode and a short description and we will quote.
Can you help with a flat?
Yes, of course. For shared areas, ask the managing agent about the asbestos register.
Do you give written quotes?
Yes, always.
Does all Artex contain asbestos?
Not necessarily: many coatings are asbestos-free. A sample test tells you which you have.
What’s included, and what isn’t
Here’s what Artex removal covers, and what it does not:
- We test before removal, because a clear result means ordinary methods can be used
- Other materials may need their own approach
- The room being worked on has to be empty and sealed off
If in doubt, ask: we’ll recommend a test, a survey or removal.
Common materials
- Coated plasterboard
- Patched or painted coatings
- Artex ceilings
- Ceiling roses and cornices (coated)
- Textured walls
- Swirl and stipple patterns
- Nothing removed blind: unknown materials are tested first
- Done to the regulations: HSE guidance and CAR 2012
- Everything in writing: quotes, reports, results and waste notes
- Legal disposal at a permitted site, with a consignment note