Artex Ceiling and Asbestos - Water or Fire Damage Insurance Claims

Dealing with Water Damage Artex Ceiling Repair Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

Artex is a commonly found older building material used on ceilings in UK homes. Artex was popular in the 70s and 80s for its textured coatings. Researchers discovered asbestos fibres in some Artex products.

This raised safety concerns among consumers. If these fibres sustain damage or disturbance, they can pose health and safety risks, leading to health problems. This article helps you deal with your damaged Artex ceiling and how to make an insurance claim.

Understanding The Link between Artex and Asbestos, And Your Safety

Artex ceilings are a common sight in many older homes. However, a critical factor homeowners must be aware of is the potential presence of asbestos. This material was banned in the UK in 1999. Before that, it was often used in building materials like Artex.

Asbestos fibres can become airborne when disturbed, especially in cracked Artex ceilings, causing serious health risks if inhaled. If your Artex ceiling is in good condition and undisturbed, the risk is minimal. If water damage happens, like a leak affecting your kitchen ceiling, it can disturb the fibres. Handle with care to prevent further damage.

The Relationship Between Artex and Asbestos, Is There Asbestos In Artex?

• Artex became very popular in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s for decorating ceilings and walls with its textured finish.
• The Asbestos Concern: Does artex contain asbestos? Some Artex coatings, especially those applied before the mid-1980s, might contain asbestos fibres. When people mixed these fibres with other non-asbestos materials, they didn't initially consider them a health concern or think about the risk factor.

Potential Health Risks Linked with Asbestos

• Asbestosis Lung Disease: A chronic lung condition resulting from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres.
• Lung Cancer: While other factors like smoking can increase the risk, asbestos exposure alone can lead to this disease.
• Mesothelioma: A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, directly linked to asbestos exposure.
• Pleural Thickening: Thickening and swelling of the lung lining after extensive exposure to asbestos.

Dealing with Water or Fire Damage To Your Artex Ceiling

Damage to ceilings, such as from fires or floods, can be more than just an aesthetic or structural concern:

• Fires: Can cause Artex ceilings to crack or crumble, possibly releasing contained asbestos fibres.
• Floods: Prolonged moisture can degrade Artex coatings, weakening their structure and leading to the potential release of asbestos.

Damaging textured coatings on walls or ceilings can release asbestos. Asbestos can be harmful to people's health. It is important to be aware of this. If fire or flood damaged your house, you should talk to an asbestos expert before starting repairs.

An asbestos surveyor can perform asbestos testing to determine if your coating contains asbestos. They have the skills and knowledge to safely remove asbestos, adhering to all health and safety regulations. Keep in mind that attempting to do it yourself without proper training and equipment can lead to more harm than good.

Making a Home Insurance Claim

Repairing water or fire damage on your Artex ceiling can cost a lot, especially if asbestos removal is necessary. This is where home insurance comes into play. Most home insurance policies should cover water of fire damage. However, whether they cover asbestos removal can be a different matter.

For homeowners looking to make insurance claims related to asbestos:

• Policy Review: Check your insurance policy's details. Some insurance covers certain types of asbestos-related issues, while others might exclude them.
• Get advice from an insurance advisor if you think your textured coating, such as Artex ceilings, has asbestos. Talk about making a claim.

After property damage, you may be able to make a claim. It's important to make sure any repairs take into account the possibility of asbestos.

When you discover water damage, your first step should be to contact your insurance company. They can guide you through the insurance claims process. Take lots of photos to show how much water damage there is. You'll need them when you make an insurance claim.

Your insurance company may require a licensed contractor's estimate. This estimate should detail the water damage, asbestos presence, and the cost to safely remove and dispose of materials. Your insurance might pay for fixing the ceiling and removing asbestos, depending on your policy.

The Role of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can be tough when dealing with water damage claims on Artex ceilings and possible asbestos removal. The removal of asbestos can be a costly process, and not all insurance policies will cover it.

However, it's crucial to remember that as a homeowner, you have rights. If the water damage is covered by your insurance, they should pay to fix it. This includes removing asbestos if necessary.

Conclusion

Water or fire damage to an Artex ceiling can be tricky due to possible asbestos fibres in the coating. Dealing with damage, insurance claims, and health risks can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Licensed contractors repair Artex ceilings by safely removing and disposing of damaged material.

Dealing with insurance claims can be difficult, but knowing the process and your rights can help make it easier. Take photos of the damage, contact your insurance company quickly, and make sure you know your policy.

Remember, the health and safety of your household should always come first. If your Artex ceiling is damaged by water or fire, it's important to seek professional help. This will ensure we fix the problem safely and effectively.

Professional help is necessary to repair the damage properly. It's important not to try to fix the problem yourself. Getting professional help will ensure the job is done correctly.

Damaged Artex ceiling insurance claim

Oakleafe Claims are industry leaders in identifying the effects of fire and water damage and handle every step of your insurance claim, making sure the damage in your home is repaired. With decades of experience, we will negotiate with your insurers for you to get the best settlement possible and deal with cleaning companies, adjusters, and contractors.

So, if you need to claim on your insurance because of damaged Artex, call us today. As the UK's number one Loss Assessor, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.