Asbestos Ceiling Removal

At Blue A Ltd, we remove asbestos ceilings safely, legally, and with zero compromise on quality. Whether you’re dealing with an artex coating in a domestic hallway, textured plaster in a school, or acoustic tiles in a commercial unit — our licensed team handles the entire process from inspection to final reinstatement.

Since 2012, we’ve completed over 11,000 asbestos removal projects across the UK. We’re fully HSE-licensed and ARCA-accredited, and we work to the highest industry standards on every ceiling we remove — no matter the size, shape, or setting.

Asbestos in ceilings is often hidden in plain sight, but the risk is real. When disturbed, it releases microscopic fibres that can cause life-threatening diseases decades after exposure. That’s why we treat every job with the seriousness it deserves.

Whether you’re renovating, demolishing, or simply want to make your property safe — Blue A is here to help you remove asbestos ceilings the right way.

Why are asbestos ceilings dangerous?

Asbestos ceilings were once considered practical, durable and fire-resistant — especially popular in the UK from the 1950s through the 1980s. But today, we know better.

When these ceilings are disturbed — during drilling, sanding, renovation or even as they naturally deteriorate — they can release invisible, airborne asbestos fibres. And once those fibres are inhaled, they don’t leave your lungs.

The health risks include:

• Mesothelioma – a cancer linked exclusively to asbestos exposure
• Lung cancer – especially in long-term or high-level exposures
• Asbestosis – chronic, irreversible lung scarring
• Pleural thickening – leading to restricted breathing and chest pain

The danger often lies in textured finishes like artex, popcorn coatings, or acoustic tiles, which may contain chrysotile (white asbestos) or more hazardous types. These materials often seem harmless — until they’re cracked, sanded, or removed without proper safety controls.

It’s not just about what you see. Even if a ceiling looks fine on the surface, time, moisture, and vibrations can cause the asbestos inside to become unstable.

At Blue A, we don’t wait for the risk to escalate. We remove asbestos ceilings safely and decisively — before they put your family, staff or tenants at risk.

How to tell if your ceiling contains asbestos

Asbestos isn’t always obvious — and when it’s in your ceiling, it’s usually hidden behind texture, paint or plaster. That’s what makes it so dangerous. You can’t see asbestos fibres with the naked eye, and many ceilings installed before 2000 still contain them.

Common signs your ceiling may contain asbestos:

• Artex or textured coatings applied before 1999
• Popcorn ceilings (common in 60s–80s homes and flats)
• Drop or acoustic tiles used in schools, offices and commercial buildings
• White, grey or mottled surface textures
• Ceiling materials that crack, crumble or flake easily

In the UK, chrysotile (white asbestos) was commonly used in textured coatings like artex, especially before the mid-1980s. These materials were designed to be decorative — but they now represent a serious health hazard if disturbed.

So how do you know for sure?

The only way to confirm asbestos is through professional sampling and lab testing. At Blue A, we’ll take a controlled sample (with zero contamination risk) and send it to a UKAS-accredited lab. You’ll get clear results, usually within 48–72 hours.

If you’re planning to drill, renovate, or even repaint a ceiling you suspect contains asbestos — stop. Get it tested before disturbing it. It’s quick, affordable, and could prevent serious exposure.

Asbestos ceiling removal process – safe, certified and compliant

Removing an asbestos ceiling isn’t just about taking down plaster or tiles — it’s about controlling contamination, protecting the people around you, and complying with strict UK asbestos regulations. At Blue A, we follow a proven, step-by-step process to get it done safely, legally and with full documentation.

1. Initial inspection and testing

We begin with a full assessment of your ceiling’s condition. If asbestos hasn’t already been confirmed, we’ll collect a controlled sample for UKAS-accredited lab testing. Based on the results, we’ll tailor a removal plan that matches the risk level, material type, and property use.

2. Sealing off the work area

We fully isolate the affected room or zone using:

• Heavy-duty plastic sheeting
• Tape and fixings for an airtight seal
• Warning signage and access control
  If needed, we install negative air pressure units to prevent fibre escape. A decontamination area is also set up for the team.

3. Safe removal of asbestos ceiling materials

We use the wet removal method to suppress airborne fibres:

• The ceiling surface is sprayed with a fine-mist solution
• Materials (artex, plasterboard, tiles, etc.) are carefully detached
• Each piece is lowered intact whenever possible
• Dust and debris are collected with H-type HEPA vacuums

All waste is double-bagged immediately in UN-approved hazardous waste sacks.

4. Final decontamination

After removal:

• Surfaces are cleaned with vacuums and wet wipes
• All sheeting and equipment is sealed and disposed of as hazardous waste
• Air testing can be arranged (especially in sensitive environments) to confirm the area is safe

5. Legal disposal and documentation

We transport all asbestos waste to a licensed facility. You receive:

• A Hazardous Waste Consignment Note
• A unique reference number for legal proof of disposal
• Full traceability for audits or compliance checks

What happens after the removal?

Once the asbestos ceiling removal is complete, we don’t just walk away — we make sure your space is safe, usable, and fully documented.

Clean and ready-to-use space

After decontamination, your ceiling area will be:

• Free from asbestos residue
• Vacuumed, wiped down, and checked
• Cleared of sheeting, barriers and waste

Whether it’s a domestic room or a commercial unit, the space is left tidy and ready for further work — painting, plastering, or full reinstatement.

Ceiling reinstatement options

If needed, we can:

• Install a new plasterboard ceiling
• Coordinate with your contractor for finishing works
• Recommend suitable, non-asbestos materials for modern replacement

From removal to reinstallation, Blue A can support the entire process.

Optional air quality testing

For added assurance — especially in schools, offices or healthcare environments — we can arrange post-removal air testing. This confirms that asbestos fibre levels are well below the legal limit (0.1 fibres/cm³), giving you a verified clean bill of health.