Ceiling Repairs Artex Removal in Southwick, West Sussex

One of the biggest concerns we hear from Southwick homeowners involves the safety of their old ceilings. It is a little-known fact that many textured coatings applied before the year 2000 actually contained white asbestos. This doesn't mean you need to panic, but it does mean you shouldn't start sanding it down yourself. We take safety incredibly seriously at Portslade Plastering. We can advise on the best course of action, which often involves 'asbestos encapsulation.' This is where we safely cover the existing texture with new plasterboard (over-boarding) or a specialist bonding coat, ensuring no fibres are disturbed. It is the responsible, mess-free way to get the modern look you want without any of the health risks.

Sometimes, a simple skim coat isn't enough to hide a very heavy Artex pattern. In these cases, we recommend over-boarding. This involves fixing new, high-quality plasterboard directly over your existing ceiling. It might sound like a big job, but it's actually a very efficient way to create a brand-new, stable surface. We use taping and jointing techniques to ensure the new joins are reinforced, meaning you won't have to worry about cracks appearing in six months' time. Plus, if you have an older property with draughty ceilings, over-boarding gives us a chance to improve your home's thermal feel. Once we've finished skimming the new boards, you'll have a ceiling that looks like it belongs in a brand-new build.

Have you noticed a brown stain spreading across your lounge ceiling, or perhaps a worrying crack that seems to be getting wider? Ceiling damage often happens when you least expect it—usually after a hidden pipe leak or a bathroom mishap upstairs. In older Southwick properties, we often find 'blown' lath and plaster ceilings where the old plaster has physically pulled away from the timber laths. If your ceiling feels 'springy' when you push it, it might be at risk of falling. We can step in to cut out the damaged sections, replace the boarding, and blend the repair seamlessly with the rest of the room. We don't just patch things up; we make sure the structural integrity of your ceiling is restored so you can sleep soundly.

We know that having tradespeople in your house can be disruptive. That’s why we’ve built our reputation across Sussex on being clean, punctual, and remarkably tidy. We treat every Southwick home like our own, using heavy-duty floor protection and ensuring all furniture is properly covered before we even mix a bag of plaster. As PRB Systems Approved Contractors with £1 million in public liability insurance, you aren't just getting a 'man with a trowel'—you're getting a professional team that stands by its work. From the initial free quote to the final wipe-down, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible. If you're ready to say goodbye to those dated textures or need a reliable fix for a damaged ceiling, give us a call on 01273 957212 to chat through your project.