Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
This guide outlines what Carsington asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
At its core, an asbestos survey is designed to locate, identify, and assess asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
The surveyor's role is to:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Check the current state of each material.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Condition of Materials
Each material's condition is documented. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Understanding the Survey Categories
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. It contains:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Whether you're renovating a 1950s home or managing a rental flat, an asbestos survey is a practical and often essential step in keeping people safe.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Carsington residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Carsington Aim To Find?
- Finding Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Carsington
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Carsington Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: