Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.
In this article, we'll explain what your Chinley asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. 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.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
Each material's condition is documented. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Are Samples Taken?
Yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
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
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Next Steps Following the Survey
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. It contains:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Photographs and locations.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Chinley-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. 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.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Chinley residents on the site here:
- What Chinley Surveyors Look For During An Asbestos Inspection
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Chinley
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Chinley Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: