If you're arranging an asbestos survey for your home or rental property, you might be wondering what exactly the surveyor will be looking for. Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
In this article, we'll explain what your Hackenthorpe asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. 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.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Condition of Materials
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Likelihood of Disturbance
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
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.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Next Steps Following the Survey
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. Your report will show:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Final Thoughts
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.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hackenthorpe residents on the site here:
- What Hackenthorpe Surveyors Check For In Their Asbestos Report
- Finding Legal Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Hackenthorpe
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Hackenthorpe Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: