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 Hilcote asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Condition of Materials
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Risk of Being Disturbed
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. This helps confirm:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Different Survey Types Explained
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.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. This includes:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
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.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hilcote residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Hilcote Consider?
- Locating Legal Asbestos Disposal Points in Hilcote
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Hilcote Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: