Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding the purpose and scope of the survey can help you feel more prepared-and ensure you know what steps to take once the results come in.
This guide outlines what King's Newton asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
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.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
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.
Potential for Disruption
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. Testing reveals:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. 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.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. 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 King's Newton residents on the site here:
- A Look At What King's Newton Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- How To Find An King's Newton Asbestos Disposal Company
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In King's Newton Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: