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.
This guide outlines what Kirk Ireton asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Check the current state of each material.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
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
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Condition of Materials
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Risk of Being Disturbed
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
In most cases, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Different Survey Types Explained
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Standard Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
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
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. It contains:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Final Thoughts
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Kirk Ireton-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Kirk Ireton residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Kirk Ireton Aim To Find?
- Identifying Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Kirk Ireton
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Kirk Ireton Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: