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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Mosborough looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Assess their condition.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
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
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.
Likelihood of Disturbance
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
In most cases, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
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.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
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.
What Happens After the Survey?
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.
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 Mosborough-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.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Mosborough residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Mosborough Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- How To Find An Mosborough ACM Disposal Location
- Where To Look For ACMs In Mosborough Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: