Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
In this article, we'll explain what your North Wingfield asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
At its core, an asbestos survey is designed to locate, identify, and assess asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Assess their condition.
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?
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
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
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Potential for Disruption
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. 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?
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 scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. 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.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in North Wingfield-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.
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 North Wingfield residents on the site here:
- What North Wingfield Inspectors Look For With Their Building Survey
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Firms in North Wingfield
- Where To Look For ACMs In North Wingfield Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: