What Rowsley Contractors Check For With An Asbestos Survey

Wondering what to expect during an asbestos inspection? Here's what you need to know. Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.

This guide outlines what Rowsley asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.

Asbestos Surveys

Purpose 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. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.

A qualified surveyor will typically:

Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.

Check the current state of each material.

Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.

The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.

What Does the Surveyor Look For?

Surveyors usually examine these aspects:

Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
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

Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs

Material Integrity Assessment

The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. 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.

Risk of Being Disturbed

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.

Are Samples Taken?

Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. Testing reveals:

The presence of asbestos fibres.

What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).

The concentration of fibres in the sample.

Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.

Understanding the Survey Categories

The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:

Survey for Day-to-Day Use

Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.

Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.

Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.

Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.

Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.

What Happens After the Survey?

You'll get full documentation after the survey. It contains:

A list of all ACMs found.

Photographs and locations.

Risk assessments and material condition ratings.

Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.

If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.

Final Thoughts

These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. 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 Rowsley residents on the site here:

We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too:

  • An Overview Of What Bakewell Asbestos Surveys Consider
  • What Birchover Experts Check For During An Building Report
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Darley Bridge Consider?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Edensor Consider?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Two Dales Consider?
  • A Look At What Darley Dale Asbestos Surveys Inspect
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Churchtown Look For?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Stanton in Peak Consider?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Northwood Examine?
  • What Beeley Inspectors Look For With An Asbestos Report