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.
In this article, we'll explain what your Sawley asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. 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.
The surveyor's role is to:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
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
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
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.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Next Steps Following the Survey
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. It contains:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
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.
Conclusion
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. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Sawley residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Sawley Aim To Find?
- Identifying Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Sawley
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Sawley Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: