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 the purpose and scope of the survey can help you feel more prepared-and ensure you know what steps to take once the results come in.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Sawmills looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
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.
During the survey, professionals will:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Lagging and insulation around pipes
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
State of the ACMs
Each material's condition is documented. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Risk of Being Disturbed
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Standard Management Survey
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
What Happens After the Survey?
You'll get full documentation after the survey. 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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Key Takeaway
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
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 Sawmills residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Sawmills Look For?
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Points in Sawmills
- Where To Look For ACMs In Sawmills Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: