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. Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Shipley Common looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
During the survey, professionals will:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
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.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Material Integrity Assessment
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. 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?
In most cases, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Standard Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Shipley Common-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
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 Shipley Common residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Shipley Common Inspect?
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Points in Shipley Common
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Shipley Common Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: