Wondering what to expect during an asbestos inspection? Here's what you need to know. 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.
This guide outlines what Sterndale Moor asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
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
State of the ACMs
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. Testing reveals:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Understanding the Survey Categories
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
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.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. 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.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Sterndale Moor residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Sterndale Moor Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Where to Locate Reputable Asbestos Disposal Points in Sterndale Moor
- Where To Look For ACMs In Sterndale Moor Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: