Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? 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.
In this article, we'll explain what your Swarkestone asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Check the current state of each material.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
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
Condition of Materials
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. This helps confirm:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Different Survey Types Explained
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
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
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. This includes:
A list of all ACMs found.
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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Conclusion
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Whether you're renovating a 1950s home or managing a rental flat, an asbestos survey is a practical and often essential step in keeping people safe.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Swarkestone residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Swarkestone Inspect?
- Identifying Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Swarkestone
- Where To Look For ACMs In Swarkestone Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: