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.
This guide outlines what Brailsford asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
During the survey, professionals will:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Check the current state of each material.
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
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Pipe insulation and lagging
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
Each material's condition is documented. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
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.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab determines:
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
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
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. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
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 Brailsford residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Brailsford Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Firms in Brailsford
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Brailsford Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: