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.
This guide outlines what Hillclifflane asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
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.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
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
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
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Condition of Materials
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.
Likelihood of Disturbance
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Different Survey Types Explained
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
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. It contains:
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.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Hillclifflane-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
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 Hillclifflane residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Hillclifflane Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Firms in Hillclifflane
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Hillclifflane Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: