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.
This guide outlines what Hills Town asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
At its core, an asbestos survey is designed to locate, identify, and assess asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Assess their condition.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
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)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
State of the ACMs
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. 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
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. It contains:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Conclusion
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.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hills Town residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Hills Town Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Finding Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Hills Town
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Hills Town Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: