Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.
In this article, we'll explain what your Ridgeway 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. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
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
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
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Likelihood of Disturbance
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
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).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Understanding the Survey Categories
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
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.
Next Steps Following the Survey
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. Your report will show:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Conclusion
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. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Ridgeway residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Ridgeway Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Firms in Ridgeway
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Ridgeway Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: