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 Scropton asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Assess their condition.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
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 coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
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
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
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Are Samples Taken?
In most cases, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Standard 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.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
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 register of all identified ACMs.
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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Scropton-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. 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.
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 Scropton residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Scropton Asbestos Surveys Consider
- How To Find An Scropton Asbestos Disposal Site
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Scropton Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: