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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Leabrooks looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
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. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
In most cases, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. Testing reveals:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Understanding the Survey Categories
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
What Happens After the Survey?
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. This includes:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Leabrooks-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Leabrooks residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Leabrooks Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Firms in Leabrooks
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Leabrooks Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: