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.
This guide outlines what Parwich asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. 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.
During the survey, professionals will:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
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:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
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
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
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. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Likelihood of Disturbance
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
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.
Different Survey Types Explained
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
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. Your report will show:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
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
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Parwich-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.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Parwich residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Parwich Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Finding Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Parwich
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Parwich Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: