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. 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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Upperthorpe looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
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. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited 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.
Check the current state of each material.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
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. 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. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Are Samples Taken?
In most cases, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
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:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
You'll get full documentation after the survey. Your report will show:
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Upperthorpe residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Upperthorpe Asbestos Surveys Consider
- How To Find A Responsible Upperthorpe ACM Disposal Site
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Upperthorpe Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: