Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
This guide outlines what Burnaston asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
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
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
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
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Risk of Being Disturbed
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Are Samples Taken?
Yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. Testing reveals:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
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. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Photographs and locations.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Burnaston-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. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Burnaston residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Burnaston Asbestos Surveys Consider
- How To Find An Burnaston Asbestos Disposal Company
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Burnaston Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: