Wondering what to expect during an asbestos inspection? Here's what you need to know. Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Alvaston looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
During the survey, professionals will:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Assess their condition.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
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
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Risk of Being Disturbed
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. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
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.
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
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Next Steps Following the Survey
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Final Thoughts
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. 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. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Alvaston residents on the site here:
- What Alvaston Inspectors Look For In An Asbestos Survey
- Searching For Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Alvaston
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Alvaston Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: