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.
This guide outlines what Brizlincote asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
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. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
The surveyor's role is to:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Check the current state of each material.
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
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
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
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Condition of Materials
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. 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.
Risk of Being Disturbed
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. Testing reveals:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
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.
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.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. It contains:
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.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Conclusion
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. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
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 Brizlincote residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Brizlincote Examine?
- Finding Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Brizlincote
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Brizlincote Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: