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 Kelstedge asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
At its core, an asbestos survey is designed to locate, identify, and assess asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
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)
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Material Integrity Assessment
Each material's condition is documented. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Risk of Being Disturbed
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
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
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
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.
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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Final Thoughts
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Kelstedge-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. 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. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Kelstedge residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Kelstedge Look For?
- Identifying Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Kelstedge
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Kelstedge Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: