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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Markeaton looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
During the survey, professionals will:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
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
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. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Potential for Disruption
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.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Different Survey Types Explained
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Standard Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
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.
What Happens After the Survey?
You'll get full documentation after the survey. This includes:
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.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. 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.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Markeaton residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Markeaton Look For?
- Identifying Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Markeaton
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Markeaton Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: