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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Marsh Lane looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Purpose 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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
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
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
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.
Likelihood of Disturbance
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Typically, 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).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Understanding the Survey Categories
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Required before any significant renovation or demolition 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?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. 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.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Final Thoughts
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Marsh Lane-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Marsh Lane residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Marsh Lane Inspect?
- How To Find A Licensed Marsh Lane Asbestos Disposal Location
- Common Places To Find Asbestos-Containing Materials In Marsh Lane Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: