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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Morley looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
During the survey, professionals will:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
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 Does the Surveyor Look For?
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
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
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Material Integrity Assessment
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
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, 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 scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Standard Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
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.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. This includes:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
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.
Conclusion
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. 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 Morley residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Morley Consider?
- Where to Locate Reputable Asbestos Disposal Points in Morley
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Morley Residential Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: