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. Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Mugginton looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Purpose 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. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
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:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
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)
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Material Integrity Assessment
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.
Risk of Being Disturbed
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Are Samples Taken?
Yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
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.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Next Steps Following the Survey
You'll get full documentation after the survey. 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. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Mugginton-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
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 Mugginton residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Mugginton Consider?
- Finding Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Mugginton
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Mugginton Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: