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 Owlthorpe asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
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:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Assess their condition.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
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)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Condition of Materials
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. 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. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Are Samples Taken?
Yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Understanding the Survey Categories
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Management Survey
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.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
What Happens After the Survey?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. It contains:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Conclusion
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Whether you're renovating a 1950s home or managing a rental flat, an asbestos survey is a practical and often essential step in keeping people safe.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Owlthorpe residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Owlthorpe Look For?
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Points in Owlthorpe
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Owlthorpe Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: