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 Pleasley looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
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. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Check the current state of each material.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
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)
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
Condition of Materials
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
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:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
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. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
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 Pleasley residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Pleasley Examine?
- Searching For Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Pleasley
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Pleasley Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: