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.
In this article, we'll explain what your Scarcliffe asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
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. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. 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.
Check the current state of each material.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
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
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.
Potential for Disruption
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. 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.
Different Survey Types Explained
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
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 Scarcliffe residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Scarcliffe Look For?
- Searching For Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Scarcliffe
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Scarcliffe Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: