Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
In this article, we'll explain what your Earl Sterndale asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. 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:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
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
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
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
Condition of Materials
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Are Samples Taken?
In most cases, 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.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
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 scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Earl Sterndale-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Earl Sterndale residents on the site here:
- What Earl Sterndale Surveyors Look For In Their Asbestos Inspection
- How To Find A Responsible Earl Sterndale ACM Disposal Location
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Earl Sterndale Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: