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 Eyam 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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
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
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Condition of Materials
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
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?
In most cases, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
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.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
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.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Eyam-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
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 Eyam residents on the site here:
- What Eyam Experts Check For In Their Asbestos Report
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Eyam
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Eyam Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: