What Foolow Inspectors Look For In An Site Inspection

Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding the purpose and scope of the survey can help you feel more prepared-and ensure you know what steps to take once the results come in.

We'll break down the key things a survey in Foolow looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.

Asbestos Surveys

What Is the Aim 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. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.

The surveyor's role is to:

Find and map out where ACMs exist.

Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.

Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.

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
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:

Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)

Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)

Lagging and insulation around pipes

Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath

Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues

Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings

Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs

Condition of Materials

The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. 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. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.

Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?

Yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. Testing reveals:

Whether asbestos is in the material.

The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).

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

Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:

Survey for Day-to-Day Use

Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.

Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.

Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.

Pre-Construction ACM Inspection

Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.

Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.

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. This includes:

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. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.

Final Thoughts

These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.

Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.

We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Foolow residents on the site here:

We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too:

  • What Bradwell Inspectors Check For During Their Site Survey
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Cressbrook Consider?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Stoney Middleton Aim To Find?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Tideswell Inspect?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Litton Inspect?
  • What Eyam Experts Check For In Their Asbestos Report
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Wardlow Inspect?
  • What Does An Asbestos Survey In Great Hucklow Examine?