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. 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.
This guide outlines what Marple Bridge asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
The surveyor's role is to:
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
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
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
Each material's condition is documented. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Risk of Being Disturbed
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?
In most cases, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
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.
Different Survey Types Explained
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Standard Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. Your report will show:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Photographs and locations.
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.
Key Takeaway
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.
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 Marple Bridge residents on the site here:
- What Marple Bridge Experts Check For With Their Asbestos Survey
- Locating Reputable Asbestos Disposal Firms in Marple Bridge
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Marple Bridge Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: