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.
This guide outlines what Mellor asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Check the current state of each material.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
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 wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
State of the ACMs
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.
Potential for Disruption
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?
Yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. Testing reveals:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
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.
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.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. It contains:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Mellor-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 Mellor residents on the site here:
- What Mellor Inspectors Check For During An Building Survey
- How To Find An Accredited Mellor Asbestos Disposal Company
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Mellor Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: