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 how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
This guide outlines what New Houghton asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
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)
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
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Material Integrity Assessment
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
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?
Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. This helps confirm:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Standard Management Survey
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.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
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.
What Happens After the Survey?
You'll get full documentation after the survey. This includes:
A list of all ACMs found.
Photographs and locations.
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.
Final Thoughts
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in New Houghton-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
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 New Houghton residents on the site here:
- What New Houghton Surveyors Check For In Their Asbestos Report
- How To Find An New Houghton Asbestos Disposal Company
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In New Houghton Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: