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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Over Leigh looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
The surveyor's role is to:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
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.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
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
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Risk of Being Disturbed
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Understanding the Survey Categories
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
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.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. This includes:
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.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Conclusion
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 Over Leigh residents on the site here:
- What Over Leigh Inspectors Look For In Their Asbestos Survey
- Finding Legal Asbestos Disposal Points in Over Leigh
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Over Leigh Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: