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.
In this article, we'll explain what your Thornsett asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
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.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
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)
Pipe insulation and lagging
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Likelihood of Disturbance
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Are Samples Taken?
In most cases, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. Testing reveals:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Different Survey Types Explained
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
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.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
Next Steps Following 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.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Key Takeaway
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Whether you're renovating a 1950s home or managing a rental flat, an asbestos survey is a practical and often essential step in keeping people safe.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Thornsett residents on the site here:
- What Thornsett Contractors Look For During Their ACM Report
- How To Find A Licensed Thornsett ACM Disposal Location
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Thornsett Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: