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. 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 Stanton in Peak looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
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. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Check the current state of each material.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
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
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
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
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Likelihood of Disturbance
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
In most cases, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
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:
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.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Next Steps Following the Survey
You'll get full documentation after the survey. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
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
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. 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. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Stanton in Peak residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Stanton in Peak Consider?
- Locating Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Stanton in Peak
- Where To Look For ACMs In Stanton in Peak Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too:
