How Long Does Asbestos Survey Take In Home In Sussex?

Are you in need of an asbestos survey for your home or commercial property in Sussex, South East England? Asbestos is a harmful material that can cause serious health issues, and it's essential to ensure your property is free from it. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide asbestos survey services that cater to every need - but how long does an asbestos survey take? In this landing page, we'll give you everything you need to know about asbestos surveys, including what they are, why you need them, and how long they take.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry until the 1980s. It was widely used because of its unique properties such as durability, heat and fire resistance, and insulation. However, asbestos is also known to be harmful to humans, and inhaling its tiny fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Because of the danger it poses, asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or property to assess the presence of asbestos materials. The survey aims to identify any materials that contain asbestos and the condition of those materials. There are two types of asbestos survey - Management survey and Refurbishment/Demolition survey. The surveyor can determine the type based on the age and condition of the building, the likelihood of asbestos, and the proposed use of the building.

A Management survey is a standard survey designed to identify asbestos present in the building to manage it effectively. It doesn't require the disturbance of the building fabric and is not intrusive.

A Refurbishment/Demolition survey is a more invasive survey designed to identify all asbestos-containing materials before refurbishment or demolition takes place.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

If your property was built before the 1980s, there is a high chance that it contains asbestos. Even if the building has been refurbished or has undergone maintenance, asbestos-containing materials may still be present. The only way to be sure is to carry out an asbestos survey. Failing to conduct an asbestos survey can lead to serious health hazards for occupants, and it could also result in costly repair work if asbestos is discovered later.

How Long Does an Asbestos Survey Take?

The length of time an asbestos survey takes varies depending on several factors.

Type of Survey

As mentioned earlier, there are two types of asbestos surveys - management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey. A management survey is typically quicker to complete and can take a few hours to a day to complete. A refurbishment/demolition survey, on the other hand, is more detailed and can take longer. A project manager can determine the type of survey required based on the building's age and condition.

Property Size

The size of the property will also determine how long the survey takes. If it's a small domestic property, the survey can be completed in a few hours. However, commercial properties with several floors, rooms, and compartments may require more time.

Suspected Asbestos Materials

The number of suspected asbestos-containing materials will also determine how long the survey takes. If there are several materials that require testing, the survey can take longer. In addition, if the surveyor suspects that some materials contain asbestos, but it's not immediately obvious, further testing or sampling may be required, which will also take longer.

Accessibility

The accessibility of the property will also play a role in how long the survey takes. If the surveyor encounters difficult-to-reach areas or access issues, the survey may take longer.

In general, surveyors aim to complete the survey as quickly as possible without compromising their thoroughness. On average, the time to complete an asbestos survey ranges from a few hours to a few days, depending on the factors discussed above.

What Happens After the Survey?

After the survey is complete, the surveyor will provide a comprehensive report detailing any asbestos-containing materials found and their condition. The report will also include a risk assessment and a plan of action for managing the asbestos.

If no asbestos is found, the surveyor will provide an all-clear report, providing peace of mind for the property owner. The report will give the property owner everything they need to know about the asbestos in their property and allow them to make informed decisions about its management.

Contact Us

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide comprehensive asbestos survey services to meet every need. Our team of experienced and qualified surveyors will ensure that your property is free from asbestos or advise you on how to manage it if we find any. If you need an asbestos survey for your home or commercial property in Sussex, contact us today at 01273 978238, or email us at [email protected]. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.