Armco Asbestos Surveys
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Armco Asbestos Surveys
Last Updated on 22nd January 2026 by Phil Collins
When you’re thinking about building maintenance and compliance, asbestos surveys are probably not the first thing that springs to mind for a winter to-do list. But maybe they should be, as the colder months might actually be the smartest time to get this sorted.
If your building was constructed before 2000, there is a fair chance it contains asbestos. Builders loved the asbestos back then because of its fire resistance and strength. The problem is that when asbestos containing materials get disturbed, they release fibres into the air that can cause serious health issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection to find where asbestos is hiding in your building, assess what condition it is in and work out how to manage it safely. It is not optional either. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require building owners to have one in place.
January through March tends to be quieter for most businesses. The Christmas rush is over, and things have not ramped up for spring yet. This makes it much easier to give surveyors access to all the areas they need to check, including spaces above ceilings and in cupboards, without getting in everyone’s way.
Thinking about refurbishment work when the weather warms up? You are legally required to have a refurbishment or demolition survey completed before any building work starts. Sort it out now and you’ll get your report back normally within 3-4 working days for written reports. 48 hours-72 hours for results. That gives you plenty of time to arrange any remedial work and update your asbestos register before the builders arrive.
There are two main types and choosing the right one matters.
Asbestos Management Survey – This is your standard survey for managing asbestos in buildings that are in normal use. The surveyor takes samples of anything suspicious, sends them off for testing and the report tells you what asbestos there is and what risks is poses in its current condition.
Asbestos Refurbishment (& Demolition) Survey – This one is more invasive because it needs to check hidden areas before any refurbishment or demolition work begins. If you are planning building work, this is a legal requirement.
Your asbestos report will tell you the type of asbestos found, exactly where it is, how much there is, what condition it is in, and whether there is any surface treatment on it. You will also get guidance on creating an asbestos management plan or we can provide an asbestos management plan and advice on whether any urgent work needs doing.
This information goes into your asbestos register, which shows precisely where asbestos is located in your building and where it is presumed to be. It is an important document that needs to be kept up to date.
Your asbestos register can be paper or electronic, but it needs to be easy to access. You will need to update it when asbestos gets removed, when new areas are surveyed, or when materials deteriorate.
Here’s the really important bit: any tradespeople or contractors working on your property must see a paper copy of the register before they start work. This tells them where the asbestos is and what state it’s in, so they can avoid disturbing it.
Experience Counts
Surveyors with over 20 years of experience know UK buildings inside out. They have seen it all, from huge commercial properties to small family businesses, and they know exactly where asbestos tends to lurk in different types of buildings. That kind of knowledge is worth having on your side.
Where Asbestos Usually Hides
Common spots include corrugated cement roof and wall sheeting, cement water tanks, gutters and drainpipes, and ceiling tiles. You might also find it in textured coatings, insulation board, sprayed coatings, and pipe lagging. It could be anywhere in older buildings.
Just Need a Quick Test?
If you have spotted something suspicious and just want it tested rather than having a full survey, that is an option too. A surveyor takes samples and sends them to a UKAS accredited lab for testing. You will usually get the results within 24 to 48 hours.
Nobody gets excited about asbestos surveys. But if you need one anyway, winter makes practical sense. Your building is quieter, you are not disrupted as much, and you will have everything sorted before you need to start any spring projects.
Buildings constructed before 2000 need this work doing, and with the health risks involved, it is worth managing it correctly. Getting it done during winter means you are not scrambling when spring arrives, when you actually need the information.
The survey itself is just the start, what you do with the information matters more. The results form the basis of how you will manage asbestos going forward, keeping everyone safe and making sure you are meeting your legal responsibilities.
Don’t leave it until you are already planning building work and suddenly realise you needed an asbestos survey completing yesterday. Winter gives you breathing room to get everything in order, without the pressure.
Published Dec 11, 2025
