Why Every Older Building Needs an Asbestos Survey in Aberdeen

Is your property in Aberdeen more than a few decades old? If yes, it may hide a serious risk—asbestos. Once widely used in building materials, asbestos now poses a known threat to health. Many property owners are unaware their buildings still contain it. This is where an asbestos survey in Aberdeen becomes essential.

What Is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey checks your property for the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It helps you identify where asbestos exists, its condition, and whether it’s likely to be disturbed.

Buildings built before the year 2000 may still contain asbestos. These include homes, schools, offices, and commercial spaces across Aberdeen.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

• Management Survey – for ongoing property use

• Refurbishment or Demolition Survey – for buildings being renovated or torn down

Each survey serves a unique purpose, but both protect occupants and workers from possible asbestos exposure.

Why Older Buildings in Aberdeen Are at Higher Risk

Common Use of Asbestos Before 2000

Asbestos was cheap, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. It was used in roofing, pipe insulation, floor tiles, textured coatings, and ceiling panels. But after researchers linked asbestos to diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer, the UK banned its use in 1999.

Construction Boom of the 20th Century

Aberdeen saw rapid development during the mid-1900s. Many buildings from that era still stand today. Most haven’t undergone full asbestos checks since construction. That makes them high-risk properties.

Health Risks Associated With Asbestos Exposure

Long-Term Health Effects

Asbestos fibers are tiny and airborne when disturbed. If you breathe them in, they stay in the lungs for years. Over time, this can cause:

• Asbestosis – scarring of lung tissue

• Lung cancer – often develops decades later

• Mesothelioma – a rare, deadly cancer of the lung lining

• Pleural thickening – leads to breathing problems

These diseases take years to develop, but they start with a single exposure. That’s why prevention matters so much.

Why an Asbestos Survey in Aberdeen Is Essential

Legal Responsibility for Duty Holders

If you manage a non-domestic building, you’re legally required to check for asbestos. This includes:

• Office buildings

• Shops

• Factories

• Schools

• Hospitals

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on owners and managers. You must assess and manage asbestos risk.

Failing to comply can lead to fines, shutdowns, or worse—health harm to workers or the public.

Renovation Risks Without a Survey

If you’re planning to renovate or demolish part of your building, disturbing asbestos becomes highly likely. A refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey in Aberdeen is not optional. It’s mandatory under UK law before starting any construction work.

Surveys must be completed by licensed professionals. Only trained teams know how to safely identify and handle ACMs.

Where Asbestos Might Be Hiding in Older Aberdeen Buildings

Asbestos isn’t always visible. It hides in common materials like:

• Textured wall or ceiling coatings (like Artex)

• Floor tiles and adhesives

• Pipe lagging and boiler insulation

• Cement roof sheets

• Behind old fuse boxes

• Around old water tanks

Because it’s often sealed behind other materials, only a trained surveyor can confirm if it’s present.

What Happens During an Asbestos Survey?

Here’s what you can expect when you book an asbestos survey in Aberdeen:

Step 1: Property Inspection

Surveyors will walk through the building, checking key risk areas. They’ll collect samples if needed.

Step 2: Lab Analysis

Samples go to a certified lab. Specialists test for all six types of asbestos fibers.

Step 3: Report and Recommendations

You’ll get a full report with findings, including:

• Where asbestos was found

• The condition of the material

• Risk level of disturbance

• Advice on managing or removing it

This document helps you stay compliant and plan your next steps safely.

How Often Should You Book an Asbestos Survey?

For occupied buildings with known asbestos, you’ll need regular inspections. This is called asbestos management.

Most professionals recommend:

• Initial survey if one hasn’t been done

• Annual re-inspections to track changes

• Before any construction, always book a refurbishment or demolition survey

If no asbestos is found, you can continue normal operations without worry.

Costs of an Asbestos Survey in Aberdeen

Prices vary based on:

• Property size

• Type of survey (management or refurbishment)

• Number of samples taken

As a rough guide:

• Small homes or offices – from £250

• Large commercial properties – from £450+

Though it’s an added cost, the risk of not doing it is far higher.

Choosing a Trusted Asbestos Surveyor in Aberdeen

Make sure your surveyor is:

• UKAS-accredited (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)

• Experienced with surveys in older buildings

• Transparent about pricing and process

• Insured for public liability

You can also ask to see examples of past survey reports. A good provider will walk you through the results in plain English.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Book an Asbestos Survey

Aberdeen has many beautiful, historic, and valuable buildings. But if they’re older, they may still contain dangerous asbestos materials.

An asbestos survey in Aberdeen is a small step that protects your health, your property, and your plans.

Whether you’re managing a school, hospital, office, or even an older home, don’t take chances. Book your asbestos survey and know where you stand.

Need an asbestos survey in Aberdeen? Get peace of mind with trained experts who know what to look for and how to keep you compliant and safe.