If you are planning to demolish a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building, one of the first questions you should ask is whether you need an asbestos survey before demolition.
In almost every case, the answer is yes. Federal regulations and most state environmental agencies require a comprehensive asbestos inspection before a building can legally be demolished. The purpose of the survey is to identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that may be disturbed during demolition so they can be properly managed or removed in accordance with applicable regulations.
What Is a Demolition Asbestos Survey?
A demolition asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection performed by an accredited Asbestos Building Inspector to identify all suspect asbestos-containing building materials that may be impacted during demolition.
Unlike a limited renovation survey, a demolition survey is intended to evaluate the entire structure because demolition destroys all building components.
The survey typically includes:
- Visual inspection of all accessible building materials
- Identification of homogeneous material areas
- Collection of representative bulk samples
- Laboratory analysis by an NVLAP-accredited laboratory
- Documentation of asbestos-containing materials
- Written asbestos inspection report
The completed report is often required before a demolition notification or permit can be issued.
Why Is a Demolition Survey Different?
A renovation survey only evaluates materials that will be disturbed during a specific renovation project. A demolition survey is much more comprehensive because the entire building will be demolished.
This means the inspector evaluates materials such as:
- Floor tile and mastic
- Vinyl sheet flooring
- Ceiling materials
- Popcorn, texture, and stippling
- Joint compound
- Drywall systems
- Pipe insulation
- Boiler insulation
- Roofing materials
- Roofing mastics
- Exterior siding
- Transite products
- Window glazing
- Exterior caulking
- HVAC insulation
- Miscellaneous suspect materials
The goal is to identify all asbestos-containing materials that could become regulated asbestos-containing waste during demolition.
What Happens if Asbestos Is Found?
Finding asbestos does not automatically prevent demolition.
If asbestos-containing materials are identified, they must be evaluated in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Depending on the project, asbestos may need to be removed before demolition, or specific regulatory procedures may apply during demolition and waste disposal.
Requirements vary by state and by the type and quantity of asbestos-containing material identified.
What if Materials Cannot Be Sampled?
There are situations where certain materials cannot be safely accessed before demolition. Examples include:
- Unsafe structures
- Fire-damaged buildings
- Collapsed roofs
- Inaccessible building components
When representative sampling cannot be performed, applicable regulations or project specifications may require those materials to be treated as Presumed Asbestos-Containing Material (PACM) or otherwise managed conservatively until their composition can be determined.
Sample whenever it is safe to do so
Whenever practical and safe, representative sampling is generally preferable because laboratory analysis provides a definitive determination of asbestos content and may reduce unnecessary abatement costs.
Who Requires the Survey?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but demolition asbestos surveys are commonly required by:
- State environmental agencies
- Local permitting authorities
- Building departments
- Demolition contractors
- Property owners
- School districts
- Government agencies
Many jurisdictions will not issue a demolition permit until a compliant asbestos inspection report has been submitted.
Who Can Perform the Survey?
Demolition asbestos surveys should be performed by an appropriately accredited or licensed Asbestos Building Inspector in accordance with federal regulations and the requirements of the state where the project is located.
Many states have their own licensing or accreditation requirements, and credentials issued by one state may not automatically be recognized by another. Before hiring an inspector, verify that they hold the required accreditation for the state in which the property is located.
Why Hiring an Experienced Inspector Matters
A thorough demolition survey can:
- Prevent costly project delays
- Reduce unexpected change orders
- Help avoid regulatory violations
- Provide accurate quantities for bidding
- Assist contractors in planning demolition activities
- Reduce uncertainty regarding suspect building materials
An incomplete survey may result in additional sampling, revised reports, project delays, or additional costs after demolition planning has already begun.
How Axis Remedial Sciences Can Help
Axis Remedial Sciences provides comprehensive asbestos inspections for demolition and renovation projects throughout our licensed service areas. Our inspections are performed in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations and include representative bulk sampling, laboratory coordination, detailed reporting, and regulatory guidance.
- Demolition Asbestos Surveys
- Renovation Asbestos Surveys
- Bulk Sampling
- Laboratory Coordination
- Regulatory & Permitting Guidance
- Project Consulting
Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, developer, school district, municipality, or commercial property owner, we can help identify asbestos-containing materials before demolition begins. Contact us to discuss your project and determine the inspection requirements for your location.
Serving Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.