Asbestos Survey, Sampling & Inspection Services
What Is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is a professional inspection that locates and identifies asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in a building as far as is practically possible. A qualified inspector documents the type, condition, quantity, and location of suspect materials, collects samples for accredited lab analysis, and delivers a report you can use for permitting, abatement planning, and regulatory compliance.
Surveys generally fall into two categories:
- Pre-demolition / pre-renovation surveys: required before disturbing building materials, so asbestos is identified and abated before work begins.
- Management surveys: used to manage ACM in an occupied building over time and protect facility staff and tenants.
When Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?
Most asbestos surveys are driven by a hard requirement, not curiosity. You likely need one if:
- You’re pulling a demolition or renovation permit — many jurisdictions require a survey before issuing one.
- You’re a commercial contractor or property manager disturbing walls, flooring, ceilings, or roofing.
- You’re buying, selling, or refinancing a commercial property built before asbestos restrictions.
- You manage a building constructed before the 1980s, when asbestos was widely used.
- You simply want peace of mind before a residential remodel.
Permit stopped your job? An asbestos survey is one of the most common reasons a commercial project stalls. AERIS specializes in turning these around quickly so you can get your permit and keep your timeline.
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Identifying Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM)
Asbestos is generally assumed to be present in a variety of building materials. These materials consist of, but are not limited to:
Walls & Ceilings: Drywall, joint compound, and popcorn ceiling texture.
Flooring: Ceramic tile, grout, vinyl, and linoleum flooring.
Insulation & Roofing: Insulation, roofing shingles, and tar paper.
General Construction: Caulking, air duct tape, and more.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
Asbestos is generally assumed present in a wide range of building materials until testing proves otherwise. Common ACM includes:
- Walls & ceilings: drywall, joint compound, popcorn/textured ceilings
- Flooring: ceramic tile, grout, vinyl, and linoleum
- Insulation & roofing: thermal insulation, roofing shingles, tar paper
- General construction: caulking, mastics, air-duct tape, cement board
Before the 1980s, asbestos was also common in oil refineries, shipyards, power plants, and general commercial and residential construction.
Understanding the Risk: Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos
Asbestos-containing materials are generally not an immediate hazard unless they are friable, which means they can be crumbled by hand. When friable ACM is disturbed, microscopic fibers release into the air. Inhaled fibers can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious long-term illness, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
This is why disturbing suspect materials during renovation or demolition without a survey first is both dangerous and, in many jurisdictions, illegal.
Protect Your Facility Management Team
An asbestos survey will allow our team to properly inspect and identify where these materials are located and what condition they are currently in. It is important to understand what a survey can do for you and your facility management teams.
Our AHERA-certified team can you help you discover everything you need.
Our Asbestos Survey Process
- Scope & schedule: We confirm the project type (permit, renovation, demolition, management) and schedule an inspector, often within days.
- On-site inspection: Our AHERA-certified inspector systematically identifies and documents suspect ACM throughout the structure.
- Sampling: Representative samples are collected following industry protocols and submitted to an accredited laboratory.
- Lab analysis: Samples are analyzed to confirm the presence, type, and concentration of asbestos.
- Reporting: You receive a clear, defensible report documenting amount, condition, and location of ACM, formatted to satisfy local and regional regulations.
- Next steps: We advise on whether abatement is needed and how to proceed so your project stays compliant.
Some benefits of an asbestos survey performed by Aeris:
- Helping in the management of asbestos containing materials (ACM)
- Identifying and properly monitoring the abatement of ACM from the site before refurbishments or demolition.
- Providing accurate data and information about amount, condition, and location of asbestos containing materials
- Proper reporting to satisfy local and regional regulations and standards
Partner with Aeris to manage your facility’s renovations and repairs by appropriately surveying and recording the type of material and disturbances. Aeris also offers residential surveys and testing for local and regional permitting purposes, along with simply peace of mind elections. Call us to learn if you should be concerned about asbestos.
Do I really need Asbestos testing services?
It’s a common misconception that asbestos is something you only find in old buildings. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Asbestos is still frequently found in modern materials. The main concern is whether the material is friable. When asbestos becomes friable, there are more chances of an exposure. If you have a renovation project on the horizon or a reason to undertake structural repairs to your building or facility, asbestos testing is an absolute necessity in order to get complete peace of mind.
Where Asbestos is Found
While mold growth may be what most people think of when it comes to indoor air quality issues, asbestos is a critical topic that requires careful consideration. Before the 1980’s asbestos was commonly used in oil refineries, shipyards, power plants, and in the construction of homes and buildings. Items like floor and ceiling tiles, siding, roof shingles, insulation, cement, and joint compound in the seams of sheetrock all may contain hazardous amounts of asbestos.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is a carcinogen which has been known to cause harm or inflict disease through either the inhalation of or direct skin contact with victims of exposure. Skin contact may lead to a burning or itching sensation, prickling or tingling pain, and a rash. While inhalation can potentially allow asbestos fibers to become lodged in the respiratory system. Inhalation allows the carcinogenic fibers to reach the lower region of the victim’s lungs where it may cause asbestosis as well as pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Why Choose AERIS
- AHERA-certified inspectors: properly trained and qualified building inspectors.
- Independent & unbiased: we test and report; we don’t profit from abatement, so our findings are objective.
- Fully licensed and insured: trusted by independent consultants, commercial contractors, and homeowners alike.
- Commercial permit expertise: we specialize in keeping commercial demolition and renovation projects moving.
- Fast turnaround at competitive prices.
The professional team at Aeris conducts safe and thorough asbestos testing to help you understand and manage the risk of hazardous materials in your facilities. Our inspectors are professionally trained Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) building inspectors, and we focus on providing high-quality services at competitive prices.
As you plan your next renovation or repair project, it’s important to understand that the presence of asbestos in your facility could present a highly dangerous environment to the people involved. Our asbestos testing and sampling service help to eliminate the risk associated with asbestos disturbance and mitigate the potential costs associated with asbestos removal.
Service Area: Florida & Nationwide
AERIS is based in Florida with offices serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, and we provide asbestos survey services for commercial projects nationwide. Coverage includes:
– Florida
– Georgia
– South Carolina
– North Carolina
– Tennessee
– Louisiana
– Alabama
– Pennsylvania
– Arkansas
– Texas
– Arizona
– California
– Nevada
– Virginia
– Utah
– Colorado
– Ohio
– Massachusetts
– Nebraska
– And More
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an asbestos survey take?
Most on-site inspections take a few hours depending on building size. Lab analysis typically adds a few business days. AERIS prioritizes permit-driven projects for fast turnaround.
Do I need an asbestos survey to get a demolition permit?
In many jurisdictions, yes. A pre-demolition asbestos survey is commonly required before a permit is issued. We can help you confirm the requirement for your location.
How much does an asbestos survey cost?
Cost depends on building size, number of samples, and project type. Contact us at (954) 906-8046 for a fast, no-obligation estimate.
Is asbestos only found in old buildings?
No. While more common in pre-1980s construction, asbestos is still used in some modern materials. The key question is whether the material is friable and likely to be disturbed.
Do you perform residential asbestos surveys?
Yes. In addition to commercial work, AERIS offers residential surveys and testing for local permitting and peace of mind.
What happens if asbestos is found?
We document it in your report and advise on next steps. Because we’re independent, our recommendations are based on your safety and compliance — not on selling you abatement.
Knowledge is Power ....
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Asbestos is a federally regulated carcinogen. Putting off testing can have long-term, costly consequences for your people and your business. Don’t let it stall your project. Call AERIS today at (954) 906-8046 or request an estimate below.