Short answer: asbestos insulation board, usually shortened to AIB, is a soft, low-density board that was widely used for fire protection and insulation from the 1950s until about 1980. It releases fibres much more easily than asbestos cement, so it should not be drilled, cut or removed without proper checks. AIB cannot be confirmed by eye. It needs laboratory analysis of a sample.
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What is asbestos insulation board?
Asbestos insulation board is a flat board made from asbestos fibres, typically brown asbestos (amosite), sometimes mixed with white asbestos, bound with calcium silicate. It was sold as a fire-resistant building board for walls, ceilings and linings. For the fibre names, see types of asbestos.
Where asbestos insulation board is commonly found
- Ceiling tiles and ceiling panels
- Partition walls and wall linings
- Soffits and panels under windows
- Fire door linings and panels above doors
- Boiler cupboards, airing cupboards and service risers
- Lift shaft linings, bath panels and backing to fuse boards
- Communal areas of flats, such as meter cupboards and stair linings
Properties constructed or refurbished before 2000 may require investigation before materials are disturbed.
Asbestos insulation board vs asbestos cement
| Feature | Asbestos insulation board (AIB) | Asbestos cement |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Softer, lighter, can dent | Hard, dense, brittle |
| Typical asbestos content | Higher, often around 15–40% | Lower, often around 10–15% |
| Usual location | Mostly indoors | Mostly outdoors: roofs, gutters, flues |
| Fibre release when damaged | Higher | Lower |
| Work on it | Most work needs a licensed contractor | Often non-licensed work, with controls |
The two can look alike once painted. See what does asbestos look like?
What to do if you suspect AIB
- Do not drill, cut, sand or unscrew it. Fixing a shelf or a light fitting into AIB can release fibres.
- Check its condition from a distance. Keep people away if it is broken or crumbling.
- Have it sampled by a professional. AIB is not a good material for a home kit. See asbestos testing kit vs professional testing and asbestos testing in London.
- Before building work, book a refurbishment survey of the work area.
- If it stays in place, record it in the asbestos register and recheck its condition periodically.
How we can help
- Independent asbestos surveying: we survey, sample and report; we do not remove asbestos
- BOHS P402-qualified surveyor
- Surveys carried out in accordance with HSE guidance HSG264
- Samples analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratory
- Digital reports issued within 24–48 hours of the site visit
Surveys start from £250 with a fixed written quote. See our asbestos survey cost guide.
FAQs
What does AIB stand for?
AIB stands for asbestos insulating board, also written asbestos insulation board. Both names mean the same product.
Can I remove asbestos insulation board myself?
No. Most work on AIB must be carried out by a contractor licensed by the HSE. We do not remove asbestos. We survey, sample and report, so you know what is there before you speak to a removal contractor.
When did they stop using asbestos insulation board?
UK manufacture ended around 1980, and brown asbestos was banned in 1985. Boards already installed remain in many buildings. See when was asbestos banned in the UK?