Asbestos insulation board

What is it?

Asbestos insulation board, often called AIB, is a flat, rigid board that was used for fire protection, heat insulation and partition walls. It was common from the 1950s until the 1980s. It's usually grey or off-white with a matt face, and it has often been painted over.

Where you might find it

• Behind or around old heaters, fires and storage heaters
• In airing cupboards, around the hot water cylinder or boiler
• Ceiling tiles, and boxing-in around pipes and steel beams
• Partition walls and panels, including in fire doors
• Soffits and panels outside, under the eaves

Why it needs more care

Insulation board is softer and more porous than asbestos cement, and it often contains brown asbestos (amosite). It breaks and crumbles more easily, so it can release more fibres. In the UK, most work on asbestos insulation board has to be done by a licensed asbestos contractor.

Can you test it yourself?

Don't sample it yourself. Send us a photo first and we'll advise.

Insulation board breaks and crumbles more easily than cement, and most work on it has to be done by a licensed contractor, so we always look at a photo before anything else, and tell you who to call if it needs a professional.

• Never drill, cut, sand or break it.
• Don't put screws, nails or fixings into it.
• If you're unsure, don't touch it. Ask us.

1. Send us a photoUse the free AI photo check. Snap the area, answer three quick taps, and see what's worth testing and how many samples you'd need.
2. Take a small sampleThe kit comes with a proper mask, gloves, sample bags, a spray bottle, a step-by-step guide and a return envelope.
3. Post it to the labYour sample is analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
4. KnowYour result comes to you by email, in writing.

If it contains asbestos

If it's in good condition and won't be disturbed, it can usually stay where it is. Don't fix anything to it, and keep an eye on it. If it's damaged, or work will disturb it, use a licensed asbestos contractor.