AIB stands for Asbestos Insulating Board — a class of calcium silicate board products manufactured with asbestos fibres as the primary reinforcing and insulating agent. It is one of the most important terms in the UK asbestos removal industry, and our company name reflects the fact that AIB removal has been our founding specialism since 2005.
The Full Meaning of AIB
The term AIB is used consistently across UK regulations, HSE guidance documents and industry standards to refer specifically to asbestos-containing boards used for thermal insulation, fire protection and acoustic purposes in buildings. It is distinct from asbestos cement (bonded, lower-risk, 10–15% asbestos by weight), asbestos floor tiles (vinyl/thermoplastic tiles containing asbestos as filler), pipe lagging (applied insulation on pipework), and sprayed asbestos (highest-risk category). AIB sits above cement products and tiles on the risk scale, but below sprayed coatings — though its combination of high content and semi-friable nature makes it one of the most significant hazards in pre-2000 buildings.
Trade Names for Asbestos Insulating Board
AIB was manufactured and sold under a range of trade names in the UK, including Asbestolux (Cape Industries — one of the most widely used), Marinite (used in marine and building construction), Turnaboard (partition systems and ceiling tiles), Cape Insulation Board, and Limpet (a sprayed product sometimes categorised alongside AIB). Older building records may reference any of these names — all should be treated as AIB unless laboratory analysis confirms otherwise.
What Is AIB Made Of?
Typically: calcium silicate providing the structural matrix; asbestos fibres — primarily amosite (brown asbestos), sometimes combined with chrysotile (white asbestos) — comprising 15–40% by weight; and proprietary binders and fillers. The high proportion of amosite is particularly significant: amosite is associated with higher rates of mesothelioma per unit exposure than chrysotile, making any release of AIB fibres a serious health event.
Where Was AIB Used?
Suspended ceiling tiles in offices, schools and hospitals; partition walls and corridor linings; fire door linings; lift shaft walls; soffit boards; boiler house linings; and behind electrical switchgear. Buildings from 1950–1980 are the highest-risk category. For our full service on AIB removal see our AIB removal page. For a real case study see our Moddershall AIB removal project. If a survey is needed first see our surveys page.