Asbestos insulating board: what you need to know
Insulation is an essential factor for keeping any property safe and energy-efficient. The benefits of insulation are numerous, but it’s important to ensure that your property’s insulation isn’t itself a potential health and safety hazard, as is the case with asbestos insulating board.
Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was once a widely used building material due to its excellent fireproofing and insulation properties. However, the deadly nature of asbestos has led to its ban in many countries, including the UK in 1999.
If you own or manage a property built before the late 1990s, there’s a good chance it contains AIB. This blog post will provide essential information about asbestos insulating board, its dangers, and what to do if you suspect it’s present in your building.
What does asbestos insulating board look like?
Asbestos insulating board (AIB) can be tricky to identify as it often resembles other types of building materials. It typically appears as flat, rigid panels or boards and can be painted or covered by other materials, making it even harder to spot.
Key characteristics of AIB include:
- Appearance: Often grey or white in colour, but this can vary depending on age and any paint applied.
- Texture: Generally smooth but can have a slightly fibrous or porous texture.
- Location: Commonly found in walls, ceilings, floors, and around pipework or ductwork.
- Important note: If you suspect you have found AIB, do not disturb it. Asbestos fibres become dangerous when they are released into the air. Always consult a professional asbestos removalist for identification and safe removal.
Where would you find asbestos insulating boards in a domestic property?
Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was widely used in domestic properties built before the late 1990s due to its affordability. While it can be found in various areas, some common locations include
Ceilings: AIB was often used as a ceiling covering or for insulation between floors.
Walls: It might be found in internal walls, particularly in utility rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Roofs and soffits: AIB could have been used in roof spaces for insulation or fire protection.
External cladding: Some older properties may have AIB used as external cladding, especially in garages or sheds.
Pipework and ductwork: AIB was used to insulate and protect pipework and ductwork.
Why was asbestos used in insulating boards?
Often referred to as a ‘magic material’ or ‘magic mineral’ back when it was in common use, asbestos was a key substance across a number of disciplines for centuries. This was because the naturally-occurring mineral offered a number of desirable qualities whilst remaining affordable.
These qualities included being non-flammable and heat-resistant, as well as providing excellent tensile strength and durability, making it ideal in construction, railway and ship building, and even textiles.
Therefore, it was only logical at the time that asbestos was used as a means of insulating properties of all shapes and sizes. Its non-conductive properties made it ideal, combined with its aforementioned affordability and simplicity of use. This all led to the frequent use of asbestos insulation boards in homes and commercial premises.
However, when it was discovered that asbestos held the potential to cause serious diseases such as Mesothelioma through the inhalation of fibres when disturbed, the use of asbestos insulating boards began to decline in the 1980s. This decline preceded the introduction of firm government legislation that would see asbestos completely removed from use.
What is the recommended removal process?
Attempting to remove asbestos insulating board yourself is extremely risky and not advised under any circumstance. Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, can pose a serious health hazard. At Henderson Environmental, we understand the importance of safe and efficient asbestos removal.
Our expert team follows strict industry regulations to ensure your property is handled with care. We begin by conducting a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the asbestos-containing material (ACM) and develop a tailored removal plan.
This involves creating a sealed containment area to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading. Our skilled technicians use specialised equipment and wet removal techniques to carefully extract the AIB, minimising the risk of fibre release.
Once the material has been removed, we meticulously clean and decontaminate the area to eliminate any residual asbestos particles. All waste is disposed of responsibly in accordance with environmental regulations. We also provide air quality testing to confirm the area is safe for reoccupation.
How can Henderson Environmental help?
Trust Henderson Environmental to handle your asbestos removal needs. Our commitment to safety and expertise ensures your project is completed efficiently and effectively. Fully licensed by HSE, we offer tailored asbestos services for a range of sectors within the North East and nationwide.
We build robust relationships on a foundation of transparent pricing, clear communication, and keen accuracy, allowing us to effectively manage each individual asbestos issue with a fully bespoke solution. Contact us today for a professional assessment.
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