Ametalin and Trade Select vs Kingspan: Which Insulation Wrap Is Best?

When it comes to choosing the right insulation wrap or thermal break for your project, two of the most recognised brands in Australia are Ametalin (including Trade Select) and Kingspan. Both offer a range of foil insulation wraps, vapour barriers, and thermal break products, but how do they compare in real-world performance, price, and availability — especially here in Perth and WA?

Let’s break it down.

Ametalin & Trade Select: Built for Australian Conditions

Ametalin is an Australian manufacturer producing reflective foil insulation products designed specifically for our climate. Under its umbrella, the Trade Select range is engineered to meet modern NCC requirements, with a focus on energy efficiency, vapour permeability, and durability on-site.

Popular Ametalin products stocked at Perth Insulation Centre include:

All Ametalin/Trade Select products are CodeMark-certified, ensuring peace of mind for builders and specifiers.

Kingspan: Premium Performance, Premium Price

Kingspan Insulation is a global player known for its high-performance rigid board insulation and sarking/foil wrap products. In Perth, Kingspan’s most popular wraps include:

  • Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulbreak 70
    • R-value: R0.20
    • Foil-faced closed cell structure
    • Combines thermal break and vapour barrier
  • Kingspan AIR-CELL Permifloor
    • Designed for underfloor insulation
    • Allows for moisture permeability while insulating

Kingspan wraps are durable, lightweight, and offer excellent thermal performance — but they typically come with a significantly higher price tag and longer lead times compared to Trade Select.

Key Differences: Ametalin vs Kingspan

Feature Ametalin / Trade Select Kingspan
Price ✅ More affordable ❌ Premium pricing
Thermal Break Options ✅ Yes (R0.20) ✅ Yes (R0.20)
Availability ✅ In stock at PIC ❌ Often requires ordering
Local Manufacturing ✅ Made in Australia ❌ UK-based with AU distribution
Certification ✅ CodeMark, AS/NZS 4859.1 ✅ CodeMark, AS/NZS 4859.1
Wall Wrap Range ✅ Class 1 & 4 wraps ✅ Limited options locally
Shed & DIY Friendly ✅ Flexible, easy install ❌ Typically more rigid

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re working on a residential build, renovation, shed conversion, or commercial project in Perth or WA, Ametalin and Trade Select offer excellent performance at a lower cost and faster turnaround.

They’re perfect for:

  • Meeting NCC condensation and thermal break requirements
  • Quick installs on-site
  • Local deliveries with no excessive lead times

If you're working on government or high-spec commercial projects, Kingspan may be specified in the design — but in most cases, Trade Select products will meet or exceed the same compliance standards at a more competitive price.

Need Help Choosing the Right Wrap?

At Perth Insulation Centre, we supply the full range of Ametalin and Trade Select products ready for pickup or delivery across WA.

Whether you're looking for a:

  • Vapour barrier
  • Wall wrap
  • Thermal break
  • Underfloor foil

– we can help you match the right product to your build, and ensure it complies with NCC 2022 standards for thermal and moisture management.

Further Reading:

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