Trade Select vs Kingspan: Which Insulation Wrap is Right for Your Build?
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When it comes to choosing the right insulation wrap for your project, two names come up consistently: Trade Select and Kingspan. Both offer high-performance membranes and wraps for roofs, walls, and under cladding — but which brand delivers better value, compliance, and performance for your specific needs?
In this blog, we break down the key differences and comparable products between Trade Select and Kingspan to help you make an informed decision.
🏗️ Product Comparison: Side-by-Side
| Application | Kingspan Product | Trade Select Alternative | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed / Garage Roof & Walls | Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulshed 50 | Trade Select ThermalLiner™ | Both are thin, flexible foil-faced insulation rolls ideal for non-habitable buildings. Trade Select offers Class 2 vapour control and is BAL-rated. |
| Steel Frame Thermal Break | Kingspan Kooltherm K12 | Trade Select ThermalBreak® | Kingspan K12 is a rigid foam board (phenolic), while ThermalBreak® is a flexible foil + foam roll. Both meet NCC R0.2 thermal break requirements. |
| Cavity Wall Vapour Control | Kingspan AIR-CELL Permicav XV | Trade Select ThermalCavity™ | Both fit in masonry cavity walls. Trade Select is thinner (4 mm) and easier to install in narrow voids. |
| Roof Sarking – Fire Rated | Kingspan AIR-CELL Glareshield | Trade Select FireSark® | Both offer foil sarking and radiant barrier performance in BAL zones. Trade Select is more cost-effective and compliant up to BAL-40. |
| Breathable Wall Wrap | Kingspan AIR-CELL Permishield 70 / 100 | Trade Select Wall Wrap LD / MD | Both brands offer Class 4 breathable wall wraps. Trade Select offers multiple durability levels to suit project budgets. |
| Reinforced Breathable Wrap | Kingspan AIR-CELL Permishield XT | Trade Select Wall Wrap xRS | Both are reinforced vapour-permeable wraps with superior tear resistance. Trade Select xRS is designed for high wind zones and cavity systems. |
| Non-Combustible Wraps | Kingspan AIRSTOP™ or Kooltherm FM | Trade Select CeaseFire® | CeaseFire® is AS 1530.1 compliant and suitable for BAL-FZ and Type A & B construction. |
🔥 Fire Ratings & Bushfire Compliance
Both Kingspan and Trade Select offer solutions for BAL-rated zones, but Trade Select has an edge in cost-effective fire-rated wraps like:
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🔸 FireSark®: BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 compliant
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🔸 FireSark® Micro-perforated: For breathable bushfire wrap
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🔸 CeaseFire®: AS 1530.1 non-combustible for BAL-FZ and multi-storey builds
Kingspan also provides compliant products, but often at a higher price point and with rigid board requirements.
💨 Vapour Control & Permeability
Trade Select excels in both vapour barrier and vapour-permeable applications:
| Need | Trade Select Solution | Vapour Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Total Moisture Block | ThermalBreak®, FireSark®, Sarking HVB | Class 1 / 2 Vapour Barrier |
| Moisture Escape from Walls | Wall Wrap LD / MD / xRS | Class 4 Vapour Permeable |
| High Breathability & Fire Protection | CeaseFire® | Class 4 + Non-combustible |
Kingspan equivalents like AIR-CELL Permishield products also offer Class 4 vapour permeability, but may lack flexibility in fit or affordability for wide-scale installs.
⚒️ Durability & Ease of Installation
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Trade Select offers:
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LD, MD, and xRS wraps tailored to jobsite conditions
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Anti-glare foil facings for safety
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Fibre-free XPE foam cores (e.g. in ThermalBreak®) for comfort
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Kingspan products like Kooltherm and AIR-CELL often require more specialist handling or cutting.
For residential and light commercial projects, builders often prefer Trade Select for ease of use and less wastage.
✅ So Which Should You Choose?
| Choose Kingspan if… | Choose Trade Select if… |
|---|---|
| You’re working on a high-end or commercial build with a rigid board requirement | You need a flexible, fibre-free insulation that meets NCC & BAL compliance |
| You need a single-brand passive house certification | You want better value with local compliance and easy installation |
| You’re installing rigid Kooltherm panels in walls | You’re after foil-faced rolls, wraps, or membranes for steel/timber builds |
💡 Final Word
Both Kingspan and Trade Select offer great insulation solutions — but if you're after affordability, ease of use, and NCC compliance for Aussie builds, Trade Select delivers serious performance without the premium price tag.