Celotex vs Kingspan vs Recticel: PIR Boards Compared
Celotex, Kingspan and Recticel all make general-purpose foil-faced PIR insulation boards, and builders often ask which is best. For these boards the honest answer is that they are very close: all three declare the same thermal conductivity, come in the same sheet size and give the same thermal resistance at the same thickness. This guide compares them using the figures shown on our product pages, taken from each manufacturer's datasheet. We stock all three at trade prices.
The boards being compared
- Kingspan Thermapitch TP10: Kingspan's PIR board with composite foil facings for pitched roofs, floors and walls.
- Celotex GA4000: Celotex's general-purpose board, now made and sold by Soprema as Sopratherm GA4000, with low-emissivity composite foil facings on both sides.
- Recticel Eurothane GP: Recticel's general-purpose PIR board for floors, walls and pitched roofs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Kingspan TP10 | Celotex GA4000 | Recticel Eurothane GP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 0.022 W/mK | 0.022 W/mK | 0.022 W/mK |
| R-value at 50mm | 2.25 m²K/W | 2.25 m²K/W | 2.25 m²K/W |
| R-value at 100mm | 4.50 m²K/W | 4.50 m²K/W | 4.50 m²K/W |
| Sheet size | 2400 × 1200mm | 2400 × 1200mm | 2400 × 1200mm |
| Thicknesses we stock | 25–150mm | 50–100mm (plus TB4000 20–40mm and XR4000 120–150mm) | 25–150mm |
| Reaction to fire | Euroclass F | Euroclass F | Euroclass F |
| Product standard | BS EN 13165 | BS EN 13165 | BS EN 13165 |
| Example products | 50mm, 100mm | 50mm, 100mm | 50mm, 100mm |
Always check the current datasheet, linked from each product page, and your U-value calculation for your build-up.
Same thickness, same performance
Because all three boards declare λ 0.022 W/mK, a 100mm board of any of them gives R 4.50 m²K/W. In the same construction, swapping one for another of the same thickness will not change the U-value. So the choice comes down to:
- Specification: if your drawings or Building Control approval name a product, use it or agree an equivalent first.
- Thickness: Kingspan TP10 and Recticel Eurothane GP cover 25–150mm in one range; Celotex splits it across TB4000, GA4000 and XR4000.
- The rest of your order: buying Kingspan cavity, flat roof or Kooltherm boards at the same time keeps everything on one free-delivery Kingspan order.
When Kingspan Kooltherm is worth it
Where every millimetre counts, Kingspan's phenolic Kooltherm boards declare λ 0.019 W/mK, so they reach a given R-value with a thinner board. See our Kingspan Kooltherm range guide.
More comparisons
- Kingspan TP10 vs Celotex XR4000
- Kingspan K118 vs Celotex PL4000 insulated plasterboard
- Buy Kingspan insulation online, buy Celotex insulation online and buy Recticel insulation online
Delivery
Most orders over £400 + VAT are delivered free across England, with delivery to mainland Wales and Scotland too. Mainland Wales and mainland Scotland: Celotex insulation and Knauf loft roll have £40 ex VAT delivery on every order; ceilings have a £400 ex VAT minimum plus £40 ex VAT delivery; British Gypsum plaster and plasterboard have a £400 ex VAT minimum plus £40 ex VAT delivery. We do not deliver to Northern Ireland or the Scottish islands.
- Celotex (Sopratherm): minimum order £400 ex VAT, with free delivery in England.
- Kingspan, Recticel and other PIR boards: same rule — free delivery, minimum order £400 ex VAT.
Need help choosing or working out quantities? Call us on 03330 908479.